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JANUARY 1984 Vol. 9, No. 1 

$3.50 in USA 

$3.95 in Canada/£2.10 in U.K. 






Adot 
matrix printer 

thatwill 
improve your 

image. 



i; ; 




\ ■■ '■ 



Meet the Apple* Image- 
writer, the newest dot matrix 
printer for your Apple Personal 
Computer. 

And with all that it has 
going for it, just maybe the 
best dot matrix printer on 
the market. 

Take legibility, for 
instance. 

The Imagewriter crams 
140 x 160 dots into each 
square inch. So you get text 
that's highly readable and high 
resolution graphics, besides. 

And is it fast. 

The Imagewriter cruises 
at an unbelievable 
120 characters per 
second. And that's | 
just in the text mode. 
It's even faster 
printing graphics. 180 
characters per second, 
to be exact. 

What's more, the 
graphics dump is up to 
60% faster than other 
comparably priced dot matrix N 
printers. And that makes the 
Imagewriter fast enough to 
handle the Lisa! 1 " 

Yet it's just as at home with an 
Apple III or Apple He. Thanks to Apple 
software experts who designed the 
control electronics to give tne Imag 
writer perfect compatibility Not to' 
mention some special capabilities 



APPLE PRESENTS TH 

E IMAGEWRITER APPLE PR 

ESENTS THE IMAGEWRITER APPLE PRESENT 
S THE WAGEURITER tfT>LE PRESENTS THE II1ACEURITER APPL! 



like superscript and subscript, to 
name just two. 

Now, with all this high-speed 
performance, you'd expect the 
Imagewriter to make the Devil's 
Own Noise. It doesn't. In fact, 
the Imagewriter is specially 
constructed — with overlaid 
seams and special sound- 
deadening materials — to achieve 
a remarkable 53 dB. How loud is a 
remarkable 53 dB? You'd make 
more noise if you read this aloud. 

The Imagewriter even has quiet 
good looks, since we designed it to 
look like the rest of the Apple Family. 
Yet even with all 
its improvements, 
the Imagewriter is a 
better deal than any 
other dot matrix print- 
er with comparable 
performance. And you can print that. 




Charge! 



Go out there and get the Apple 
Personal Computer System you 
really want. Now. Without laying out 
your extra cash. Without tying up 
your other lines of credit. With the 
Apple Card. The only consumer credit 
card reserved exclusively for the 
purchase of Apple Computers, peri- 
pherals and software. 

Like all our products, it works 
simply: 

Fill out an application (short to 
the point and annotated in English) 
at an authorized Apple dealer 
honoring the Card. Your salesperson 
will call in the application and in 
mostcasesgetan approval for you 
right on the spot. 

You can then take your Apple 
system home. You don't even nave to 
wait for the Card; we'll mail it out 
to you. And by the time you get it, 
you'll probablvbe well into doing 
whatever you bought your Apple 
system to do. 

There is no annual fee for the 
Card, although a couple of restric- 
tions do apply. The first purchase 
must include an Apple Personal 
Computer and you nave to put 10% 
down. And subsequent purchases 
need to be at least $100 if made with 
the Card. Oh, yes — you'll also have 
a credit limit 

When you use the Apple Card to 
make additional purchases, all you 
have to do is show the Card ana sign 
the invoice. As long as it's within 
your credit limit, or course. Our 
dealers get a little nervous when 
someone signs for half their inven- 
tory. You understand. 




You'll also receive monthly 
statements that include the latest 
purchases, credit available, and the 
minimum payment due. You' 11 also 
be happy to know Apple Card credit 
terms are affordable and the pay- 
ments can be spread out It's all 



spelled out for you 
at the time your Card 
is approved. 

So stop by a participating 
authorized Apple dealer and get 
an Apple Card. Just think of it as 
credit where credit is due. 



Giveyour floppy disks the boot 



We call it the "floppy disk 
shuffle." It happens when you have 
two or more software programs on 
floppies and you need to work with 
both. What do you do? You put one 
disk in, boot it, do your work, take it 
out, put the other disk in, boot it, 
do your work — you get the idea. 

Well, you can stop shuffling any 
time now. 

Thanks to a unique new soft- 
ware program called Catalyst™ from 
Quark, Inc. Specially designed for 
your Apple III and Profile™ hard disk. 

Catalyst allows you to take a 
wide variety of software programs 
and store them on your Profile. Once 
they're on your Profile, you just 
select the program you want from the 
Catalyst menu that appears on your 
monitor — then Catalyst does the 
rest. You'll never have to boot those 
programs again. 

What kinds of programs will 
work with Profile and Catalyst? 



Almost anything written for the 
Apple III including copy-protected 
programs likeVisiCalcf Quick File™ 
andApple Writer EL Or languages like 
Eascal,BASIC, or COBOL 

And once you've loaded these 
programs into your Profile, the only 
diskette you may ever need is the 
Catalyst. 

So if you have an Apple III and a 
Profile and more floppies than you 
care to flip through, get yourself a 
Catalyst. And boot those disks for good. 




Apple Computer Inc., 20525 MarianiAve., Cupertino, CA 95014. For the authorized Apple dealer nearest you, call (800) 538-9696. In Canada, call (800) 268-7796 or (800) 268-7637. © 1983 Apple Computer Inc. 



VisiCalc is a trademark of VisiCorp, Inc. Catalyst is a trademark of Quark, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, Quick File and Profile arc trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. 



Circle 485 on inquiry card. 



In The Queue 



evil 

rann 



Volume 9, Number 

K • • • 




Page 37 




Page 122 




Columns 

37 Build the Circuit Cellar Term-Mite ST Smart Terminal, Part I: Hardware by 

Steve Garcia / Thanks to advancing technology you can construct an intelligent video 
terminal with just 21 integrated circuits. 

5 3 BYTE West Coast: Beyond the Word Processor by Phil Lemmons / Tomorrow's 
text editors may facilitate text composition from the earliest conceptual stages to the analysis 
of finished documents. 

61 User's Column: Too Many Leads, or What In *;7I#"*7 Goes First? by Jerry 

Poumelle / Jerry covers a lot of territory this month, beginning his journey of a thou- 
sand words with a trip to the Circuit Cellar. 

Themes 

100 1984 and Beyond by G. Michael Vose / The year calls up inevitable associations 
with George Orwell's novel of a futuristic, technologically oppressed society and raises 
questions concerning the present and future significance of technology to our own culture. 

104 Reason and the Software Bus by Michael F. Korns / The Reason research proj- 
ect, exploring artificial intelligence, has developed a software bus that may have a signifi- 
cant effect on future software. As a hardware bus uses ICs, so the software bus manipulates 
various program components to provide integration, networking, and multitasking. 

122 A General-Purpose Robot-Control Language by Dan Prendergast, Bill Slade, 
and Nelson Winkless / By bridging the communication gap between people and robots, 
a plain-language system called Savvy increases the usefulness of these mechanical 
assistants. 

134 1984, the Year of the 32-blt Microprocessor by Richard Mateosian/As 
manufacturers rush to introduce their 32-bit designs, it's time to take a look at what these 
microprocessors are and what they're good for. 

1 54 Memory Cards: A New Concept In Personal Computing by Mark Mills / Pic- 
ture a microcomputer without a keyboard, without a power supply, and small enough 
to fit in your wallet. That's just one possible application of memory-card technology. 

172 Computer-aided Design by Rik Jadmicek / CAD capabilities on desktop systems 
can simplify a variety of tasks, from flowcharting to product design, but the choices in 
hardware and software can be baffling. 

213 Speech Recognition: An Idea Whose Time Is Coming by George M. 
White / While the mult/disciplinary nature of the technology may slow its advance, speech 
recognition is well on its way to becoming a major factor in our interactions with machines. 

2 26 Using Natural-Language Systems on Personal Computers by Jane Eisenberg 
and Jeffrey Hill / Artificial intelligence offers possible solutions to the problems of com- 
munication between people and computers. 

243 Portables— 1984 and Beyond: Idea-Processing Software and Portable Com- 
puters by David Winer and Peter Winer / When your personal computer leaps off your 
desktop and into your briefcase, what type of software will accompany it? 

251 Beyond the Application Program: A Different Approach to Integrated Soft- 
ware by John Banning / Element managers that implement objects such as spreadsheet 
tables and paragraphs may supplant the traditional concept of the application program. 

Reviews 

267 Reviewer's Notebook by Rich Malloy / This month's notes touch on Seequa 
Computer Corporation's Chameleon Plus and new trends in the printer market. 

268 The Zenith Z-100 by Ken Skier / Supporting both 8-bit and 16-bit software, the 
Z-100 also offers impressive color graphics. 



Page 172 



BYTE is published monthly by McGraw-Hill Inc., with offices at 70 Main St.. Peterborough, NH 03458. phone 
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January 1984 



282 Plnball Construction Set by Elaine Holden / Tired of the same old pinball games? 
Try creating your own with this software-design package. 

288 The TRS-80 Model 1 6B with Xenix by Steve Barry and Randy Jacobson / One 

of the most significant features of Radio Shack's new computer is its Unix-derived operating 
system. 

324 Maturalllnk to Dow Jones Mews/Retrieval by Mark Haas / A new software 
package from Texas Instruments simplifies access to a financial database. 

339 The Vamp DVM-1 Computer/TV Interface Kit by Richard F. Gillette / The pic- 
ture quality of your display can suffer when you use a radio-frequency modulator to in- 
terface your computer's video output to a standard color television, but a kit from Vamp 
offers an alternative. 

349 The Einstein Compiler by Peter Callamaras / In addition to speeding up Apple- 
soft BASIC programs, the Einstein compiler provides statistical information on the programs 
compiled and can function as a debugging tool. 

354 The Basis 108 by Seth P. Bates / Apple compatibility is just one of this German 
import's interesting features. 

Features 

362 Bubbles on the S-100 Bus, Part 1: The Hardware by Louis Wheeler / Using 
Intel's BPK 72 Bubble-Memory Prototype Kit, you can put together a 128K-byte bubble- 
memory board for an S-100 bus system. 

384 Mockingbird: A Composer's Amanuensis by John Turner Maxwell III and 
Severo M. Ornstein / The chief purpose of this music notation editor from Xerox is to 
help composers capture their ideas by speeding up the notation process. 

403 The VU68K Single-Board Computer by Edward M. Carter and A. B. 

Bonds / You can construct a 68000-based system for under S200. 

417 Translating the SAS Language Into BASIC by Jeff Bass / A preprocessor pro- 
gram that translates SAS-fike statements into equivalent BASIC statements permits SAS- 
like programs to run on a microcomputer. 

437 A Software Review Method That Really Works by Andrew Citron / The group 
wa/k-through, a process of "playing computer," provides a workable means of correcting 
programming problems. 

442 Real-Time Clocks and PC-DOS 2.0 by David Broadwell / A device-driver pro- 
gram for the clock chip on a typical multifunction board takes advantage of special provi- 
sions in the IBM PC operating system. 



Nucleus 



4 


Editorial: Revisiting the 


476 




Luddites 


478 


9 


MICROBYTES 


480 


14 


Letters 


557 


451 


BYTE's User to User 


558 


459 


Ask BYTE 




466 


Software Received 


559 


471 


Event Queue 





Books Received 
Clubs and Newsletters 
What's New? 
Unclassified Ads 
BYTE's Ongoing Monitor 
Box, BOMB Results 
Reader Service 



Cover painting by Robert Tinney 



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Page 268 




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Page 339 




Page 362 



EUE 

the small systems j ournal 

Editor In Chief: Lawrence J. Curran 
Managing Editor: Philip Lemmons 
Senior Technical Editors: Gregg Williams, 
Richard Malloy, G. Michael Vose 
Technical Editors: Richard S. Shuford, Arthur A. 
Little, Stanley Wszola, Bruce Roberts, Gene 
Smarte, Richard Krajewski, Jane Morrill Tazelaar; 
Anthony J. Lockwood, New Products Editor; 
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Staff Writer; Alan Easton, Drafting Editor. 
West Coast Editors: Ezra Shapiro, Technical 
Editor; Donna Osgood, Assistant Editor. McGraw- 
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Gene W. Simpson, John E. Slater. Vice President 
Publishers: Charlton H. Calhoun III, Richard H. Larsen, 
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Business Systems Development; Shel F. Asen, 
Manufacturing; Michael K. Hehir, Controller; Eric B. 
Herr, Planning and Development; H. John Sweger, 
Jr., Marketing. 



Editorial 



Revisiting the 
Luddites 

As 1984 dawns, only a small fraction of the general population of this nation owns 
or regularly operates a computer. Indeed, there is still widespread concern that the 
increasing encroachment of computers into daily life carries with it the threat of sub- 
stantial unemployment as computers displace people on the job. We think an article 
that appeared last summer in the Wall Street Journal ("The Luddite Answer to 
Unemployment") addresses the fears of those who remain unconvinced that com- 
puters aren't threatening. The article was written by Bruce Bartlett, executive direc- 
tor of the Joint Economic Committee of Congress. We've reprinted it here because 
we think Mr. Bartlett's views deserve an even broader audience. . . . Lawrence J. 
Curran, Editor in Chief 



In the early 1800s a group of British 
workers, concerned that the intro- 
duction of machinery was destroying 
jobs in the textile industry, went 
about destroying such machines in 
the hope of saving jobs. They issued 
proclamations in the name of the 
mythical King Ludd of Sherwood 
Forest and became known as Lud- 
dites. They still exist, although they 
no longer smash textile equipment. 
Instead, they issue dire warnings 
about how computers and robots are 
destroying jobs and will create an 
economic crisis unless the federal 
government adopts massive new pro- 
grams to absorb the new unem- 
ployed. 

Wassily Leontief, a Nobel laureate 
in economics, argues that increasing 
technology and automation will 
lower real incomes, as workers at- 
tempt to forestall technological in- 
novation by reducing their wages. 
Nevertheless, he sees the tide of tech- 
nology moving relentlessly onward, 
leaving in its wake a vast army of 
unemployed. Assemblyman Tom 
Hayden in California put the issue 
even more starkly: 

"The economy is moving toward 
dependence on machines instead of 
human labor as a means of produc- 
ing goods in each plant, and toward 
high-technology, capital-intensive in- 



dustries in place of older, established 
craft or labor-intensive processes. As 
this 'progress' rolls on, fewer and 
fewer jobs are created per dollar in- 
vested. Each recovery from recession 
involves a greater investment of 
capital in expensive, high-tech in- 
dustry, and this in turn makes greater 
unemployment a growing likeli- 
hood:' 

Echoing the Line 

There is, of course, not a scrap of 
evidence in either theory or history 
to suggest that technological develop- 
ment won't increase employment 
and real incomes today just as it 
always has. Those who suggest 
otherwise are just echoing the Lud- 
dite line. 

One can go back as far as Adam 
Smith for evidence. In the first chap- 
ter of "The Wealth of Nations" Smith 
tells his famous story about the pin 
factory where a single worker with- 
out machinery "could scarce, per- 
haps, with his utmost industry, make 
one pin in a day, and certainly could 
not make twenty." But with the intro- 
duction of machinery a single worker 
could make as many as 4,800 pins a 
day. Given the number of pinmakers 
in England at that time and the de- 
mand for pins, such machinery 
should have created about 99% un- 



4 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



How Cromemco plugs 

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Circle 119 on Inquiry card. 



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Editorial . 



employment in the pinmaking indus- 
try. Obviously it did not because the 
vast increase in pinmaking produc- 
tivity resulting from mechanization 
so lowered the cost of making pins 
that new uses for them were dis- 
covered. Moreover, the increased real 
income of those who previously used 
high-cost, handmade pins increased 
demand for other products and gave 
rise to employment in other indus- 
tries, not the least being makers of 
machines for pinmaking. 

Another aspect of the new Luddite 
argument is that rising productivity 
is not altogether a good thing. As 
Robert Kuttner asks in The Atlantic, 
"What would happen if all the 
physical goods were produced by 
robots? The one worker who flipped 
the switch would boast astronomical- 
ly high productivity. What should he 
be paid? And what would everyone 
else do for a living?" Somewhat along 
these same lines I have heard mem- 
bers of Congress express concern that 
if productivity rises too rapidly in the 
current recovery more output will be 
achieved without reducing unem- 
ployment. 

Again, the flaw is static analysis- 
assuming that things won't change, 
that technology and automation 
won't change relative prices or in- 
comes, that the economy will essen- 
tially continue to produce the same 
goods in the same quantities only 
using less labor. 

One might respond by asking what 
our economy would look like without 
rising productivity. In 1910 the Bell 
System had 121,310 employees. Ap- 
proximately 7 million calls were 
placed that year, or 57 per employee. 
In 1981 the Bell System had 874,000 
employees, who serviced over 219 
billion calls. Had there been no in- 
crease in productivity since 1910 it 
would have required close to 4 billion 
employees to service that many calls. 
The result, of course, has been that 
telephones are widely available and 
calls can be made at very modest cost 
compared with 1910. This has given 
rise to vast numbers of jobs in every 
industry which simply couldn't exist 



without efficient, inexpensive phone 
service. 

While it may be obvious in the long 
run that rising productivity and tech- 
nological innovation create more jobs 
than they destroy, might there still be 
short-run adjustment problems to 
consider? According to two British 
researchers, J. D. Whitley and R. A. 
Wilson, who studied the employ- 
ment effects of technological change 
in the British microelectronics indus- 
try, probably not. They identify inter- 
related factors that contribute to over- 
estimates of employment loss from 
new technology. 

Those who dwell 

on the apparent 

adverse effects of 

technological change 

on employment are 

only creating 

unnecessary fear 

and anguish among 

workers- ,/ 

First, people tend to overgeneralize 
from particular case studies. It might 
seem obvious that a firm employing 
10 secretaries that could get the same 
work from one with a word processor 
would then lay off nine. But studies 
of firms adopting such technology in- 
dicate that actual job displacement 
amounts to about 10% of the poten- 
tial effect. In this case, therefore, only 
one secretarial position is likely to be 
permanently lost in that firm. 

Second, people tend to be overly 
optimistic about the speed at which 
new technology will be adopted. 
They imply that adopting it is some- 
how costless. Yet it is clear that creat- 
ing and implementing technology re- 
quires previous investment in both 
physical and human capital. 

Third, Whitley and Wilson found 
that there is a tendency to exaggerate 
the extent to which microelectronics 
represents a completely revolutionary 
technology. "Even if microelectronics 
represents the major source of tech- 



nological change likely to occur dur- 
ing the 1980s and 1990s," they say, "it 
will need to result in a marked ac- 
celeration in the pace of improvement 
in productivity for it to displace labor 
faster than achieved by previous gen- 
erations of technological change. The 
general consensus appears to be that 
the new technology is best regarded 
as a development from previous tech- 
nologies rather than a revolutionary 
change." Again, the data indicate that 
the potential for job loss is much less 
than has been generally feared. 

Unnecessary Fear 

The authors might also have men- 
tioned that to the extent productiv- 
ity is enhanced it will forestall layoffs 
which might take place in plants and 
industries where union wage de- 
mands would otherwise exceed pro- 
ductivity growth. 

The Luddite argument has no more 
validity today than it had in 1811. 
Those who dwell on the apparent ad- 
verse effects of technological change 
on employment are only creating un- 
necessary fear and anguish among 
workers who worry they will be laid 
off. Though they may not in fact ad- 
vocate restrictions on the introduc- 
tion of technology, as the Luddites 
did, they may be sowing seeds of 
discontent which could take root in 
other ways. Already there is pressure 
for trade restrictions, industrial 
policy, plant-closing laws and govern- 
ment bailouts for companies in 
declining industries. The new Lud- 
dite argument only adds to the 
pressure. 

All this isn't to say that some 
specific individuals may not become 
unemployed as a result of techno- 
logical change. Legitimate efforts 
should be made to ease their plight 
and help them find new work. But 
such instances shouldn't obscure the 
larger good to society from increased 
productivity. —Bruce Bartlett 



Reprinted with permission of the Wall Street 
Journal © 1983. Dow Jones and Co. Inc. All 
rights reserved. 



6 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




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PerComNet and PHD are trademarks of Percom Data Corporation. • IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines. • MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft, 
CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research. • UNIX is a trademark of Bell Laboratories. • uNETix is a registered trademark of Lantech Systems Incorporated. 
COPYRIGHT Percom Data Corporation 1983 • All prices, and descriptions subject to change with notice. 




i m m m m m an n w a 

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8 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 315 on inquiry card. 



MICROBYTES 



Staff-written highlights of late developments in the microcomputer industry. 

COMDEX: IBM CLONES AND A NEW TANDY ENTRY 

Two major electronics companies, including one of the pioneers of the computer industry, jumped into 
the crowded market of IBM PC compatibles at last month's Comdex show in Las Vegas. Sperry Corp., 
inventor of the Univac mainframe, introduced its Sperry Personal Computer. Sperry says its PC is fully 
compatible with the IBM but can run 50 percent faster and can talk to both Sperry and IBM main- 
frames. Prices range from $2643 (one floppy-disk drive, 128K bytes of RAM, and a monochrome 
monitor) to $5753 (one 10-megabyte Winchester, one floppy disk, 128K RAM, and a color monitor). 
Lower-priced models are scheduled to be available this month. . . .ITT Corp. showed its XTRA computer, 
which is claimed to be operationally compatible with the IBM PC. Major features of the XTRA include a 
mouse, 128K to 640K bytesof RAM, color graphics, a processor-unit footprint 30 percent smaller than 
IBM's, and prices about 5 percent lower than comparable IBM units. . . .Radio Shack introduced its 
Tandy Model 2000, an MS-DOS system using an 8-MHz Intel 80186 central processor instead of the 
4.77 MHz 8088 of the IBM PC and look-alikes. The Model 2000 retails for about $3000 with two disk 
drives and a monochrome monitor or $4400 with a 10-megabyte hard disk. . . .Radio Shack also 
announced that it will support the Ovation software package for the Model 2000. Ovation is a mode- 
less word-processor, spreadsheet, information-management, graphics, and communication package. 

COMDEX: A HARDWARE DATABASE HELPER 

Cogent Data Technologies borrowed an idea from the mainframe and minicomputer worlds to develop a 
back-end processor for database processing in multiuser systems. Its Database Machine— a card for the 
IBM PC, XT, and 3270-PC— incorporates Winchester control, database commands, and a multitasking 
operating system. Using an on-board 80186 chip as a coprocessor allows 64K-byte files to be written in 
just over a tenth of a second, Cogent claims. One card will be needed for each hard disk in a network 
and will cost from $1500 to $1700. 

COMDEX: INTEGRATED SOFTWARE 

Among the many integrated software packages making their debuts were 20/20 from Access Technol- 
ogy Inc. and DayFlo Inc.'s Personal Information Manager. 20/20 will run on numerous micros, minis, and 
mainframes. It incorporates spreadsheet modeling, graphics, data management, scheduling, text 
processing, and interfaces to external programs. It will sell for about $500. . . .DayFlo allows free-form 
data entry, revision of formats of existing files, word processing, note-taking, forms design, and integra- 
tion of external programs such as spreadsheets. It runs on the IBM PC and costs $495. 

COMDEX: OPERATING SYSTEMS 

Digital Research Inc. introduced two new versions of Concurrent CP/M, a generic version for OEMs and 
an IBM PC end-user version featuring windowing. DRI says the OEM version is compatible with PC-DOS 
and supports DR Soft/Net, networking software also introduced by DRI at Comdex. The end-user 
package will be available through April 1 at promotional prices starting at $150. . . .Cosmos Inc. 
announced that it is now an authorized Pick system licensee. Cosmos was showing its Revelation 
relational database-management system for the IBM PC. The Revelation system allows both MS-DOS 
and Pick applications to run on the PC. (Pick Systems, the developer of the program, will offer an 
implementation for the IBM PC XT sometime this quarter.) 

COMDEX: A 32-BIT MICRO 

Silicon Valley Micro Inc. introduced two 32-bit portable computers with some IBM PC compatibility. De- 
scriptively named the $5000 Model and the $10,000 Model, each features both a National Semicon- 
ductor NS32032 microprocessor and an Intel 8088, an 80-column thermal printer, a 9-inch, 80 by 25 
monitor, a Unix subset and MS-DOS, and serial and parallel ports. In addition, the $5000 Model has 
two half-height 360K-byte floppy-disk drives and 512K bytes of RAM. The $10,000 Model adds a 
140-megabyte hard disk, a y4-inch 60-megabyte tape drive, and 2 megabytes of RAM. 

January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 9 



MICROBYTES- 



COMMITTEE ON IN-FLIGHT COMPUTER USE WAITS FOR TEST RESULTS 

"Very few airlines that allow portable computers on their planes have actually tested them/' said 
Andreas Fraga, chief avionics engineer at Eastern Airlines, after the December meeting of SC-156, the 
committee studying potential hazards portable computers might present to airplane navigation equip- 
ment. Convinced that "ignorance is our worst enemy," Fraga wants testing before portable computers 
are used in planes. One possible result of the study might be a list of approved computers that flight 
attendants could refer to. Only three computer manufacturers and five airlines sent representatives to 
the meeting. Committee SC-156 of the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics meets again 
February 28-29 in Washington, when preliminary test results may be available. 

APPLE ANNOUNCES INTEGRA TED SOFTWARE, HARD DISK FOR THE APPLE He 

Apple Computer has unveiled Apple Works, a $250 integrated software package for the Apple lie that 
includes a word processor, a database manager, and a spreadsheet. A similar program for the Apple III, 
called III E-Z Pieces, will be available this month. Apple also announced that the Profile, a 5-megabyte 
hard-disk drive previously available only for the Apple III and the Lisa, will be available for the Apple lie 
for under $2200. 

INMOS ANNOUNCES A 32-BIT 10-MIPS "TRANSPUTER" 

Inmos Corp. has announced the IMS T424 transputer, a 32-bit microprocessor with 4K bytes of on-chip 
high-speed (50-nanosecond) RAM. Inmos says the transputer will execute an average of 10 million 
instructions per second. 

UNIX ADDED TO DEC PROFESSIONAL, IBM PC XT, AND APPLE LISA 

The Santa Cruz Operation Inc. announced that it will market Microsoft's Xenix operating system for the 
IBM Personal Computer XT, the Digital Equipment Corporation Professional 350, and the Apple Lisa for 
$595 to $795. 

Digital Equipment Corp. announced PRO/V7M, based on Unix version 7, which will cost $695 for its 
Professional Computer. 

FOUR COMPANIES OFFER IBM COMPATIBLES WITH EXTRA FEATURES 

Seequa Computer Corp. and Intertec introduced dual-processor IBM-compatible computers, both with 
8086 and Z80 processors. The Seequa XT includes a 10-megabyte hard disk for $3995, without a 
monitor. Intertec's HeadStart, with a 314 -inch floppy-disk drive, is priced from $3495. North Star 
Computers Inc. and Onyx Systems Inc. introduced multiuser 80186-based computers. The North Star 
Dimension allows up to 12 users to access the system, which includes a 15-megabyte hard disk and 
two workstations for $7000. Onyx's 186 Series allows multiple users to use Concurrent CP/M-86, or a 
single user may use MS-DOS; a single-user system is $4495. 

NANOBYTES 

Dysan Corp. is entering the software publishing business in an effort to enhance the market position of 
3% -inch disks and drives. Dysan plans to enhance and standardize the documentation of the top 100 
software packages and market them on 3% -inch disks. . . .Tandon Corp. announced that it will begin 
selling 10- and 15-megabyte hard-disk subsystems to IBM Personal Computer users through dealers. 
Previously, Tandon sold products only to manufacturers. . . .Digital Research Inc. has announced a 
FORTRAN-77 compiler that was developed using a new technology DRI says will enable it to develop 
and translate compilers more quickly than in the past. . . .Tri-Data has unveiled the Oz Guardian, a $750 
modem that verifies passwords before permitting access to a system. The modem may be programmed 
to hang up and call back the phone number associated with that user. . . .Softech Microsystems Inc. 
has announced a family of network software products based on its p-System operating system. Initially 
available for Corvus's Omninet, software for up to eight users costs $750. . . .Eastman Kodak has 
announced that it will manufacture and market Drivetec's high-density 5% -inch disk drive for use in 
image storage and analysis applications. Kodak hopes to use its Isomax high-density disk with the drive, 
which can store 2.8 megabytes of data on a high-density disk. . . .Lotus Development Corp. is reportedly 
working on a version of its popular 1-2-3 spreadsheet program for Motorola's 68000 microprocessor. 

10 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 






Introducing 

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And the high-capacity portable mul- 
tiplies the productivity of every pro- 
gram it runs. Your inventory and its 



The COMPAQ 
PLUS runs all 
the popular pro- 
grams written for the 
IBM Personal Computer XT. 



control programs can go with you to 
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You're buying a computer to solve 
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12 BYTE January 1984 



Plus ease of use 

The COMPAQ PLUS is big where it 
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The display screen is big. Nine inches 
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Start with the COMPAQ Portable 
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The COMPAQ PLUS also works with 
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communicate with your headquarters 
computer files while you're away, or 
add memory capacity if your needs 
grow. 

The COMPAQ Portable, the industry standard 
in portable personal computers . w 



The problem-solving power of a high- 
performance desktop personal computer can 
now go where you need it. 




It's got high-resolution graphics and 
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keyboard. Programmable function 
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The new COMPAQ PLUS, the first high- 
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COMPAQ PLUS 
Specifications 

Storage 

D One integrated 10-megabyte fixed 
disk drive 

□ One 360K byte diskette drive. 

Software 

□ Runs all the popular programs 
written for the IBM XT. 

Memory 

D 128K bytes RAM, expandable to 
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Display 

D 9-inch diagonal monochrome 
screen 

□ 25 lines by 80 characters 

D Upper- and lowercase high- 
resolution text characters 
D High-resolution graphics 

Interfaces 

□ Parallel printer interface 

□ RGB color monitor interface 
D Composite video monitor 

interface 
D RF modulator interface 

Expansion board slots 

□ Two IBM-compatible slots 

Physical specifications 

□ Totally self-contained and 
portable 

D 20"W x BWH x 16"D 



For the name of the 
Authorized Dealer nearest 
you, call 1-800-231-0900. 



°1983 COMPAQ Computer Corporation 

COMPAQ™ and COMPAQ PLUS™ are trademarks of 

COMPAQ Computer Corporation. 

IBM* is a registered trademark of International Business 

Machines Corporation. 

LEX AN® is a registered trademark of General Electric Company. 




comPAa 



BYTE January 1984 13 



Circle 264 on inquiry card. 




Get the 

total, 

picture. 



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Letters 



In Praise of the Morrow 

I have just finished "The Morrow Micro 
Decision" (October, page 306) by Tom 
Wadlow. As the satisfied owner of one of 
these fine machines, I must take excep- 
tion with a few of his statements. 

A user does not have to suffer the in- 
dignities inflicted by the Control key. This 
is the only review on the Morrow that I've 
read (and I've read at least three others) 
that does not mention that Morrow offers 
two terminals. The more expensive ter- 
minal has a much more professional 
"feel"; the Control key is located beside 
the Lock key. 

I agree with the complaint about the 
ports. However, the latest advertisements 
show that a parallel port has been added. 
Didn't the author get the latest informa- 
tion before writing his review? The 
MD-11, another recent introduction, 
should also have been mentioned. It 
offers hard-disk storage. 

As a first-time microcomputer user, I 
found the documentation quite adequate. 
Perhaps Mr. Wadlow would prefer Apple; 
as far as I know, you still have to pay ex- 
tra for its documentation. As far as con- 
figuring the terminal, I cannot imagine a 
dealer who would not assist in this ad- 
mittedly distasteful task. 

My only real complaint is that I am still 
waiting for the database manager. 

I guess the Morrow ads are correct; 
maybe it does take a special breed to 
recognize the value of the Morrow ma- 
chines. 

Gregory Diehl 
Data Processing Consultant 
2561 Hungary Spring Rd. 
Richmond, VA 23229 



Two other major microcomputer pub- 
lications reviewed the Morrow Micro 
Decision small-business computer in 
September. Based on these reviews and 
my own 11-month experience as an MMD 
owner, I can only conclude that Tom 
Wadlow's October review was superficial 
because of an impending deadline. 

In any case, I believe Mr. Wadlow 
seriously underestimated a machine that 
may be the best buy available for the first- 
time business user uninterested in 
portability. 

I have tried in vain to explain to col- 
leagues the utility of the MMD's "virtual- 



drive" feature for saving files when con- 
fronted with a f illed-up disk, for copying 
files from one disk to another wirhour 
leaving Wordstar, and for other ways to 
avoid a few of the irritations that plague 
users. 

I appreciate the CP/M interrupt that 
allows me several tries at a BDOS (basic 
disk operating system) error before giv- 
ing up and retreating to the operating sys- 
tem. Although I'm sure other manufac- 
turers could offer these BIOS (basic input/ 
output system)/BDOS modifications, I 
know of no other under-$2000 microcom- 
puter that does. Do any over-$2000 ma- 
chines offer them? 

Similarly, I've found the disk-emulation 
feature convenient; friends and coauthors 
with Osbornes or IBMs simply mail me 
a disk if they don't have a modem. I wish 
Mr. Morrow had included a disk-format- 
ting option as well, so I wouldn't have to 
stockpile supplies of my friends' disks. 

In the only "benchmark" in the review, 
Mr. Wadlow says the bundled Correct-It 
spelling checker is slow in "loading and 
sorting," based on his "test" of a single 
sentence of 14 words. As anyone who has 
used various spelling checkers knows, 
most of the time in operating these pack- 
ages is spent checking the sorted object 
file against the master dictionary. My own 
"test" (without leaving Wordstar, thanks 
to the MMD virtual-drive feature) found 
that Correct-It took only 5.6 seconds to 
"load and sort" this 334-word letter. It 
then took another 75 seconds to check 
each of these words against its 36,000- 
word dictionary. Given what a spelling- 
checker does, I submit that this is not 
slow. 

Mr. Wadlow may have revealed himself 
as a dedicated "Selectric" keyboarder 
when he complained about the location 
of the Control key on the MMD keyboard. 
As in almost all Lear-Siegler ADM ter- 
minals, the Control key is conveniently 
located in an easily learned position, im- 
mediately below the Z key. But those 
used to stretching beyond the left-hand 
shift key (as on Apples, IBMs, and many 
other terminals) will have trouble ad- 
justing. I can assure Mr. Wadlow that the 
only drawback to an experienced user is 
the difficulty of making a one-hand 
stretch to achieve "Ctrl-Y" (line-delete in 
Wordstar), and I have often thought of 
this as fortunate. 

My fellow members in the Morrow 
Micro Decision Users Group have found 



14 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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Letters- 



many ways they can use the Micro Deci- 
sion as a fully equipped, low-cost solu- 
tion to business needs. I only hope BYTE 
will assign a more sophisticated reviewer 
to Mr. Morrow's latest offspring, the 11- 
megabyte/128K/$2745 MD-11 (with 
bundled software, of course). 

Andrew J. Boots 
2619 Washington Ave. 
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 



In 'The Morrow Micro Decision" Tom 
Wadlow states that, "The basic drive is 
single-sided single-density and stores 
about 200K bytes." I do not think this can 
be true because my machine has single- 
sided double-density disks on it. They 
hold only about 200K bytes. 

He implies, attheendof the same para- 
graph, that programs written for the IBM 
PC can be run on the Micro Decision. 
This statement, the way it is worded, is 
inexcusable from a reviewer. How can one 
run a program written for a 16-bit ma- 
chine on an 8-bit machine? While the for- 
mat is readable, unless the program is 
written so that the Z80 can read it, it is 
unusable. 

Also, he should have admonished peo- 
ple to be careful with any compatible soft- 
ware, i.e., Xerox 820, Osborne I. These 
program formats are usable only if there 
has been no configuration in the software 
that addresses the hardware ports, etc. If 
they are not written to be transportable, 
they will not work. Most of the software 
manufacturers that I have contacted are 
not sure if their Xerox or Osborne formats 
will run on the Micro Decision. If they 
don't, you may lose the price of the soft- 
ware, unless you can go inside and re- 
write that part of the software. 

I don't know where Mr. Wadlow got his 
prices, but an ad in the same issue lists 
different prices for the MMD. But the 
point of his article that really made me 
mad was his assessment that "The Micro 
Decision would make a good second 
computer for people who are familiar 
with CP/M systems or for those who have 
had experience with computers." Because 
I do not fall into either category, I have 
to interpret that Mr. Wadlow thinks the 
system would not be good for me. How- 
ever, I did not have any trouble with the 
MMD. I found the turnkey menus to be 
invaluable. Had I purchased a system that 
was not supported in the way the MMD 
was, I would probably have been turned 
off by computers. Instead, I am enthus- 



iastic about them. I have learned the 
assembly language and have started 
writing many programs. I would not 
hesitate to recommend the MMD to 
someone who had never laid hands on 
a computer system before. In all fairness, 
I think that Mr. Wadlow's evaluation was 
somewhat biased simply because he was 
not a novice user. 

David M. Gambs 
2612 N.E. Skidmore 
Portland, OR 97211 



Tom Wadlow responds: 

In my opinion, the purpose of a review is 
threefold: first, the equipment should be 
reviewed to see if it lives up to the manufac- 
turer's claims; second, the equipment should 
be compared with the competition and its 
merits and faults should be brought to light; 
and third, a machine should be examined to 
see if it is all it should be— i.e., does it have 
any serious design errors? 

I seem to have stepped on some toes with 
my review of the Micro Decision. Non-Micro 
Decision owners said they appreciated the 
review because it suggested things they should 
watch out for when purchasing any machine. 
Micro Decision owners' opinions were mixed. 
Some said the machine was a mistake and they 
would not recommend it to anybody. Others 
think it's the best thing since peanut butter. 
I think it is a good machine with some prob- 
lems that should be examined out in the open, 
not hidden under the gloss of an under critical 
review. 

Terminals: 

The BYTE article pipeline is unfortunately 
long and, as you can see, this sometimes causes 
problems. The system I received from Morrow 
had an ADM-20 terminal, and Morrow was 
not supporting the Liberty at the time. I had 
never touched a Liberty (I have since) and 
therefore could not make any comments about 
it. 

Keyboard: 

Over the course of my career, I have exten- 
sively used approximately 25 different key- 
boards ranging from keypunches and teletypes 
to my current Lisp Machine keyboard (which 
has seven different kinds of shift keys, any 
combination of which may be and often is used 
with a single alphanumeric character). The 
issue of the "best" keyboard is touchy. I will 
simply settle for saying that the ADM-20 key- 
board is far from the "best." The Liberty is 
much better. 



Compatibility: 

If you read the first paragraph under Disk 
Storage in my article, you will see that I did 
not say that programs written for the IBM- 
PC can run on the Micro Decision. I said that 
conversion programs to run on the Micro 
Decision that allow you to read IBM PC disks 
(which implies text files only, since binary files 
would be useless to the MMD) are available. 

MD-11: 

The MD-11 was announced just shortly 
before the October issue of BYTE hit the 
stands. And prices can change dramatically 
over the large fraction of a year between sub- 
mission of an article and its publication. 

I still stand by my review. 



Name Change 

We appreciate David Fiedler's mention 
of us in the table accompanying "The 
Unix Tutorial, Part 2" (September, page 
257). However, we changed our name 
from Unisoft Inc. to Unicorp Software 
Inc., to avoid confusion with Unisoft Sys- 
tems Corp. of Berkeley. Also, there was 
a typographical error in our phone num- 
ber. The correct number is (212) 307-6800, 
not (212) 327-6800' as published. 

Mark Pearson 

President 

Unicorp Software Inc. 

303 West 42nd St. 

New York, NY 10036 



Unix Update 



In my recent article on Unix typesetting 
("Typesetting on the Unix System," Oc- 
tober, page 253), I did not want to sound 
negative about either Scribe or TEX, nor 
did I intend to portray any formatting 
system as being better than the others. 
There is at least one factual error in the ar- 
ticle: TEX does not require non-ASCII 
symbols, but rather provides an alter- 
native to using them (various escape 
sequences). 

Good documentation— The TEX Book— 
was scheduled for publication by Addison- 
Wesley in late 1983. TEX is actually writ- 
ten in WEB, a Pascal preprocessor lan- 
guage that is capable of producing code 
for a wide variety of machines. A new 
macro package to produce tables (a TBL 
equivalent) and a set of bibliographic for- 



16 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



25 Mb the hard way. 




25 Mb the Rana way. 



Letters i 



mats (using a Scribe-like database) are 
now available. 

There are two important ways in which 
TEX surpasses troff when measured by 
traditional typesetting standards. First, 
TEX provides kerning, whereas troff does 
not. Kerning is the moving of small let- 
ters underneath large overhanging letters, 
as in the digraphs To and Ve. Second, 
TEX and Scribe allow for different design 
sizes, while troff has width tables for only 
a single design size. Traditionally, good 
type designers always drew several varia- 
tions of a single typeface to suit the op- 
tical requirements of different print sizes. 
Current trends point back to this 
tradition. 

Bill Tuthill 
Imagen Corporation 
2660 Marine Way 
Mountain View, CA 94043 



The Model 4's Hitches 

All in all, I was quite pleased with 
Rowland Archer Jr.'s review of the new 
Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 4 (October, 
page 292). I recently purchased a 64K-byte 



two-disk-drive version myself, and I am 
glad that I did. However, as with all 
things electronic, there are always a few 
hitches and glitches and compromises. 
Some of the problems with the TRS-80 
were covered in the Archer article; how- 
ever, there are a few niggling gripe points 
that he either failed to uncover or simply 
omitted for lack of space. 

For one thing, there is the matter of the 
on-board speaker and the sound that can 
be generated with a new statement in 
TRSDOS 6.0. 1 defy anyone to find a ref- 
erence to that statement and the method 
for its use in either the BASIC section of 
the Disk System Owner's Manual or in the 
Radio Shack Model 4 Quick Reference 
Guide. (Or, for that matter, in any other 
piece of documentation that comes with 
your new computer.) In order to be able 
to make use of this feature, I had to con- 
tact my dealer, who in turn had to call the 
nearest Radio Shack Computer Center, 
who then informed us of the following: 

1) The proper statement syntax is 
SOUND X,Y where X is the pitch and Y 
is the duration. 

2) The permissible range of values for 
pitch is 0-7. 



3) The permissible range of values for 
duration is 1-31. 

He then gave us the following program 
with which to provide ourselves with a 
demonstration of the Model 4's sound- 
making capabilities: 

10 FORX = .l TO 7 STEP .1 
20 PRINT X 
30 SOUND X,l 
40 NEXT X 
50 END 

Unfortunately, I was not impressed. 
This feature, with its limited ranges of 
both pitch and duration, is less than 
useless. Radio Shack could have omitted 
it and no one would have missed a thing. 
Fortunately, one is still able to generate 
a regular range of TRS-80 sound through 
the previous method of sending the ap- 
propriate values to an output port. (After 
doing some reading about the Job Con- 
trol Language features of the Model 4, 1 
realized that the primary reason for the 
inclusion of this piddley sound capabil- 
ity was for use as an alerting device when 
the computer is being used for a multi- 
plicity of different processing tasks in a 
I business or other office environment.) 



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18 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




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IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines. 






Letters 

Perhaps Radio Shack should have taken 
the money that was spent on incor- 
porating that insipid attempt at a sound 
statement and spent it on providing the 
Model 4's keyboard with a functioning 
"ON" light. After the computer has been 
turned on and before TRSDOS has been 
booted up, there is absolutely no way to 
tell that it is on: no cursor on the screen 
and no lights on the keyboard or front 
panel. It's such a simple thing, yet it 
seems to have completely slipped the at- 
tention of the engineers at Radio Shack. 
And it is important: I've had my Model 



4 for only two months and I've already 
inadvertently left it on overnight several 
times (once with the cover on it). 

And, of course, there are the seeming- 
ly obligatory documentation typos and 
ambiguities. When attempting to get the 
communications software that is included 
with TRSDOS 6.0 (a useful and sophisti- 
cated program, I might add) up and run- 
ning, the unsuspecting Model 4 user is 
led on a wild goose chase for an appen- 
dix that doesn't exist: the included refer- 
ence to Appendix L should have been to 
Appendix I. Once I got the Comm pro- 



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gram going and experienced difficulty in 
downloading a file from my disk space 
in CompuServe, I discovered that the 
problem lay with the instructions for 
transferring a file from a mainframe to a 
TRS-80. We are first told to 'Type in the 
command which causes the mainframe 
to list the file, but do not press 
< ENTER > ." The next instruction tells us 
to "Specif y your receive file by pressing 
< CLEAR >< 6 > followed by < CLEAR 
>< 9 > ," after which we are to type in 
the filename in response to the prompt. 
The third step begins by instructing the 
user to "Press < CLEAR >< 6 > followed 
by < CLEAR >< : > to open the receive 
area of memory." If the file to be down- 
loaded is smaller than the available area 
of memory, we go to the next instruction. 
We are then told to "Press < ENTER > to 
start the file listing." The instructions are 
both clear and quite detailed, but the con- 
fusion results from assuming the user, 
who is being walked through the pro- 
cedure verbatim, will suddenly break out 
of the rote mold and provide one key step 
that they have assumed to be one of com- 
mon sense. When I attempted to carry 
out these instructions, I began by issuing 
the prescribed FILGE command to list my 
file: 

TYPE filename 

but did not press < ENTER > . I then did 
the <CLEARx6xCLEAR><9> 
to specify my receive file. The Comm pro- 
gram responded with the appropriate 
prompt and I typed in the filename 

Filename: filename 

Now, anyone with an ounce of com- 
puter literacy knows that, ordinarily, in 
order to get the computer to "take" the 
information that has just been typed on 
the keyboard, the user must press 
< ENTER > ; but remember, the instruc- 
tions have been set up for the user to 
follow precisely, step-by-step. The first in- 
struction told us not to press < ENTER > 
in a situation where we normally would 
have, and the first half of the second in- 
struction had us press keys that caused 
the computer to do something without 
having to press < ENTER > . So the im- 
mediate assumption, at least on my part, 
was that I was not to press < ENTER > 
again until explicitly instructed to do so 
in the fourth step of the procedure. 
Therefore, without pressing < ENTER > 
after typing in the name of the receiving 
file, I tried to open the receive area of 



22 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 352 on inquiry card. 



Here's The Bpard You've 

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^ ii1 ; i ii ii ' 1 1 




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Letters — — — ^— ^_ 

memory with the < CLEAR >< 6 > 
< CLEAR >< : > command and got a 
couple of graphics characters printed 
following the receiving filename for my 
trouble. 

Needless to say, I was extremely non- 
plussed, so I began to experiment with 
the command sequences listed in the re- 
mainder of the instructions, only to be 
rewarded with open files, empty files, a 
half -hour of toll and connect charges, and 
one massive headache. By the time I 
finally deduced the nature of the prob- 
lem, I was fit to be tied. 

Now don't get me wrong; I love my 
new Model 4 and wouldn't trade it for a 
whole room full of other types of com- 
puters (they each have their own set of 
drawbacks anyway), but I do wish that 
companies would pay a little less atten- 
tion to rushing things to the market to 
beat the competition and a little more at- 
tention to providing comfort and conve- 
nience to the people who are plunking 
down a couple of thousand dollars for the 
companies products. 

Tom Greenwell 

2017 East Walnut Ave. 

Visalia, CA 93277 



Hearing Loss and CRT* 

Like reader Page (Letters, October, page 
30), I am bothered by the high-frequency 
audio output of monitors and televisions. 
This has kept me from watching TV (not 
such a bad thing) but also has caused me 
trouble when using my computer. 

My solution was to build a plywood 
box with a glass front for the monitor. The 
glass is clamped down on foam-tape 
weather stripping and all the joints of the 
box (and the cord hole) are sealed with 
silicone RTV. As the glass is tightened 
down on the foam tape and the final leaks 
are closed, the squeal goes away. Of 
course, the monitor runs hotter than 
before, and I turn it off during breaks. The 
monitor has worked fine for two years in 
the box. 

I suggest that the box be sized 
generously to allow internal air flow and 
that its exterior not be covered with 
papers, etc. To control high-frequency 
sound it is necessary to get it as airtight 
as possible. 

I note that all the current research into 
health problems from VDTs (video-dis- 
play terminals) has ignored this problem 
and suggest it as a good topic for re- 

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Letters — .^^_— 

search. Perhaps the reason it has been ig- 
nored is that our society of TV watchers 
has acquired a notch in its hearing at the 
critical frequency. An interesting question 
is where in the hearing system the notch 
occurs. 

Another question that seems to get little 
attention in the current VDT studies is the 
effect of screen flicker with short- 
persistence phosphor screens and/or poor 
drive circuitry that doesn't keep the 
characters still on the screen. 

Doug Milliken 
245 Brompton Rd. 
Williamsville, NY 14221 



Regarding the letter from Reverend 
John Page— this high-frequency noise is 
a ubiquitous phenomenon caused, I 
believe, by the fact that the monitors are 
designed by deaf engineers. Most men 
have lost their hearing at 15.7 kHz by their 
early twenties and thus build and design 
the monitors with cheap flyback trans- 
formers that vibrate at the flyback fre- 
quency. The medical problem is thus with 
the engineers and not with those who can 
hear those frequencies. Measurements 
near the cooling holes of many monitors 
give readings as high as 90 dB (decibels). 

I have also been trying to find a monitor 
without this defect. I am going to try 
wrapping the flyback transformer com- 
pletely, which will require rewiring it to 
the board so the wrapping can go under 
it as well. However, a better course would 
be to put pressure on the manufacturers 
to build better equipment. 

William G. Unruh 
Department of Physics 
University of British Columbia 
Vancouver, B.C. 
Canada VGT 2A6 



I believe that John Page has identified 
a problem with CRTs (cathode-ray tubes) 
that may be of much more immediate 
concern than the recent controversy about 
CRT radiation hazards. I, too, have ex- 
perienced ringing in the ears and head- 
aches after extended sessions at the key- 
board, two feet away from a monitor that, 
as most do, puts out a 15-kHz squeal from 
its horizontal oscillator. An informal poll 
of several friends reveals that about half 
of them have experienced the same 
symptoms or worse, but these were at- 
tributed to fatigue. It would appear that 
the difficulties mentioned by Mr. Page are 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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BYTE January 1984 29 



Letters 

not limited to individuals with special 
inner-ear problems but are instead suf- 
fered by many of us to a greater or lesser 
degree. 

This same phenomenon is discussed in 
greater detail in a letter to Softalk (October 
Open Discussion, page 43) from J. Barry 
Smith of Massachusetts, a professional 
audiologist who was able to measure 
15-kHz sound-pressure levels as high as 
44 dB at the operator's ear. I think this 
problem may be widespread, especially 
among the female population of com- 
puter operators, who typically have more 
acute hearing than men. 

I have no direct answer for John Page 
in his search for a silent terminal. I think 
he has identified a problem that we all 
may share, and I hope if an answer exists 
that it will be given widespread pub- 
lication. 

Gary Keene 
5 Tangerine 
Irvine, CA 92714 



Model 100 Flaws 

In Mahlon Kelly's informative (and just- 
ly enthusiastic) article about the Radio 



Shack Model 100 ("The Radio Shack 
TRS-80 Model 100," September, page 139), 
a problem is presented and left unsolved: 
because the editor will not let you back 
into BASIC with an ill-formed text, Mr. 
Kelly points out on page 156, "It's pos- 
sible to make the edited program so 
screwed up that you can't find the error 
and you can't even get out by hitting the 
Reset button." Because turning the power 
off and on will simply bring you back to 
the same point, the problem can be an- 
noying indeed. 

The solution is this: use function keys 
¥7 and F6 to cut the whole program, put- 
ting it into the paste buffer. Then press 
F8 to get into BASIC with what is now a 
null program. Then you can simply paste 
the whole thing in, and BASIC will not 
only accept it but obligingly flag all your 
syntax errors. 

There is another problem that Kelly 
doesn't mention. If you want to upload 
a file through TELCOM but press the 
download function key by mistake, as 
soon as you name the file that you expect 
to be transferred, that file will be wiped 
out to make room for what the Model 100 
expects to receive. There is no fix, but my 
solution (because I can never remember 



which is up and which is down) is to 
write "Hither" and "Thither" in ink under 
the relevant function keys. 

Ronald de Sousa 
Department of Philosophy 
University of Toronto 
Toronto, Ontario 
Canada M5S 1A1 

Support for Modula-2 

I was very interested to read in your 
August issue about new releases of 
Modula-2 ("The Debate Goes On. . ." by 
Jerry Pournelle, August, page 312). I have 
been using Modula-2, with increasing en- 
thusiasm, for several years now, using 
Professor Wirth'sE.T.H. compiler, and feel 
that Modula-2 will most likely become the 
successor to Pascal, because of its elegant 
and straightforward solution of so many 
of Pascal's problems. However, this will 
really depend on a number of commer- 
cial implementations of Modula-2 becom- 
ing available, with the backup and sup- 
port that this implies, rather than with the 
responsibility resting on the user to sort 
out any problems that arise. In many 
respects the situation is like Unix three 



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BYTE January 1984 31 



Letters - 



years ago, and sufficient commercial sup- 
port could so easily make Modula-2 the 
standard language for many real-time 
microcomputer applications, in the same 
way that it has established Unix. 

H. W. Thomas 

Electrical Engineering Laboratories 

The University 

Manchester 

England MB 9PL 



The Future of Programming 
Languages 

As a professional programmer and 
longtime user of the C programming lan- 
guage, I am very happy to see the in- 
creased interest in this area. Also, as the 
teacher of a beginning C programming 
course organized through AnaHUG, a 
local computer club, I was grateful for 
James Joyce's excellent introduction to the 
language ("A C Language Primer/' 
August, page 64, and September, page 
289). However, I would like to correct one 
statement in Part 1 of the series that could 
confuse the novice C programmer. While 



discussing the printff ) function, Mr. Joyce 
states, "All arguments of a function must 
be on the same line in C." He then adds, 
". . .the entire string in printf must be on 
the same line." This is a contradiction to 
The C Programming Language by Kernighan 
and Ritchie, which states (on page 179) 
that in C source code, "Blanks, tabs, new- 
lines, and comments (collectively, white 
space). . .are ignored except as they serve 
to separate tokens" In addition, that text 
states (on page 181) that, "[In a string] a \ 
and an immediately following newline 
are ignored." It has been my experience 
that Unix C compilers follow The C Pro- 
gramming Language in this respect. For ex- 
ample, using Unix C compilers I have 
used printf function calls of the form 

printf 

("This is an example of a format 
string \ split across a line. Numbers 
follow: %d %d %d", 

5*75, 

99-83); 

Note that in this example the format 
string is split across a line (the second line 



must be left-justified or the extra spaces 
will appear in the printed output), and 
the additional arguments are on separate 
lines (which might allow comments fol- 
lowing each). 

John F. Belsher 
Custom Programming 
1283 San Paulo 
Placentia, CA 92670 ■ 



BYTEs Bugs 



Insert GOTO 

William N. Carter of San Francisco 
raised the point that the program by Ed 
Juge in Mahlon Kelly's "The Radio Shack 
TRS-80 Model 100" (September, page 139) 
needs a correction. Line 140 calls for 
GOSUB 360; that subroutine lacks a 
RETURN. The program will work just 
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Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar 



Build the Circuit Cellar 
Term-Mite ST Smart Terminal 

Part 1: Hardware 

National Semiconductor's NS455A Terminal-Management Processor 
permits an easy, economical terminal design 



Did the the personal computer rev- 
olution begin in 1975 with the MITS 
Altair 8800 microcomputer? Most 
people think so, but I believe that the 
first personal computer product ap- 
peared two years earlier under the 
unassuming name of TV Typewriter. 
This construction project, described 
by Don Lancaster in Radio Electronics 
magazine (see reference 6) was a 
simple video-display terminal, a basic 
building block for those of us who 
were dreaming about building a com- 
puter. The circuit logic was a wiring 
nightmare of controlled race condi- 
tions, but it worked. Of course, its 
uppercase-only 16-line by 64-column 
display and total ignorance of control 
codes (it didn't even scroll) seem 
primitive today. 

A few months after Don's article 
was published, the Mark 8 computer 
project appeared in Radio Electronics 
(see reference 10). The Mark 8, based 
on the Intel 8008 microprocessor, was 
the first real microcomputer (though 
the word had not yet been coined) 
and was the trigger that launched me 
and many others into the microcom- 
puter hobby. Many of us who had 
built Don's terminal might not have 
been otherwise able to comprehend 
and use the Mark 8 as quickly as we 
did. (I built something different from 
the Mark 8, but the first article I ever 
wrote was for the Mark 8 construc- 
tor's newsletter. Coincidentally, my 
first BYTE article described how to 

Copyright © 1984 Steven A. Garcia. 
All rights reserved. 



by Steve Ciarcia 

build a vector-graphics display for an 
8008-based system— see reference 2.) 

Advancing Display Technology 

Wiring up the TV Typewriter was 
a monumental job, but the basic cir- 
cuit was really not unlike a commer- 
cial video-display terminal of the 
same period. If you ever opened the 
case of a video terminal from the 
early 1970s, you were probably 
amazed at the complexity. There 
were usually several large printed- 
circuit boards (each containing 70 to 
100 integrated circuits), a large power 
supply, the keyboard, wires and 
diodes, and of course the cathode-ray 
tube (CRT) replete with high-voltage 
wires and "Danger— Do Not Touch" 
signs. 

These early terminals were basical- 
ly "glass Teletypes," performing only 
simple functions and displaying only 
uppercase characters. The lack of so- 
phistication matched the level of 
integrated-circuit (IC) technology 
available at the time. 

Many discrete logic circuits were 
needed to detect even the simplest 
functions such as linefeed and 
cursor-home. Each command was 
treated independently by the hard- 
ware: it was necessary to have sepa- 
rate circuitry to detect each control 
character and cause the appropriate 
function to occur. For instance, for the 
terminal to respond correctly to the 
ASCII (American National Standard 
Code for Information Interchange) 
Return character, the terminal-control 
logic had to be able to detect when 



a hexadecimal 0D value was received 
from the host computer or typed on 
the keyboard, to change the current 
cursor position to the' beginning of 
the line, and possibly to scroll the 
screen up one line (if automatic line- 
feed is on) and blank the new line. 
Connecting sets of NAND and NOR 
gates to accomplish this is a con- 
siderable task. 

For a long time, advances in IC 
technology were met by demands for 
increased performance in terminals. 
The first real simplifying break- 
through came with the microproces- 
sor. Using the power of this new de- 
velopment, designers could imple- 
ment features that had been pro- 
hibitively expensive and could free- 
ly add new functions to terminals. 
Off-line editing with character inser- 
tion and deletion, function keys with 
multiple-character transmission, and 
multiple-page display memories 
were just a few of the features that 
found their way into the terminal 
marketplace. And as microprocessors 
became more advanced, terminals in- 
corporating the latest silicon in- 
telligence could no longer be called 
"dumb." The watchword in the ter- 
minal trade became smart. 

Somewhat surprisingly, the first 
microprocessor-based intelligent ter- 
minals were no less complicated in- 
side than the dumb variety. Com- 
puter circuitry had replaced much of 
the discrete logic, but the expanded 
functions had also necessitated in- 
creased complexity in the low-level 
display-driver circuitry. An integrated 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 37 




Photo 1: The prototype board of the Term-Mite ST intelligent video-display terminal. 



solution to discrete video circuitry 
was needed. 

The second technological achieve- 
ment resulting in lower circuit com- 
plexity was the development of in- 
tegrated CRT-controller (or video- 
controller) chips, such as the Na- 
tional Semiconductor DP8350 and 
the Intel 8275. Usually used in com- 
bination with a microprocessor, pro- 
grammable CRT controllers incor- 
porate many of the discrete counters, 
registers, and character-attribute cir- 
cuits needed in a modern terminal. 
(See references 5 and 9.) 

The new controller chips made it 
easy to do tricks with character at- 
tributes: blinking, blanked, or under- 
lined characters; half-intensity or 
reverse video; and expansion to dou- 
ble height, double width, or both. 
Also, a terminal manufacturer could 
now easily make a whole family of 
terminals just by changing the con- 
trol firmware. Either a simple "glass 
Teletype" model or a sophisticated 
editing terminal with write-protected 



fields and multiple display pages 
could be built with only minor hard- 
ware differences simply by changing 
the programs controlling the micro- 
processors. Figure 1 on pages 40 and 
41 should give you an idea of how the 
combination of the microprocessor 
and the video-controller chip served 



to make hardware design much 
simpler while again increasing the 
terminals' sophistication. 

For a long time now I've wanted to 
present a smart-terminal project from 
the Circuit Cellar, but even with the 
reduced circuit complexity afforded 
by a CRT controller I've never been 



THIS IS THE HEU 
CIARCIA'S CIRCUIT CELLAR 
TERK-HITE ST Start Terminal 

t 24 lint* by 88 characters - upper and lo«er case 

t Support! either scanned or parallel encoded keyboards 
t Selectable baud rite, parity, cursor, and display options 

* Attributes: rtvtnt video, half intensity, double height, 
double width, underline, blink and'or blank character 

* tin* graphics 

* 21 escape functions 
t 14 control functions 

I 25th line rrws* video status display 

* Self test 

* Light pen support 

* Separated sync or coiposite video output 



Photo 2: Unretouched photo of the Term-Mite's screen. 



38 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




Photo 3: Video terminals designed only a few years ago had to use over 100 discrete-logic circuits to obtain even rudimentary control functions. 



able to devise a reasonable design 
containing fewer than about 30 IC 
packages. (Yes, the MPX-16 computer 
I began in November 1982 does con- 
tain 121 chips, but my battle scars 
from that project still pain me at 
times.) While I was still deliberating, 
developments in technology caught 
up with me. 

Semiconductor makers had pro- 
vided both crucial elements: the 
microprocessor and the CRT con- 
troller. The next logical step was to in- 
corporate their functions into a single 
IC package. National Semiconductor 
Corporation has done just that, and 
more, with the NS455A Terminal- 
Management Processor (TMP). Incor- 
porating most of the processor, video, 
and communication functions in a 
single 48-pin dual-inline package, the 
NS455A allows the design engineer 
to reduce a terminal's chip count 
while maintaining a high level of per- 
formance. Just six chips can perform 



the basic operations. 

In two articles, this month and 
next, we'll look at the NS455A's char- 
acteristics and see how to build an in- 
telligent video terminal, called the 
Term-Mite ST, which is equal to many 
on the market costing $1000 or more. 
Its 21-chip design provides the most- 
needed features, as shown in table 1, 
such as 24 lines of 80 characters each, 
uppercase and lowercase; a full set of 
character attributes; and line (block) 
graphics. A block diagram of the 
Term-Mite ST terminal appears in 
figure 2. 

Inside the NS455A TMP 

Integrated into the NS455A TMP 
are all the system-control functions 
except the video RAM (the random- 
access read/write memory used to 
store the display data) and I/O (input/ 
output) buffers. The TMP replaces 
the separate microprocessor, pro- 
gram ROM (read-only memory), CRT 



controller, DMA (direct memory ac- 
cess) logic, character generator, UART 
(universal asynchronous receiver/ 
transmitter), and data-rate generator 
typically used in other terminal de- 
signs. In place of these, the TMP pro- 
vides a control processor, display- 
timing control circuitry, and direct in- 
terface logic for the keyboard, moni- 
tor, memory, and serial communica- 
tion. 

A complete listing of the NS455A's 
capabilities is shown in table 2, while 
figure 3 on page 43 shows a pinout 
diagram (3a) and a block diagram 
(3b). The architecture and instruction 
set for the TMP are derived, with 
some differences, from that of the 
Intel 8048-series of microprocessors. 
Extra instructions have been added 
and the architecture tailored to allow 
the NS455A to serve more efficiently 
as a terminal controller. Within the 
TMP are three distinct functional sec- 
tions: processor, I/O, and display 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 39 



(la) 



DISCRETE LOGIC 



UART 



CONFIG 

I 

SWITCHES 



BASIC 

CONTROL 

LOGIC 



AUX 
PORT 



DATA BUS 



ERASE 
LOGIC 



CONTROL 



BUS 



KEYBOARD 

DECODE 

LOGIC 



TRANSMISSION 
LOGIC 

ONLINE- LOCAL 



•- BUFFER 



CURSOR 

MOVEMENT 

LOGIC 



CURSOR 
CHARACTERISTICS 



ADDRESS BUS 



KEYBOARD 



BUFFER 



80 BIT 

LINE 

BUFFER 



BUFFER 



DOT 
CLOCK 



^ 



CONTROL 

BUS 

LOGIC 



♦ * r 



LATCH 



CHAR 
GENERATOR 



DOT 
SHIFTER 



TIMING 

CONTROL 

LOGIC 



TIMING 
DECODE 



LINE AND 

SCREEN 

FORMATS 



ATTRIBUTE 
CIRCUITRY 



COMBINE 



VIDEO 



-*> HORIZONTAL SYNC 



-*- VERTICAL SYNC 



(lb) 



MICROPROCESSOR AND CRT CONTROLLER 




HORIZONTAL SYNC 
VERTICAL SYNC 



driver. Let's look at each of these in 
turn. 

Processor and Memory 

Since the processor in the TMP is 
a modified implementation of the 



Intel 8048 architecture, I'll review the 
8048 to make comparison easier. 

The basic 8048 was designed as a 
self-contained microprocessor; it in- 
cludes ROM for its factory-set perma- 
nent program as well as temporary 



storage in the form of scratch-pad 
RAM. It operates on 8-bit data but 
has an 11-bit program-counter (PC) 
register, so that it can address up to 
2K bytes of program. The standard 
8048 has an eight-entry fixed-size 



40 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



(10 



INTEGRATED MICROPROCESSOR AND VIDEO CONTROLLER 



UART 



I 
CONFIG 

SWITCHES 

I 



KEYBOARD 



AUX 
PORT 



NS455A TMP 



KEYBOARD 
DECODE + 
BUFFER 



HOI— 1 



~~\ 



-VIDEO 
-HORIZONTAL SYNC 



-^VERTICAL SYNC 



Figure 1: Three generations of video-display terminals become increasingly less complex as semiconductor technology advances. 



KEYBOARD 



CONFIGURATION 
SWITCHES 



ATTRIBUTE 
MEMORY 



CHARACTER 
MEMORY 



SCANNING 
LOGIC 



ADDRESS 
DECODER 
AND 
LATCH 



12MHz 



J±l 



NS455A 



I 1 t 



+5V +12V -12V 

Figure 2: A block diagram of the Term-Mite ST terminal circuit board. 



LEVEL 
SHIFTERS 



ill 



ADDER 



PROGRAM 
MEMORY 



ADDRESS 
LATCH 



BELL 



SERIAL 
SERIAL 



* HORIZONTAL SYNC 
*> VERTICAL SYNC 



-*» VIDEO 



COMPOSITE 
VIDEO 



stack used to store return addresses 
during subroutine calls and interrupt 
handling; the stack pointer consists 
of 3 reserved bits in the processor 
status word (PSW) . A set of general 
registers in the RAM, RO through R7, 



can be used for fast-access storage. In 
addition, an alternate register bank, 
also located in the on-chip RAM area, 
can be selected and used just like the 
primary set. Finally, the standard 
8048 has three parallel I/O ports, 



which can be used to communicate 
with external peripherals or to ad- 
dress additional memory. (I used the 
8748, a cousin of the 8048, in my re- 
cent H-Com project; see reference 3.) 
When National Semiconductor en- 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 41 



1. 24 lines by 80 characters, uppercase and lowercase 

2. supports either scanned or parallel-encoded keyboards 

3. selectable data-rate, parity, cursor, and display options 

4. attributes: reverse video, half intensity, double height, double width, underlined, 
blinking, and/or blank character 

5. 21 Escape functions 

6. 14 Control functions 

7. line (block) graphics 

8. twenty-fifth-line reverse-video status display 

9. self-test 

1 0. separate-sync or composite-video output 



Table 1: Features of the Term-Mite ST terminal 



1. enhanced 8048 instruction set and architecture 

2. on-board ROM, 2K by 8-bit; up to 8K by 8-bit external 

3. on-board RAM, 64 by 8-bit 

4. programmable display format 

5. 16-bit display-memory bus (direct-video and attribute-RAM interface) 

6. built-in timer 

7. real-time clock (may be programmed for 1 Hz) 

8. video-control signals 

9. eight independent character attributes 

10. pixel graphics 

1 1 . programmable cursor 

1 2. CRT refresh at 50 or 60 Hz 

13. light-pen support 

14. on-board UART, programmable data rate up to 19,200 bps 

15. character generator (128 characters in 7- by 11 -dot character area) 

1 6. single + 5-V (volt) supply 

17. interface compatibility with popular 8- and 16-bit microprocessors 

18. up to 18-MHz clock frequency 

19. 48-pin package 

20. 8-bit parallel port (multiplexed with external ROM) 

Table 2: Features of the National Semiconductor NS455A Terminal-Management Processor. 

This integrated circuit normally comes with a terminal-control program mask-programmed 

into the 2K bytes of on-board ROM. 



hanced the architecture for use in the 
Terminal-Management Processor, in- 
structions that manipulate 16-bit data 
were added, so that the TMP could 
manage up to 64K bytes of display 
memory. To support these instruc- 
tions, an 8-bit high-order extension, 
called the high accumulator, was 
added to the existing 8-bit ac- 
cumulator. In addition, 8-bit high- 
order extensions were added to the 
R0 and Rl registers to allow them to 
point to the full 64K bytes of display 
RAM. The original roster of three I/O 
ports was trimmed to a single bidirec- 
tional port, and 2 more bits were 
added to the program counter to ac- 
commodate up to 8K bytes of pro- 
gram storage. 



All the other changes from the 8048 
processor were directly associated 
with the additional tasks of video- 
display driving and I/O required to 
do the job. Display-management reg- 
isters were added to help with the 
screen-refresh chores. A cursor reg- 
ister serves to load characters into the 
display RAM as well as to mark the 
current cursor position. A whole set 
of video-timing-chain registers is 
used to set the display configuration 
for the screen: how many characters 
per line, how many lines per frame, 
horizontal and vertical synchroniza- 
tion timing, etc. 

While the characters to be dis- 
played are stored in RAM, the pro- 
gram that drives the NS455A's pro- 



cessor resides in ROM. The NS455A 
may operate with either internal or 
external ROM; external ROM may 
function all by itself (disregarding the 
internal ROM), or it may supplement 
the internal program. Although ad- 
dress space is provided for up to 8K 
bytes of program, the standard on- 
chip ROM size is only 2K bytes. The 
off-the-shelf NS455A TMP comes 
with a standard program, masked in- 
to the 2K-byte ROM, which is in- 
tended to illustrate the capabilities of 
the chip and serve as a tutorial ex- 
ample of terminal programming. 

I/O-Port Section 

The single I/O port is an 8-bit 
bidirectional parallel type, with data 
transferred on pins RE0 through RE7. 
It is written into and read from using 
the processor instructions OUT 
PORT and IN PORT. In the Term- 
Mite ST, the encoded keyboard is 
read and the RS-232C handshaking- 
protocol signals (Data Terminal 
Ready, Clear to Send, and Ready to 
Send) are transmitted through this 
port. The keyboard uses only 7 bits, 
so a signal to sound the terminal's 
"bell" beeper is sent out on the extra 
bit. 

The serial input and output func- 
tions are handled by the on-chip 
UART through the serial-in line and 
serial-out line. The UART also con- 
tains the data-rate generator, which 
can be set up by software for virtual- 
ly any data rate. The standard pro- 
gram, however, contains only the set 
of 12 most-used rates from 110 to 
19,200 bps (bits per second). The 
serial I/O lines need only to be buf- 
fered by level-shifting devices (the 
MC1488 and MC1489) to give you a 
complete RS-232C data path to a host 
computer or other data-communicat- 
ing device. 

Display-Driver Section 

The third section is the video-dis- 
play driver and control section. It is 
made up of the character generator, 
the CRT-refresh logic, the character- 
attribute logic, and many now- 
integrated, formerly discrete func- 
tions. Because the NS455A provides 
all these capabilities by itself, the only 
additional ICs needed are display 



42 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



(3a) 



TMP LOGIC SYMBOL 



BIDIRECTIONAL 

(DISPLAY { 
MEMORY BUS) 



SBO - 

SB1 - 

SB2 • 

SB3 • 

SB4 ■ 

SB5 ■ 

SB6 • 

. SB7 • 

"SB8 ■ 

SB9 ■ 

SBIO ■ 
BIDIRECTIONAL 
OR ADDRESS SB11 
OUTPUT ONLY 

{DISPLAY \ SB12 
MEMORY BUS) 

SB13 

SB14 

^SB15 

Fl CLK* 

RAM ALE 

RAM WR * 

RAM RD* 

ALE 

XTAL 2 

XTAL1 



V SS 



♦active low 



1 48— V CC 

2 47 — RE7/I-07 

3 46 — RE6/I-06 

4 45 — RE5/I-05 

5 44 — RE4/I -04 

6 43 — RE3/I-03 

7 42 — RE2/I-02 

8 41 — RE1/I-01 

9 40 — REO/l-OOj 

10 39 — RE8/H0LD 

11 38 — RE9/LP* 

12 37 — RE10/INTR* 

13 36 — RE11/SC CLR* 

14 35 — RE12/HLDA 

15 34 — SI 

16 33 — SO 

17 32 — RESET* 

18 31 — RD* 

19 30 — PSEN* 

20 29 — EA 

21 28 HS 

22 27 — VS * 

23 26 — VO* 

24 25 INTENS*/FO CLK* 



ROM EXPAND 

ADDRESS OUTPUT 

AND 

GENERAL PURPOSE 

I/O 



(3b) 

SERIAL IN 

SERIAL OUT 



TMP BLOCK DIAGRAM 



8-BIT 
PORT DATA 



UART AND 
DATA RATE 
GENERATOR 



2K X 8 
ROM 




32X8 
RAM 


V 




it 
v 




PROCESSOR 





8-BIT 

PARALLEL 

PORT 



REFRESH 
LOGIC 



HORIZONTAL 
'SYNC 
.VERTICAL 

SYNC 



ATTRIBUTE 
LOGIC 



HI ACCUM 



ACCUM 



DISPLAY 
MEMORY 
CONTROL 



FIFO 



CHARACTER 
GENERATOR 



16-BIT BUS 
(BIDIRECTIONAL) 



GRAPHICS 



VIDEO 
OUTPUT 



-VIDEO 



Figure 3: A pinout diagram (3a) and a block diagram (3b) of the National Semiconductor NS455A TMP. 



memory, an RS-232C buffer and a 
driver, and a bus-interface latch or 
two. In fact, an absolutely minimal 
video terminal could be constructed 
from 6 chips, and a relatively high- 
performance unit could be built from 
only 15. 

You may not be as familiar with the 
complex workings of the CRT driver 
and control section as with the other 
two preceding sections. Indeed, 
because the screen image must be 
refreshed 60 times every second, the 
video circuitry stays very busy. The 
best way to see what happens is to 
follow a character from display mem- 
ory until it appears on the screen. 

First, the character is read by the 
display-access logic from the display 
RAM into the FIFO buffer (a small 
first-in, first-out storage area). The 
FIFO buffer contains only four en- 
tries, but it is needed so that the pro- 
cessor and display-refresh logic, 



which both require continual access 
to the RAM, will not contend with 
each other for that access. 

(The refresh logic has to push char- 
acters through the analog video sec- 
tion at a constant rate; if the refresh- 
ing is delayed, the display will flicker 
where characters or parts of the 
image are being missed. In older de- 
signs using CRT-controller chips, the 
usual technique was to allow the pro- 
cessor to run only during the hori- 
zontal and vertical retrace times of 
the electron beam— barely 40 percent 
of the time. Such approaches, once 
considered necessary, can severely 
limit throughput; you can recognize 
the terminals that employ this 
scheme as the ones whose displays 
flicker when they are updated.) 

A FIFO buffer solves the problem. 
The refresh logic can fill the buffer 
faster than the video logic can empty 
it, so when the buffer is sufficiently 



full, the processor is allowed to grab 
and use a display-memory cycle. The 
processor has to be held off only in- 
termittently and then not for very 
long. 

As the character code leaves the 
FIFO buffer, the proper pattern of 
display dots (picture elements, or 
pixels) in a bit-mapped dot matrix is 
selected by the character generator 
according to the character's shape. 
What dot value leaves the generator 
at a given instant depends not only 
on what the character is but also the 
current scan line (vertical position) of 
the video raster. In the case of the 
Term-Mite ST, the character informa- 
tion is retrieved from the character 
generator's ROM, where the dot pat- 
terns are stored, using the ASCII 
code value as a high-order address; 
the scan-line position is used to set 
up the low-order address bits. The 
dots for all the characters in a scan 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 43 



Strobe A15 A14 
Number 


A13 


A12 






1 

2 1 

3 1 

4 1 

5 1 

6 1 1 

7 1 1 

8 1 1 




1 

1 


1 



1 

1 


X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 



1 


page memory 
page 1 memory 
page 2 memory 
page 3 memory 
terminal-characteristics switch 
miscellaneous-status switch 
UART-configuration switch 
scanned keyboard-input port 
auxiliary/printer-output port 


Table 3: Memory-mapped I/O addressing as used in the Term-Mite ST The final hard- 
ware of the project does not support the printer port. 



Bit 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 



Attribute 
reverse video 
half intensity 
blinking 
double height 
double width 
underlined 
blanked 
graphics 



Table 4: Character attributes supported by 
the NS455A in the Term-Mite ST 



line are assembled into a parallel field 
containing dark and bright dots. 
These dots are then serialized and 
shifted out to the screen, one at a 
time. 

Information on other character at- 
tributes may be sent along with the 
basic black- or white-dot data. Spe- 
cialized logic was incorporated in the 
455A to modify the dot output ac- 
cording to the display attributes 
selected, but, generally speaking, the 
logical process for accomplishing this 
has not changed from that previous- 
ly implemented by many external 
logic gates. 

Eight special character attributes 
are provided by the 455 A: blinking, 
double height, double width, graph- 
ics, half intensity, reverse video, 
underlined, and blanked character. A 
terminal built around the 455A can 
specify the attributes in two ways: in- 
ternally or externally. 

Internal attributes make use of two 
attribute latches (ALO and AL1) inside 
the TMP chip. These latches can be 
read by external circuitry. Their states 
are determined by the most signifi- 
cant bit (MSB) in the character-code 
byte (the character set is therefore 
limited to the 128 standard ASCII 
7-bit characters). If the MSB is a 0, 
ALO is activated; if the MSB is a 1, 
AL1 is activated. The latch status and 
the incoming character dot values 
completely specify the final ap- 
pearance of the displayed character. 

When the TMP is configured for ex- 
ternal attributes, a 16-bit-wide display 
memory is used. The lower 8 bits 
specify the character, and the upper 
8 bits are used to handle the attribute 



data. Although this arrangement 
doubles the memory needed in the 
video RAM section, it gives you the 
freedom to use any possible com- 
bination of attributes for any char- 
acter. 

The remaining video logic involves 
the horizontal sync (synchronization) 
pulse and the vertical sync pulse. The 
horizontal sync pulse is generated by 
the video circuitry in the TMP, but its 
timing is under program control. It 
is the terminal designer's responsi- 
bility to decide the crystal frequency 



A terminal built around 

the 455A can specify 
attributes in two ways: 
internally or externally. 



used to drive the TMP, the number 
of characters per line, the size of the 
character cell, and the tolerances of 
the CRT's driver circuits. In most 
cases, all of these variables must yield 
something close to 15,750 Hz (hertz) 
for the frequency of the horizontal 
sync signal; the frequency must allow 
the display of 80 characters per line 
plus enough time to permit the elec- 
tron beam to retrace to the beginning 
of the next scan line. The vertical sync 
pulse will occur at either 50 or 60 Hz 
depending on where in the world the 
terminal is to be used (in North 
America 60 Hz would be used). The 
necessary programming has already 
been done in the standard NS455A 
and in my Term-Mite ST project. 



Memory-Mapped I/O 

Because there is only one parallel 
port and one serial port, I/O by con- 
ventional methods is limited in the 
TMP. But, fortunately, by mapping 
I/O registers into memory addresses, 
you can greatly expand the TMP's I/O 
capabilities. (See reference 4.) For ex- 
ample, a printer port could be placed 
at address hexadecimal F000. The 
processor would just act like it is put- 
ting data into a memory location at 
that address, but the data would ac- 
tually be sent to the printer. 

Technically, there are 16 bits of 
memory-address space, which could 
in theory define 64K (65,536) I/O loca- 
tions. However, it's only necessary to 
put in circuits to decode only the 4 
high-order bits to designate nine 
specific memory-address allocations. 
These are listed in table 3. As with all 
construction projects, I had to ob- 
serve practical limits when I froze the 
design. Even though the NS455A can 
support the printer port, the Term- 
Mite ST as presented in this article 
does not incorporate it, and only 
eight of the nine I/O addresses are 
available. 

Term-Mite ST Design Details 

The Term-Mite ST is an intelligent 
video-display terminal built from 21 
integrated circuits (or 18 if you use a 
parallel-encoded keyboard). Shown 
in the schematic diagram of figure 4 
on page 46, the circuit is intended to 
operate with the same ordinary 2K- 
byte terminal-control program mask- 
programmed into the generic 
NS455A but contained instead in a 
2K-byte type-2716 EPROM (erasable 



44 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Number 


Type 


+5 V 


GND 


+12 V 


-12 V 


Number 


Type 


+5 V 


GND 


+12 V -12 V 


IC1 


6116 


24 


12 






IC12 


74LS373 


20 


10 




IC2 


6116 


24 


12 






IC13 


74LS373 


20 


10 




IC3 


74LS373 


20 


10 






IC14 


2716 


24 


12 




IC4 


74LS373 


20 


10 






IC15 


74LS374 


20 


10 




IC5 


74LS138 


16 


8 






IC16 


74LS154 


24 


12 




IC6 


74LS240 


20 


10 






IC17 


74LS123 


16 


8 




1C7 


74LS240 


20 


10 






IC18 


74LS244 


20 


10 




IC8 


74LS240 


20 


10 






IC19 


MC1488 




7 


14 1 


IC9 


74LS240 


20 


10 






IC20 


MC1489 


14 


7 




IC10 


74LS240 


20 


10 






IC21 


74LS86 


14 


7 




IC11 


NS455 


48 


24 
















Table 5: Power connections 


for integrated circuits 


in figure 


4 (page 46). 


Another EPROM could be 


substituted for the 2716 


in some applications. 



programmable ROM). The Term-Mite 
ST could potentially handle up to 8K 
bytes of external program memory (a 
type-2764 EPROM), which would 
allow the control program to be en- 
hanced—perhaps to include more 
features or to emulate the display 
protocols of popular commercially 
sold terminals. 

The display format is 24 lines of 80 
characters, with a 25th reverse-video 
status line. The particular TMP ver- 
sion I have chosen uses a 12-MHz 
crystal and displays characters in a 5- 
by 7-dot matrix in a 7- by 10-dot char- 
acter area. The masked program 
automatically configures the correct 
horizontal and vertical frequencies. 

In figure 4, IC1 through IC5 con- 
stitute the video-display memory sec- 
tion. Two type-6116 static RAM chips 
(IC1, IC2) form a 2K-word display 
memory of 16-bit words. The low- 
byte chip (IC2) contains the ASCII 
character codes, while the high-byte 
chip (IC1) holds the screen attributes. 
The attributes supported are listed in 
table 4, with their relation to bits in 
IC1 shown. 

IC3 and IC4 are the type-74LS373 
address latches for the display mem- 
ory. When any access to external dis- 
play memory occurs, the address of 
the location is set on lines SB0 
through SB15 and loaded into these 
two latches on the occurrence of the 
address-latch-enable strobe (RAM 
ALE) signal. Address bits A12 
through A15 are decoded through a 
74LS138 (IC5) to provide eight enable 
lines for the memory-mapped I/O as 
described previously. Depending 
upon whether the instruction is a 



memory-read or memory-write oper- 
ation, either the active-low RAM RD 
or RAM WR line will be logic 
(active). 

Not all the decoded address-strobe 
signals are used in the Term-Mite ST, 
and only eight of the nine possible 
are implemented. To cut down on the 
number of chips, I decided to limit 
the display memory to a single 4K- 
byte page and not include a printer- 
output port. The software as sup- 
plied still supports four pages and 
the printer, so you may expand on 



As with all 
construction projects 

I had to observe 

practical limits when 

I froze the design. 



the basic design if you feel resource- 
ful and feel like wiring a few more 
chips. 

The remaining memory-mapped 
I/O devices are three configuration 
switches (buffered through IC6, 7, 
and 8— three 74LS240 chips) and 12 
bits of scanned keyboard data (buf- 
fered through IC9 and 10). Each 
device is addressed and its data gated 
onto the bus during the RAM RD 
pulse. Next month I'll describe these 
switches and the scanning logic in 
greater detail. 

On the right-hand side of the TMP 
(IC11) is the program-memory 
(EPROM) and user-I/O circuitry. In a 
process similar to that described for 
the display memory, an address is 



loaded into the latches IC12 and IC13 
during the active state of the ROM 
AL E; the EP ROM data is read during 
the PSEN pulse. Type-2716, -2732, 
or -2764 EPROMs may be used (with 
proper jumper selection). 

A parallel keyboard, instead of a 
scanned keyboard, may be connected 
to the Term-Mite ST through the 
type-74LS244 buffer IC18. Of the 8-bit 
input port, 7 bits are used to transfer 
ASCII data, while the eighth bit is 
borrowed for RS-232C handshaking. 
The keyboard strobe (active-low) con- 
nects directly to the RE10 TMP line 
and generates an interrupt when 
active. 

Serial communication is handled 
directly by the TMP through an on- 
board UART. The data rate and pro- 
tocol are set via configuration 
switches, and full handshaking is 
supported. The MC1488 buffer and 
MC1489 driver are connected direct- 
ly to the TMP. 

The TMP also has a direct output 
line for a bell signal trigger. The pulse 
is generated whenever a Control-G 
code is output or whenever the cur- 
sor reaches column 72 on the display 
screen. The trigger pulse is only a few 
microseconds long, so that a mono- 
stable multivibrator, or one-shot 
(IC17), is needed to stretch the pulse 
and drive a self-contained piezoelec- 
tric transducer. 

Video output from the TMP is in 
the form of separate horizontal sync, 
vertical sync, and luminance signals. 
IC21, in combination with some 
discrete components, merges these to 
generate a composite-video signal. 
Because of the wide bandwidth re- 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 45 



SW4 



SW5 



SW6 



+5V 



Kvcvrvcr^rrr^vvv^^ 




THRU 12 



Figure 4: Schematic diagram of the Term-Mite ST. The NS455A's usual stock terminal-control program is here contained in a 2K-byte type-2716 
EPROM (erasable programmable ROM). 



46 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



6ND VO HS 



+ 5V 



-A-A-A-A- 



COMPOSITE 

IDEO 
OUT 




{T^> RTS 



{2CT> DTR 



SSd lA' c Ji 8 i- \£*t> 



GND 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 47 



quired for the 80-column display, you 
would probably have limited success 
using an RF (radio-frequency) modu- 
lator and TV set. I recommend that 
you use a high-quality CRT monitor 
for best results. 

Although the current 2K-byte 
control-software release does not 
support it, the hardware provides a 
light-pen input in the form of an in- 
terrupt to the TMR With proper pro- 
gramming, you could get the TMP to 
remember where the electron beam 
was scanning when the interrupt 
happened and subsequently return a 
value giving the location to the pro- 
gram. And with the proper software 
running in the host computer, all 
sorts of menu-driven tasks could be 
handled in this way. 

Next Month: 

In part 2 we'll examine the TMP soft- 
ware more closely and explain exactly 
what all the Escape and control sequences 
do. 

Steve Ciarcia (pronounced "see-ARE-see-ah") is 
an electronics engineer and computer consultant 
with experience in process control, digital design, 
nuclear instrumentation, product development, and 
marketing. In addition to writing for BYTE, he has 
published several books. He can be contacted at POB 
582, Glastonbury, CT 06033. 



Special thanks to Bob Harbrecht of National 
Semiconductor Corporation for his help with this 
project. 



Editor's Note: Steve ofteti refers to previous Cir- 
cuit Cellar articles as reference material for each 
month's current article. Most of these past articles 
are available in reprint books from BYTE Books, 
McGraw-Hill Book Company, POB 400, Mights- 
town, NJ 08250. 

Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Volume I covers articles 
that appeared in BYTE from September 1977 through 
November 1978. Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Volume 
II contains articles from December 1978 through 
June 1980. Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Volume III 
contains articles from July 1980 through December 
1981. Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Volume IV, soon 
to appear, will contain articles from January 1982 
through June 1983. 



References 

1. Cayton, Brian, and Mort Herman. "The CRT 
9007 Video Processor and Controller:" BYTE, 
April 1983, page 96. 

2. Ciarcia, Steve. "Make Your Next Peripheral a 
Real Eye Opener." BYTE, November 1976, 
page 78. 

3. Ciarcia, Steve. "Build the H-Com Handi- 
capped Communicator." BYTE, November 
1983, page 36. 

4. Ciarcia, Steve. "Memory-Mapped I/O." BYTE, 
November 1977, page 10. 

5. Haas, Bob. "Single Chip Video Controller." 
BYTE, May 1979, page 52. 

6. Lancaster, Don. "TV Typewriter." Radio Elec- 
tronics. September 1973, page 43. 

7 Lancaster, Don. TV Typewriter Cookbook. In- 
dianapolis: Howard W. Sams & Company, 
1976. 

8. Roberts, H. Edward, and William Yates. 'Altair 
8800 Minicomputer." Part 1, Popular Elec- 
tronics, January 1975, page 33. Part 2, 
Popular Electronics, February 1975, page 56. 

9. Tennant, Chris. "The Intel 8275 CRT Con- 
troller." BYTE, May 1979, page 130. 



10. Titus, Jonathan. "Build the Mark 8 Minicom- 
puter." Radio Electronics, July 1974, page 29. 

11. Wierenga, Theron. "Construction of a Fourth- 
Generation Video Terminal." Part 1, BYTE, 
August 1980, page 210. Part 2, BYTE, 
September 1980, page 126. 



To receive a complete list of Ciarcia's 
Circuit Cellar project kits available from 
the Micromint, circle 1 0O on the reader 
service inquiry card at the back of the 
magazine. 



The following items are available from: 

The Micromint 
561 Willow Ave. 
Cedarhurst, NY 11516 
(800) 645-3479 for orders 
(516) 374-6793 for information 

1. Complete Term-Mite ST video-display- 
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Price $239 

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Price $279 

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48 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 189 on inquiry card. 



"I just eliminated eye 
fatigue by replacing 
the CRT Display Tube 
on my computer" 

Now you can eliminate th 
strobe, flicker and fatigue 
from your computer 
terminal with a new 
Soft- Vie w w 

replacement CRT from j^ 
Langley-St. Clair. 

Now you can upgrade your 
monitor with a new European J 
amber phosphor tube. 

Available for the TRS-80,* 
TeleVideo, Kaypro, Heath, 
DEC, Zenith and a wide 
variety of other monitors, 
these new replacement dis- 
play tubes use amber or green 
phosphors which exceed the 
European standards for persistence 
and color. 



• Available in slow decay green or medium decay 
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• Made with Lead/Strontium Impregnated glass that 
stops X-ray emission. 

• High-contrast face glass that also cuts U.V. radiation. 

• Frosted glass with extra Anti-Glare benefits. 

• Easily Installed . . . comes with pre-mounted hardware. 

• Warranted for one full year against manufacturing 
defects or tube failure. 

• Ideal for word processing and programming, yet fast 
enough for games and graphics. 




And the "decay" or fade-out rate 
of the phosphor is the same as 
the "refresh" or scanning rate of 
the computer screen, so the dis- 
play glows gently, rather than 
flickering like a strobe light - an 
annoying problem with black & 
white or inexpensive green 
phosphor tubes. 

Now, you can upgrade your 
terminal or computer to world- 
class performance with the 
installation of a Langley-St. Clair 
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Call our toll-free number to determine which 
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LSIS Soft View'" CRfS 

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•Soft-View" Is a Trademark of Langley-St. Clair Instrumentation Systems. Inc. 
TRS-80, TeleVideo. Kaypro. Heath. DEC and Zenith are Registered Trademarks of Tandy Corp.. TeleVideo Corp . 

Circle 484 on inquiry card. 



VISA 




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To order or for more information, call: 

800 221-7070 

h New York call 212 989-6876 

•%Lan3ley-St.Clair 

Instrumentation Systems, Inc. 

132 W. 24th St. New York. NY 10011 



Non Linear Systems, Inc , Heath C o . Digital Equipment Co. Corp. and Zenith. 

BYTE January 1984 49 



PGS did it 




With the no-compromise 
monitor; the Princeton HX- 1 2, 
PGS set the industry standard 
for price/ performance in a high 
resolution RGB color monitor, 

Now, we've done it again 
with the SR- 1 2: our new super- 
resolution RGB monitor that 
meets the most demanding ex- 
pectations at a price that will 
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And PGS has set new 
standards lp monochrome 
monitors, too, with the new 
MAX- 1 2 amber monitor that's 
as easy on the eyes as it Is on 
our budget 




The monitor to meet your 
needs 

All three PGS monitors are 
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performance: to provide you 
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than any other monitor in the 
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the SR- 12 both feature uncom- 
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for crisp whites without color 
bleed. The MAX- 12 offers 
impressive clarity in a mono- 
chrome monitor with easy-on- 
the-eyes amber phosphor. 

And all three monitors come 
with a shielded cable that plugs 
directly into the IBM PC or XT. 











Check the specifications 

The HX- 1 2 has the highest 
resolution (690x240) and the 
finest dot pitch (31mm) in its 
class. And yet it's suggested 
retail price is comparable to 
many medium resolution moni- 
tors. The HX- 1 2 brings no- 
compromise color to the PC and 
now, with the PGS RGB-80 
board, to the Apple lie as well. 




gain. 

The new SR- 1 2 also features a 
3 1 mm dot pitch supporting 690 
horizontal resolution. However, 
by increasing the horizontal 
scan rate to 3 1 .5 KHZ, the SR- 1 2 
can support 480 vertical resolu- 
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This results in a very high 
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the ability to generate text that 
is truly of monochrome quality, 
making it equally suitable for 
word processing and for color 
graphics. Suggested retail price, 
a remarkable $799. 





gain. 

The new M AX- 1 2 offers you 
an amber monitor with 720x350 
resolution at a suggested retail 
price [$249] that is actually 
lower than the leading green- 
on-black competitor. And the 
MAX- 1 2, unlike many other 
amber monitors, runs off the 
IBM PC monochrome card — 
no special card is required. 
Clarity of the MAX- 1 2 is 
enhanced by dynamic focusing 
circuitry which ensures sharp- 
ness not only in the center but 
also in the edgesjahd corners. 



A non-glare screen is standan 
on all PGS monitors, color or 
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eyes will really appreciate in a 
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Whatever your needs, from 
word processing to super 
resolution graphics/there's 
now a no-compromise PGS 
monitor that sets the standard. 
Ask your dealer for a demon- 
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I 




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52 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 21 on inquiry card. 



BYTE West Coast 



Beyond the Word Processor 

The time has come for text-editing software to surpass 
the paper operations it mimics 



To date, most personal computer 
software has enabled us to do 
familiar tasks more efficiently. With 
a word processor, for example, we 
can prepare documents, alter them, 
and generate clean copies more easi- 
ly than is possible using a typewriter, 
paper, liquid correction fluid, and an 
eraser. While the Block Move com- 
mands in word processors make re- 
arranging text simpler and encourage 
writers to revise, nothing about word 
processors makes it easier to create a 
document when the ideas are still in 
a formative stage or to analyze a 
document that is already complete. 

Spreadsheets are the great excep- 
tion. They let us analyze related 
numerical parameters in a way never 
before available to individuals. Some 
may dispute this view, saying that 
spreadsheets just let us look at more 
alternatives than we could using 
paper and calculator. The contribu- 
tion of the spreadsheet program, in 
this view, is merely an improvement 
in efficiency over customary 
methods. 

But spreadsheet software con- 
tributes much more than increased 
efficiency. As you watch the effects of 
changing one figure ripple through 
a whole model, you are able to think 
in larger terms than a calculator and 
paper allow. Furthermore, the visual 
rippling itself sometimes is tanta- 
mount to a graphical simulation of 
the problem under study. You gain a 
better understanding of relationships 



by Phil Lemmons 

in the model and a feeling for the 
probable consequences of different 
kinds of changes. When a change 
causes startling results, you realize 
that either the model doesn't reflect 
reality or the reality is different in 
some important way from what you 
thought. The spreadsheet software 
provides a ready means for analyz- 
ing the startling result. 

The time has come for text-editing 
software to surpass the power of the 
paper operations it mimics. To date, 
word processors have taken concep- 
tually complete documents and 
printed them out neatly. The most in- 
teresting and difficult part of prepar- 
ing many text documents, however, 
comes much earlier— when concepts 
are inchoate and their interrelation- 
ships are dimly understood. Text 
editors for programmers have pro- 
vided "macros" that permit auto- 
matic execution of a series of opera- 
tions, but the operations chained are 
usually a series of search-and-replace 
operations designed to achieve a 
result that conforms to the rigid syn- 
tax of a programming language. 

Can software help us grope 
through the earlier stages of text 
composition? Can it help us analyze 
finished documents? 

Let's take a case in point. In the ear- 
ly stages of composition, the writer 
is thinking things through. Although 
the writer is putting words on paper, 
he or she is grappling with concepts 
that encompass more than single 



words or phrases or even paragraphs. 
Take a work of fiction, for example. 
As the author writes, he or she thinks 
about large ideas such as characters, 
atmosphere, and plot. The author 
may be reflecting on the character 
George and whether he develops 
convincingly, or about how to give a 
scene a spooky atmosphere before 
George enters, or about how to build 
suspense before the climax. The 
writer thinks in terms of George's 
character as it extends and evolves 
throughout the novel. He or she 
thinks of the scene that is meant to 
be spooky as one that builds on pre- 
ceding scenes and prepares for sub- 
sequent scenes and wonders how to 
build suspense in terms of creating 
and resolving tensions between char- 
acters. 

Regardless of what the writer is 
thinking, however, the word pro- 
cessor can directly manipulate words 
and phrases only. What the word 
processor can directly manipulate is 
much smaller than what the writer's 
mind can directly manipulate. 

How could text-editing software 
help the writer grapple more direct- 
ly with concepts larger than words 
and phrases? I offer a few sugges- 
tions, again with reference to fiction. 
A utility called Character could ex- 
tract some specifiable number of 
sentences before and after each oc- 
currence of a character's name (let's 
call these "character blocks") and 
assemble all the extractions (in a 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 53 



"character summary") for convenient 
viewing by the writer. The CHARAC- 
TER command might have switches 
that select specifiable kinds of infor- 
mation from the character blocks 
rather than the entire blocks. For ex- 
ample, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives 
that express feeling might all be 
pulled out of the manuscript to give 
the writer a check on the character's 
emotional evolution. Terms likely to 
be used in physical descriptions of 
the character might similarly be ex- 
tracted. A pop-up menu headed 
"Character" might have these sub- 
headings: 

Feelings 

Physical description 

Actions 

Associations 

People 

Places 
Spoken words 

Another command, PLACES, 
could extract all the passages in 
which the character is mentioned in 
connection with any country, city, 
town, building, room, and so on. A 
command called ATMOSPHERE 
could extract all passages containing 
terms of color, feeling, sound, etc., in 
connection with a specifiable place. 

The next step in making software 
more useful to a writer would be to 
allow use of Boolean operators with 
these commands. It would be useful, 
for example, if a writer could ask for 
all passages containing references to 
both the character Tom and the room 
cellar. 

This special text editor would gain 
tremendous power if it enabled the 
writer to insert markers that corres- 
pond to milestones, such as chapter 
breaks, scene breaks, climax, 
denouement, and so on. The other 
commands could then present their 
data in relation to the milestones. It 
would be handy, for example, to see 
how a character's feelings or actions 
after the climax compared with those 
before. Using Boolean operators 
along with milestones, the writer 
could quickly select information that 
shows how a character feels about a 
certain place both before and after the 
climax of the story. Since characters' 



emotions are often expressed in rela- 
tion to the objects around them, the 
combination of milestones and 
Boolean operators would be a power- 
ful characterization tool. 

An equally useful extension would 
let the writer specify a new com- 
mand, a list of menu items to appear 
when the command is invoked, and 
a list of words and phrases to search 
whenever the writer used the com- 
mand and specified a menu item. 

It is worth noting that none of 
these suggestions for developing an 
editing program for writers of fiction 
would do anything to replace or 
diminish the writers' creativity. The 
commands would merely give the 
writer quick access to information 
that related to developing concepts in 
the story. The writer could check how 
the text on disk compared to the 
writer's current ideas about a char- 
acter, place, and so on. As the writer's 
ideas changed, the editing com- 
mands would help extract the rele- 
vant passages to speed the reshaping 
of the text to reflect the writer's 
changed ideas. 

Special Functions for Special 
Needs 

Just as fiction writers have special 
needs, so do writers of other kinds 
of documents. In writing a proposal 
for funding, for example, it would be 
useful to have the document sum- 
marized instantly in terms of its 
references to objectives set in the RFP 
(Request for Proposal). Tracing each 
objective against a time line would be 
another helpful feature. Inveterate 
proposal writers could suggest other 
features. 

In narrative writing, it would be 
useful to be able to extract the se- 
quence of tenses in a piece; in history 
especially, to extract the sequence of 
dates and times. 

Business writers could suggest spe- 
cial editing features for business 
plans and annual reports. Com- 
mands that extracted all numerical in- 
formation and plotted it against a 
time line would be useful during 
writing. Another helpful command 
would extract paragraphs containing 
references to specified divisions, 
departments, positions, or persons. 



Boolean operators would be as help- 
ful here as in fiction. 

Other missing facilities would help 
writers in all fields. One problem in 
any extended piece of writing is to 
make strong transitions from one sec- 
tion or chapter to the next. A com- 
mand that extracted the last two para- 
graphs of each section and the first 
two paragraphs of the following sec- 
tion would let the writer have a quick 
look at all the transitions in the 
document. 

Good Signs 

Two programs that go beyond 
word processing are now on the mar- 
ket: Thinktank, from Living Video- 
text in Palo Alto, California, and 
Zyindex, from Zylab Corporation in 
Chicago, Illinois. Both these pro- 
grams recognize that a collection of 
words can be much more than a 
finished document. They give the 
user new ways of getting hold of in- 
formation contained in text files. 

In the case of Thinktank, available 
for the Apple He for $150 and the IBM 
PC for $195, you obtain information 
through a tree structure. A document 
is a large outline. There are headings 
and subheadings ad infinitum, but 
you see only as much of the outline 
as you wish. The EXPAND and COL 
LAPSE commands control what you 
see. Thinktank displays a " + " in 
front of every heading that has fur- 
ther information under it. You know 
you have reached the end of a branch 
when a " - " sign precedes a heading. 
If you use the EXPAND command on 
an item that is preceded by a " + " the 
next level of branches will be dis- 
played. You can expand your way 
through level after level. When you 
want to concentrate on the more 
general levels of the outline, you use 
the COLLAPSE command to hide the 
levels that give details. By expanding 
and collapsing, you can delve into 
the tree of data or concentrate on 
only the broad headings. You can 
also move items about in the struc- 
ture, promoting them to higher levels 
or moving them to other parts of the 
outline. You can insert new items and 
merge old ones as well. 

Thinktank, then, is most useful 
when a document is in the formative 



54 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



VI 




Microsoft®, the 
people who set the 
standard for software, 
have done it again with the 
Microsoft Mouse. 

Our expertise in both hardware and 
software has gone into the develop- 
ment of the Microsoft Mouse. Now 
you can plug in the most exciting 
computer product of the year and 
put it to work. 

The Mouse lets you move 
the cursor freely and natu- 
rally, then execute com- 
mands at the push of a 
button. 

The Microsoft Mouse is a complete system 
It comes with an on-screen tutorial, a 
practice application, and the Multi- 
Tool™. Notepad, a mouse-based 
text editor, so you can begin using 
the Mouse right away. And for 



application 
developers, the 
Mouse includes a pro- 
grammable interface driver 
to give your application program 
complete control over the Mouse's 
operation. 

That's the kind of support you'd expect 
from Microsoft. After all, we were the 
world's first microcomputer software 
company. Today, more than a million 
microcomputers are running Micro- 
soft-languages, operat- 
ing systems, applica- 
tion programs, and 
hardware-software 
combinations. 







You can get the 

Microsoft Mouse 

in either a bus or 

serial version 

for the IBM® 

PC or PC XT 

Ask your 
Microsoft 
dealer for a dem- 
onstration of the 
Microsoft Mouse 
—a whole new standard. 

BETTER TOOLS FOR MICROCOMPUTERS 

„ MICROSOFT. 




Microsoft is a registered trademark, 
and MS and the Microsoft logo are 
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. 



Specify • Marketing, Manufacturing, distribution, tales «»« promotion plan 
for the SillyCloite portable computer. 

The machine is 188x software compatible with the IBM Perr— -■ " * - - 

adds features (tome useful, some deliberdt«ly frivolous) 
ami FUN to use, 

*'meliness of Market Entry 
-r unique features 

+ LCDs label the function keys 

sal hells, real whistles (gimicks) 

+ Built-in Sony Walkman (tm) 
+ Unique Promotion 

- contest - co«e up yith the Host unique place to use a SillyClo* 

- ad shows King Kong using a SillyClone atop the Empire State Bui._. 
+ Fun to use 

- ad says: "Why do you think we called it SillyClone?" 
+ Schedule 

it Specifications 



_x»*»i colUrtt Iwtrt mm window delete HE keyword port Mitt functloi mtr. 



use the f lashing cursor to edit tart 



Photo 1: Thinktank in use, with the main command menu shown. 
The EXTRA command at right leads to a second list of commands. 
Each item preceded by a "+ " can be expanded to show subheadings 
or paragraphs, while each item preceded by a "- " represents the end 
of a branch. 



Specify a markeftinf. Manufacture. dlstrifcatioM, sales ana pr 
for tarn SillyClone portable computer. 

The Machine it 188x software compatible with the IBM Personal Computer, bat 
adds features (some useful* sotte deliberately frivolous) which aa L - 
and fUH to use. 



♦ Timeliness of Market Entry 
+ Unique features 

+ LCDs label the function keys 

- Heal bells, real whistles (giwicks) 
+ Built-in Sony Walkman (tm) 

♦ Unique Promotion 

- contest - come up with the wost unique place to use a SillyClone 

- ad shows King Kong using a SillyClone atop the Empire State Bui I 
+ Fun to use 

- ad says: "Why do you think we called it SillyClone?" 
Schedu le 



J Ucktpccm typmovBF ft ml xcfaftf* ■•■•ct 



Photo 2: The edit menu of Thinktank. Although not a word pro- 
cessor in the usual sense, Thinktank does include a good text editor. 



stages. As your ideas change and 
various aspects of them become more 
and less important, you can alter the 
document to reflect the changes. 
However much rearranging you do, 
Thinktank leaves you with a neat out- 
line that looks as if you understood 
the subject when you started out. 

In a way, Thinktank is analogous to 
a spreadsheet. A spreadsheet lets 
you rearrange numbers and relation- 
ships until you find a coherent ar- 
rangement that shows how to attain 
your goals. Thinktank manipulates 
text in a way that lets you rearrange 
its internal logical relationships until 
the structure supports a main idea. 
A spreadsheet is a number manipu- 
lator. Thinktank is a text manipulator. 

Living Videotext calls Thinktank an 
"idea processor" to distinguish it 
from a word processor. While the 
term is a bit optimistic, it will have to 
do until a better one comes along. 
Thinktank's specific contribution is to 
apply tree structures to text. Its more 
general contribution is to treat a body 
of text as a database whose parts hap- 
pen to be text. 

Photo 1 shows a sample screen 
from Thinktank. As the main com- 
mand menu reveals, Thinktank lets 
you search for items based on key- 
words. This search differs from one 
in a word processor in that it finds 
paragraphs or branches that contain 
a key word— not just the keyword. In 
other words, you can confine your 
search for a keyword to a particular 



area. Selecting the EXTRA command 
at the right of the main menu brings 
a menu of extra commands, includ- 
ing PROMOTE, which promotes a 
subheading to a higher level. Photo 
2 shows the edit menu, displayed 
after you select the EDIT command 
from the main menu. 

Zyindex, too, treats text as a data- 
base. This program lets you search a 
body of text for occurrences of any 
word, or of any two or more words 
within a specifiable number of words 
of each other. What makes Zyindex 
so much more valuable than the 
Search function of a word processor 
is the availability of Boolean opera- 
tors. You can look for any occurrence 
of either "Johnson" or "Holmes" 
within 100 words of "embezzlement." 
Or any occurrence of both "Johnson" 
and "Holmes" within 100 words of 
"embezzlement." 

Zyindex works by making an index 
of all the informational words in what 
it calls a textbase. That is to say, the 
index excludes "noise" words, such 
as prepositions and conjunctions. 
You make a search request with 
Zyindex by combining content terms 
with connector words. The connec- 
tor words are OR, AND, NOT] WITH- 
IN, and ( ) [parentheses] . NOT rep- 
resents the exclusive OR, and the 
parentheses are used to mark the 
scope of the other connectors. 
Zyindex will print out all the files that 
conform to a request or let you peek 
at the relevant passages within those 



files. Zyindex runs on the IBM PC, 
requires 192K bytes of RAM and two 
double-sided drives, and costs $295. 

Zyindex enables you to test for rela- 
tionships among items in an index. 
You can extract relevant information 
quickly to test a theory, to support an 
argument, to confirm an association, 
or to speed analysis of a body of text 
that resides on disk. 

Programs like Thinktank and 
Zyindex show that word processing 
is the least interesting part of process- 
ing text; the interesting parts are dur- 
ing the generation of ideas, which 
Thinktank aids, and during the 
analysis of a body of information ac- 
cumulated in text files, which 
Zyindex aids. These programs hold 
great promise because they show that 
programmers are thinking of ways to 
let personal computer users do more 
with text than print clean copies and 
individually addressed form letters. 

If anything is holding back devel- 
opment of software for text manipu- 
lation, it is the failure of those of us 
who create, edit, and analyze text to 
specify features that would be useful 
to us. In the age of the typewriter, 
there was no point in dreaming of 
such features. In the age of the per- 
sonal computer, expressing our 
dreams may result in products that 
make such features a reality. ■ 



Phil Lemmons is managing editor of BYTE. He 
can be reached at POB 372, Hancock, NH 03449. 



56 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




.'v.-:- 



WITH THE PASSWORD MODEM AND 

TELPAC BEN FRANKLIN COULD HAVE 

PUBLISHED THE FRIDAY EVENING POST 



ihe 



Lhe Password™ modem and 
Telpac™ software deliver text fast, 
far, cheap, and letter-perfect. Fast? 
Ten times faster than an expert typ- 
ist (and four times faster than most 
other modems). Far? Crosstown or 
crosscountry. Letter perfect? Multi- 
ple accuracy checks of your text are 
just one editorial benefit. Cheap? 
Thousands of words by phone 
lines, for less than express mail. 
And if the text is to be typeset, 




in 



the cost will be half or less - the 
proofreading zero! 

Password is USR's virtually 
automatic modem: 300/1200 baud, 
auto dial/answer, auto mode/speed 
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CP'M-86 is a registered trademark ot Digital Research. Inc. Copyright » 1983. Tektronix, Inc All rights reserved #UNO-220 
VTtOO is a registered trademark of Digital Equipmenl Corporation, 



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COMMOTED TD EXCELLENCE 




Good things come in 2s. 
The DMP-40-2 is a good example. 



TWO PENS j poised and able, help you create 
vivid multicolor business graphics quickly and 
simply, or let you plot and draw different line 
widths for critical drafting applications. 

TWO FORMAT SIZES give you the freedom 
to generate vibrant graphics for reports and pre- 
sentations. The standard 8V2 x 11" format is 
ideal for use in the report body, while the larger 
size is suitable for foldouts and photo reduc- 
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surfaces. 

TWO INTELLIGENCE LEVELS provide 
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borders on brilliance. It's capable of automat- 
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arcs, ellipses and general curves with a single 
simple command. 

60 BYTE January 1984 



More software is tailored to the Houston In- 
strument DMP-40 Series than for any other 
plotter. Well over a hundred programs are avail- 
able, offered by scores of capable vendors. Each 
program has been configured in concert with 
Houston Instrument, so there are no rude sur- 
prises when you hit 'return.' Versatile programs 
for business graphics, investment analysis and 
computer-aided drafting are all available, with 
more added virtually on a daily basis. 

Choose 2 for the show, and treat yourself to 
superior multi-color graphics at a very 'budget 
friendly*' price. 

For the name, address and phone number of your 
nearest distributor or dealer, write Houston Instru- 
ment, 8500 Cameron Rd., Austin, Texas 78753. 
Phone 512-835-0900 or 800-531-5205 if outside 
Texas. In Europe contact Bausch & Lomb Belgium 
NV., Rochesterlaan 6, 8240 Gistel, Belgium. Tel. 
059-27-74-45, tlx 846-81399. 

houston instrument 



^Suggested US Retail $995. 

Meets FCC class B requirements. UL Listed. 



4P011 
Circle 185 on inquiry card. 



User's Column 



Too Many Leads, or What in 
*;?!#"*? Goes First? 

In a heavy news month, our user covers several important items 



This has been the month of the 
changing lead. It began with 
upgrading the Eagle 1600. Then Tyler 
Sperry brought over the Kaypro 10, 
a portable machine with a hard disk. 
We'd no sooner got that running than 
the Osborne Computer Corporation 
filed for Chapter 11, and that need- 
ed commenting on. Then I got upset 
by the mess Congress is making out 
of attempts to promote computer 
literacy, but before I could write 
anything about it, Epson sent us yet 
another version of Valdocs for the 
QX-10. 

Just after that, I got a copy of the 
legal reasoning in the Apple v. 
Franklin suit, which holds that "a 
computer program, whether in object 
code or in source code, is a 'literary 
work' and is protected from 
unauthorized copying." There are 
some powerful implications in that. 
For one thing, if program publishers 
rely on copyright, how can they ex- 
pect to enforce those silly licensing 
agreements they foist off on us? 

If all that weren't enough, I went 
to CP/M East in Boston, where Digital 
Research's Gary Kildall displayed DR 
Logo and Bill Godbout held a big 



by Jerry Pournelle 

clambake to celebrate Compupro's 
tenth anniversary. Godbout also 
unveiled the Compupro 10, formerly 
yclept Shirley, and there's a story to 
go with that. Rod Coleman was 
there, too, with the new Sage IV, 
which is a good candidate for the best 
available computer based on the 
68000 chip. Finally, after CP/M East 
I paid my very first visit to BYTE 
headquarters in Peterborough, New 
Hampshire. 

Any one of these events would be 
important enough for the lead item 
in the column, but none of them is, 
because on the way to Peterborough 
I stopped at Steve Ciarcia's Circuit 
Cellar. 

Quicksilver 

Steve has designed an absolutely 
dynamite upgrade to the IBM PC. He 
asked me not to do the full story this 
issue, because he's still playing 
around with the way he wants to 
package it. That's fine, but if you're 
at all short of money, don't buy 
anything for your PC until you've 
seen Ciarcia's Quicksilver. I can 
darned near guarantee it will be the 
first thing you'll want. 



Quicksilver is a one-card computer 
that uses the IBM PC as a power 
supply, disk drive, and smart ter- 
minal. It has its own CPU (central 
processing unit, or brain) aboard. 
Using Quicksilver is simple: you 
preload a PC BASIC compiler that 
appears as if it's in ROM and write 
a program in BASIC, doing all your 
debugging and logic testing in the 
usual way. Then you run it under 
Quicksilver, which compiles the pro- 
gram in seconds as you "load" it. 
Then it executes the compiled pro- 
gram. The results are astounding. I 
might not have believed it if I hadn't 
seen it myself: programs run 100 times 
as fast. 

If that weren't enough, Quicksilver 
also lets you run CP/M-80 programs 
and has a C compiler. There's also a 
structured assembler and a text editor 
integrated with the BASIC compiler. 
I didn't myself see those features 
work, but I've no reason to doubt that 
they do. Ciarcia has a habit of getting 
things right. 

Incidentally, for the congenital 
doubters among our readership: 
there really is a Circuit Cellar, and it 
really is in Steve's basement. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 61 



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However, if you picture a basement 
as a damp, messy place, get rid of that 
image. Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar is none 
of that. Most of it is carpeted, with 
paneled walls and designer furniture, 
more rec room than cellar. In the 
middle of all that is a work area with 
wide Formica-topped counters and 
lots of test equipment. 

It's also neat. In fact, although 
they're tearing Steve's house apart to 
put in a new kitchen, the whole place 
is neat, which suggests that Steve 
and his wife, Joyce, have some fun- 
damental secret that escapes the rest 
of us. Every time I see a place like his, 
I get fantastic plans. If I just add 
storage cabinets here and bookcases 
there, I too could have some bare 
counter tops, and chairs not piled 
with paper and boxes, and 
somewhere to put things as they 
come in. 

Then I come home to Chaos 
Manor. Ah, well. 

Survival 

I'm writing this in early October. 
Just at the moment, in obvious reac- 
tion to the Osborne disaster, both 
computer and mainstream maga- 
zines are full of articles and editorials 
about "the great shakeout" in the 
micro industry. A number of com- 
panies are said to be in trouble, and 
"experts" are predicting that we've 
reached a new age in micros, one in 
which only the giants like IBM can 
survive. 

I don't believe that. 

I suppose the micro industry will 
be dominated by the giants— but 
there's plenty of room for the others. 
In U.S. business as a whole, about 10 
percent of all sales are made by com- 
panies with a gross income of less 
than half a million dollars. There are 
some 5 million of them. Another 35 
percent of all sales are made by the 
520,625 companies with gross in- 
comes of $500,000 to $25 million. At 
the other end of the spectrum, a bit 
less than half of all sales are made by 
the 2355 companies with gross in- 
comes of $100 million or more. 

That's all U.S. business, from steel 
rails to books to coffee spoons. The 
computer industry is skewed a bit 
more toward smaller companies. I 



62 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 292 on inquiry card. 



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think it will stay that way, because 
the micro world changes like dreams, 
and smaller, leaner companies, with 
fewer links in the decision chain, can 
respond faster to changes in 
technology. 

The giants look to big sales, hun- 
dreds of thousands of copies of near- 
ly identical units. While they're set- 
ting up to do that, the small, adapt- 
able, fast-moving outfits get their 
innings. 

Example: there's a persistent rumor 
that IBM has developed a small, por- 
table computer based on the iAPX186 
CPU chip. The problem is that Intel 
isn't producing the chips fast enough. 
It has had to put its customers on 
allocation. 

IBM can't work that way. However, 
if you really want an iAPX186 com- 
puter, Slicer will be glad to sell you 
one. It comes without frills. There's 
no case and no power supply, but it 
works. Jim Hudson and I are doing 
an article on the Slicer, which is a 
good buy for technically sophisti- 
cated users. My point, though, is that 



Slicer can make profits on its 
machine, even though the company 
will never have any large share of the 
microcomputer market. 

Another example: I first met Rod 
Coleman at a West Coast Computer 
Faire. Forty days before the Faire, his 
Sage Computer Technology company 
was destroyed by a disastrous fire. 
Rod was standing there with his 
three working machines. None had 
a hard disk; he'd show you melted 
fragments and refer to them as "our 
well-burned-in disk drive." In less 
than a year, Sage was doing a million 
dollars' worth of business annually; 
I recently got an announcement that 
the company had had a million- 
dollar month, and it hasn't stopped 
growing. The Sage IV may well be 
the best 68000-chip computer on the 
market. 

Yet another example: even as 
Osborne was getting into trouble, 
Kaypro was growing by leaps and 
bounds. The reasons for that are 
complex, and indeed Kaypro couldn't 
possibly be doing as well as it is if 



Osborne hadn't led the way; but it 
does show that small, well-made, 
and well-thought-out systems can 
thrive. The Kaypro 10 is the first por- 
table machine to use a hard disk. 
Other innovations are coming. 

A final example. Bill Godbout just 
threw a big party to celebrate the 
tenth anniversary of Compupro. 
Here's a company with a reputation 
for armor-plated high-technology 
hardware. It very nearly dominates 
the development systems market. 
Now it's trying to expand its market 
share by selling easy-to-use business 
systems. 

Last time I looked, Compupro had 
maybe 2 percent of the micro market. 
That doesn't sound like much— but if 
you look at Compupro's actual dollar 
income, it has been doing business 
at a steadily rising rate. Most accoun- 
tants would sell their livers for that 
kind of profitability. 

At the height of the Osborne 
boom, the company was shipping 
around 8000 computers a month, 
which generated sales on the order 



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64 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 234 on inquiry card. 





DISKS 
COME 



THE HARDPART IS MAKING SURE 
THEYSTAYTHATWY 

A disk is built with certain safeguards. That's why most disk makers 
offer guarantees that the product you receive comes to you error free. 
We at Memtek Products are concerned that the minidisk remains 
error free. Every time you use it. After exposure to dust, cigarette 
smoke, fingerprints, even wear caused by your computer. And so, we 
have built safeguards around the disk, as well. 




Memtek Products' latest innovation • • . 
acknowledgment of a real world 
beyond the laboratory* 

The hub ring. Designed to prevent our minidisks from jam- 
ming in your machine. Rigid. Durable. Reinforced. 
The coating. A critically-controlled coating of high-energy 
magnetic oxide particles that covers the disk's surface, which is then 
micro-polished to improve head to disk contact, preventing 
dropouts, lowering head abrasion. 

The lubrication system. A constant lubricant protects both the 
disk surface and the drive head from wear. 
The sleeve. Comes with a soft liner that protects the disk while 
gently cleaning the surface. 

The guarantee. 



Well replace, free, any 
minidisk if it fails to 
accurately store and 
retrieve data due to a 
defect in materials or 
workmanship for up to 
5 years from date of 
purchase. Simply mail the 
disk back. 

The Memtek lineup. 
Premium, double and quad 
density minidisks as well as 10- 
and 15-minute computer 
cassettes and a.5V4" disk drive 
head cleaner. 





WEPLAY 
FORKED* 



of $100 million a year. That may not 
be big by IBM standards, but it's not 
peanuts, and it made Osborne one of 
the Big Ones in the micro field. 

There are 5.5 million U.S. com- 
panies, and just about every one of 
them will spend $2000 a year on 
microcomputers. There are at least a 
million people who spend a thou- 
sand dollars a year on personal com- 
puter products, and I'd be greatly sur- 
prised if that number didn't hit 10 
million in the next few years. One- 
half of one percent of that is $105 



million— Osborne's peak income. 

Look at it another way. Assume 
sales are distributed by company size 
roughly the way they are in U.S. 
business as a whole. 

Of $20 billion total sales, 10 giants 
will get half. The other half will sup- 
port a thousand companies with 
average sales of 10 million dollars, 
which in practice is more likely to be 
900 smaller outfits and 50 large ones. 
Even so, there's plenty of room. 

This isn't to say that things won't 
get tricky. They always do when 




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computer, you can use any Touch- 
Tone® phone in the country as a 
remote data entry terminal, or, if 
you wish, a control panel. 

Imagine the possibilities : Branch 
office order entry, Inventory con- 
trol, Remote control of environ- 
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Emergency access to process con- 
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It's a full-featured smart modem 

The Teleport 300 is a fully equipped 
intelligent modem: Bell 103 J com- 
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with tone and pulse repertory dial- 
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It's menu driven and user program- 
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Teleport delivers front end 
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You can program the Teleport 300 
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you're up against large resources. The 
big boys can survive mistakes that 
bankrupt small companies. They can 
afford to lose money setting up store 
outlets and service centers. They can 
also afford to advertise. 

The smaller outfits also have some 
advantages. They don't have to tool 
up for big production runs, and their 
decision structures are leaner, so they 
can track new technology better. 
They may not have in-house service 
organizations, but as the industry 
matures there'll be more and more 
trained technicians. Some will stay 
independent, others will work for 
service companies like Xerox, which 
is rapidly becoming something like a 
cross between AAMCO and Tuneup 
Masters, only for micros. Parts out- 
fits will spring up. Somebody's going 
to get rich out of stocking spare parts, 
repair kits, and instruction sheets. 

It may happen that someday all the 
really exciting developments in the 
computer field will come from the 
research labs set up by the giants; but 
that hasn't happened yet, and I don't 
really think it will. In fact, I see small 
computers as the great equalizers. I 
think they're going to change the 
structure of business in this country, 
not just for the micro business, but 
for everyone, making it much easier 
for small outfits to compete with the 
giants; but that's a topic for another 
column. 

Upgrading the Eagle 1600 

One of the things we're hard at 
work on is Inferno, an Adventure- 
style game based on the novel that 
Larry Niven and I published some 
years ago. The original plan was that 
Larry and I would write the script for 
the game, and my son Alex would do 
the code. Alas, Alex finds himself 
spread almost as thin as I am. For- 
tunately, though, Marty Massoglia, 
who's both an experienced program- 
mer and as mad on games as we are, 
became available just as we despaired 
of getting the project accomplished. 

There remained the problem of 
what language to write it in. Since 
the original contract calls for the 
game to run on the IBM PC, we 
needed something available in PC- 
DOS; but we have delusions of sell- 



66 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 353 on inquiry card. 



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PERIPHERALS 



For the IBM-PC... 

We carry a var ety of peripherals 
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Circle 46 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 67 



ing this to the 8-bit CP/M world as 
well, so it needed to be portable. Of 
course, we'd originally intended to 
write it in Pascal, that being what 
Alex is most familiar with; and 
although Marty isn't, he didn't think 
it would give him any real trouble, 
since if you know a couple of com- 
puter languages it's not so hard to 
learn another. 

There remained the question of 
what machine to use. The obvious 
answer, an IBM PC, was out: we 
ordered our PC direct from IBM last 
June. In late June IBM returned the 
check with a letter saying it had to be 
certified. By the time we sent a cer- 
tified check it was early July. Since 
then IBM keeps telling us Real Soon 
Now, but as of October 9 there's no 
PC in sight [it arrived on November 

We do have the Eagle 1600, which 
runs PC-DOS and is a lot faster than 
the IBM PC. The only incompatibil- 
ity would be screen-format com- 
mands and graphics, and we hadn't 
planned special graphics for Inferno 
anyway, so the Eagle looked like a 



good choice. Marty took the Eagle, 
along with Pascal/MT + 86, which is 
the brand of Pascal that Alex favors 
for microcomputers. A few days 
passed while Marty familiarized 
himself with the machine, and with 
Pascal, and decided on the structure 
of the game. 

Then came the problems. 
Pascal/MT +86 wouldn't compile. In- 
stead, Marty got "Out of Memory" 
messages. He also had some suspi- 
cions about the text editor. 
Eaglewriter, which is Lexisoft's 
Spellbinder adapted for the Eagle, 
puts some strange formatting 
characters into the text. It also refuses 
to put in linefeed characters; like 
Write (which we do not yet have run- 
ning on the Eagle), Eaglewriter uses 
a bare carriage return, no linefeed, as 
the "newline" marker. 

"I don't think MT + will compile it 
even if we have enough memory," 
Marty said. 

"Well, that's easy to fix," said I. 
"Just write a little assembly-language 
filter that copies the files and puts in 
linefeeds. I have one here for the 



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8080. Surely it's not so hard to do for 
the 8088." 

"Well, it is," said Marty, "because 
the assembler won't accept input 
without linefeeds." 

At that point I had to leave town, 
and I turned the matter over to Alex. 
When I got back, he'd talked to the 
people at Eagle Computer and found 
out a lot of things. 

First, that's not an 8088 in the 
Eagle. It's an 8086, which is exactly 
like an 8088, except it fetches data 16 
bits at a time. Second, although ours 
came with only 128K bytes' worth of 
memory chips, the Eagle has sockets 
for 512K bytes of memory. You don't 
need to use up a bus slot to get it, 
either; those sockets are on the main 
board. 

Alex called California Digital and 
ordered a slew of 64K-byte memory 
chips. Since they're 64K-byte by 1-bit 
memory, you need eight such chips 
for each 64K bytes of memory you're 
adding. However, both the Z-100 and 
the IBM PC require nine chips for 
each 64K bytes of added memory. 
This is because they do parity check- 
ing, a form of memory test, and thus 
need the extra memory to store the 
parity bits in. The Eagle doesn't do 
parity checking. Anyway, Alex 
ordered 20 memory chips, enough to 
put in 128K bytes of additional 
memory and bring the Eagle up to 
256K bytes (plus a few spares). 

[Last-minute notes: Eagle tells me 
it did a lot of work on parity check- 
ing and found that it decreases the 
overall reliability by 15 percent. The 
company decided it was better not to 
do it.] 

Then the Eagle software people 
called. They'd tried Pascal/MT+86 in 
a system with 512K bytes of memory 
and still got "Out of Memory" errors. 
It seems those odd formatting 
characters in Eaglewriter, plus the 
lack of linefeeds, fool MT + 86 into 
believing you're trying to compile one 
enormous statement. 

However, there's a remedy. If, 
when you save your file under 
Eaglewriter, you add "/l" after the 
filename, the format characters are 
stripped out, and linefeeds are add- 
ed after each carriage return. That's 
known as an undocumented feature. 



68 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 285 on inquiry card. 



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t'upyrii.'li! mimlsoI-TWARK \m:\ 



BYTE January 1984 69 



Alas, the Eagle is just loaded with un- 
documented features. It's a wonder- 
ful machine, and the documents are 
just great if all you want to do is run 
Eaglewriter and Eaglecalc, but ye 
gods they're incomplete if what you 
want is to understand the system. 

Anyway, if you use the II option, 
the result is a normal ASCII file that 
compiles nicely. It would even have 
compiled with the original memory 
available. On the other hand, 
Pascal/MT + 86 will use as much 
memory as the machine has 



available, and the more you have, the 
faster things go. Best to have a lot, 
thought Alex, and when our memory 
chips came from California Digital, 
he put 16 of them in. 

He swears he did it right. I wasn't 
here, but I believe him. However, 
when he turned on the machine, it 
wouldn't talk to the keyboard. The 
IBM PC runs a memory check every 
time you turn it on, so if you have a 
lot of memory you can go get coffee 
while the system comes up; but alas, 
there's not even a voluntary memory- 



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90 line expansion interface for more 
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mmmm 



test program for the Eagle. However, 
when Alex replaced one of the 
memory chips— the first one, for- 
tunately, since it's very hard to get at 
the memory while the machine is 
sufficiently assembled to be in an 
operative condition— things ran fine. 

Since then we've had a couple of 
glitches, none fatal, and we very 
much wish we had some good 
diagnostic programs. 

On the other hand, the time that 
the Eagle takes away with one hand, 
it gives back with the other: it's fast . 
You don't have to wait forever for pro- 
grams to compile. It has a much nicer 
keyboard than the PC. It has eight 
IBM PC expansion slots in addition 
to the empty memory sockets. It's a 
great deal cheaper than a PC XT. It's 
designed for multiple users (under 
MP/M-86). I don't know whether it 
runs Concurrent CP/M-86 right out 
of the box, but it can't be hard to get 
it running. (As I've said before, I 
think Concurrent CP/M is the way to 
go for PC machines.) 

[Late update: the Eagle does have 
memory tests. You hold down the 
"T" key on power-up or reset. This 
is yet another undocumented 
feature.] 

As I write this, they're working 
hard at Eagle to update the 
documents and revise some of the 
software. I wish them well at it— but 
I sure wish they'd hurry. The Eagle 
is too good a machine to let the lack 
of documents and software 
developments spoil it. 

Meanwhile, Marty and Dr. Cheryl 
Chapman are collecting their notes 
on what's wrong with the Eagle's 
documents. By the time you read 
this, we'll have written them up and 
sent them in to the Eagle people, 
who I'm pretty sure will make good 
use of them. 

Write Now . . . 

While Tony Pietsch takes in the 
Munich Oktoberf est, Noor Singh has 
been doing the work at Proteus 
Engineering and has now installed 
and optimized Write for some 40 dif- 
ferent 8080, 8085, and Z80 systems. 
There's no 16-bit version yet, but it's 
unlikely you have an 8-bit machine, 
terminal, or printer that won't run 



70 January T984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 325 on inquiry card. 



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ENTER TOMORROW ON BASF TODAY 

c 1983 BASF Systems Corp., Bedford, MA 



BASF 



A conventional 
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* corona 

data systems, inc. 



74 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 114 on inquiry card. 



with Write. For instance, he's figured 
out a way to reverse scrolling on the 
VT-100, which everyone told us wasn't 
possible, or at least not simple, since 
the VT-100 doesn't have an in- 
sert/delete line. 

While I was at CP/M East, Charles 
Stevenson, chief programmer for 
Micropro, told me he's been having 
some problems with modern dot- 
matrix printers, because many of 
them don't do superscripts and 
subscripts by scrolling the paper up 
and down, but actually write little 
bitty letters and numbers in the ap- 
propriate places. Wordstar doesn't 
like that. 

Neither did Write, but Noor Singh 
has found a way to make Write work 
fine with the new Epson FX-80 
printer. We've now got Write on all 
the Kaypro machines, the Otrona, 
and the Z-100 (under CP/M-80). It 
runs with the Telewidget (Televideo) 
terminals, the Z-29, and the Lobo 
Max-80. Barry Workman and Noor 
Singh are installing it on the Osborne 
1 and the Epson QX-10 (two versions, 
one for the Valdocs keyboard, the 



other for their nonstandard CP/M 
Teletype-layout keyboard). It runs on 
nearly all printers, serial and parallel. 

Write will be supplied as part of the 
software package (along with Super- 
writer, Supercalc, and some other 
stuff) with new Compupro com- 
puters. Other versions, including 
those for older Compupro machines, 
will be marketed by Workman and 
Associates. 

The Printer Install program will 
come with any version of Write that 
you buy. Workman's present market 
plan is to restrict the Terminal Install 
programs supplied, so if you order 
Write, be sure and tell the company 
what kind of machine and what kind 
of terminal you want Write for. I 
presume the company will have a 
reasonable policy regarding updates 
if a purchaser wants to change 
terminals. 

Sweet-P 

We got our Sweet-P plotter some 
time ago, along with a care package 
to make it work with the IBM PC. 
There was also a support pack for the 



Kaypro machines. Our Kaypro 
machines have been under intense 
use, and there wasn't any real reason 
to hang a plotter on one anyway. We 
did budget space for the Sweet-P at 
the desk where we intend to set up 
our IBM PC. 

Alas, the PC hasn't arrived, and the 
Sweet-P sits in lonely splendor 
waiting for a computer. 

That's a real pity, because the 
Sweet-P is one heck of a machine. 
There is close competition, but none 
so vigorously supported and 
advertised. 

We were curious how hard the 
machine was to use; Alex got to play 
with one on a Kaypro at a graphics 
show. You can use LPRINT 
statements from within MBASIC to 
run the Sweet-P. For legends and 
titles, you don't have to specify each 
letter stroke; the plotter has a built- 
in character set. Character size and 
print direction can be changed, too. 

Sweet-P has changeable pens; you 
have to change them yourself, but 
that keeps the price (of this model) 
down. Sweet-P currently connects as 



IBM PC-8087SUPP0RT FROM MICROWARE 



SyFORTRAN/RTOS™ is a MicroWare 
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80 bit reals and 64 bit integers. The complete 
subset I/O is supported including Internal and 
External Files and List Directed I/O. 
87FORTRAN/RTOS uses the Intel large 
memory model, allowing data/code structures 
which utilize the full megabyte. The compiler 
provides direct access to 8088 ports and 
supports logical operations on 8 and 1 6 bit 
operands normally treated in assembly 
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87PASCAURTOS™ is Intel's ISO 
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RTOS is a MicroWare configured version of iRMX-86, InteJ's legendary operating system. It in- 
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instructions $375 

MATRIXPAK™ manages a MEGABYTE! 

Written in assembly language, our runtime 
package accurately manipulates large 
matrices at very fast speeds. Includes matrix 
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MicroWare 87MACRO, 87BASIC, and RTOS 
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MICROSOFT FORTRAN 3.13 

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MICROSOFT C COMPILER 

includes Lattice C and the MS Librarian. .$399 

64K RAM Upgrade $59 

SuperSoft Fortran 340 

SSS 8087 Support 50 

SuperSoft Voice Drive 895 

87BASIC+ 75 

TRACE86 Utility 1 25 

Microsoft Business Basic Compiler 495 

Computer I nnovations C86 345 

STSC APL*PLUS/PC 545 

64K QUADRAM 31 9 

Sandstar WS2 Hard Disk System 1 355 

Novation 212 SmartCat 495 

HALO Graphics call 

Energraphics call 



Circle 255 on inquiry card. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 75 



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a Centronics printer; the serial option 
will be available soon. If you want to 
use both the plotter and your printer 
from the same Centronics port, Enter 
Computer will soon sell you a "Split- 
P" printer switch. (I get the feeling 
that we have not heard the last bad 
pun product name from these 
people. . . .) 

More PC Stuff 

Ada, for the tiny few who don't 
know, is the Department of Defense 
all-purpose computer language, and 
whatever its merits or lack thereof, 
knowing Ada is a sure guarantee of 
a job for years to come. Despite some 
claims to the contrary by companies 
that ought to know better, there is no 
complete Ada compiler for a micro 
system. However, there are healthy 
subsets up and running. 

The best of these, for my money, is 
Janus Ada from RR Software. The 
company now has floating point for 
its PC-compatible version (both PC- 
DOS and CP/M-86 operating 
systems), provided that you have an 
8087 chip in your system. RR has also 
cleaned up its documents a bit; they 
always were well organized. 

I can't check out the latest version, 
since IBM has kept my money all » 
these months without shipping me 
a machine; but I have run RR's earlier 
versions, which certainly work. Janus 
will compile itself, sure proof that 
you can write complex programs in 
this subset of Ada. I have high con- 
fidence in RR, and I have yet to hear 
of a more complete Ada compiler that 
will run on a microcomputer. 

RR, otherwise known as Randy 
and Isaac, is another good example 
of what hard work and ingenuity can 
accomplish. The two started quite 
literally in a garage, and the West 
Coast Computer Faire was their first 
show; now they've about reached the 
takeoff point. 

Simplifying My Life 

I like small computers. I don't sup- 
pose there are too many readers who 
doubt that. However, they can sure 
use up a lot of time, and time is the 
one commodity we don't have 
mouldering piles of here at Chaos 
Manor, so I'm always looking for 



76 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 182 on inquiry card. 




step into the future... 




COHERENT™ is the most powerful UNIX™-compatible operating system available for the IBM PC™ , IBM XT™ and compatibles. 



Now you can have the multi-user, multitasking 
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COHERENT is a trade mark of Mark Williams Co. UNIX is a trade mark of Bell Laboratories. IBM PC and IBM XT are trade marks of International Business Machines Corporation. 
Circle 267 on inquiry card. BYTE January 1984 77 



LOG 1983 Volume 


One 




Phone 






Rhodes, Eli 


• • 


161 


Rick Foss 


Travel agent 


33 


Roth, Jennifer 


. 


70 


Rotow 


Fortune Systems 


25 


Salzer f Shirin 


Bellingham 


91 


Seelig 


CTI 


48 


Seitz 


. 


95 


Slicer 


. 


170 


Smelev, Sev 


. 


5 


Smith, Bar Ian 


. 


166 


Space Initiative 


50 


50 


Sperry, lyler 


. 


139 


Sperry, Tyler 


113 


113 


Spinrad 


. 


16 


Still, Joe 


. 


91 


Tanden 


. 


174 


Topol 


Russian emigre 


118 


Van Brink, Herb 


AROO 


93 


Z-100 


Pascal - Ludwig 


103 


Zenith 


Ingi sh 


48 


Program 






BIOS 


• > • 


149 


BIOS 


diddle 


156 


Characters 


generator 


31 


Diddle 


. 


12 


Diddle 


concatenate string fields 


17 


Diddle 


Fns of other cpdata 


10 


t<DB 


parameters - strings 


106 


MDB 


REVISE - discussion 


13 


MDB 


sort/merge 


105 


Nanies 


Spear carriers 


30 


Parse 


notes 


115 


Parser 


• 


116 


Relativism 






Stine on aliens 


• 


40-41 


Suits 






Notes 


Kosmo etc 


34-37 


Table 1: An example page from Jerry's 


index. 





ways to use these machines to buy 
me more time. 

One thing that eats time is the 
telephone. It isn't just the time on the 
telephone; it's finding the messages 
and phone numbers and all the 
detritus from phone calls. I long ago 
learned that anything written on 
loose paper vanishes into the swim, 
so I keep a bound log book with page 
numbers. 

One of the most valuable com- 
modities a writer can have is a good 
idea. Those, too, get lost if not writ- 
ten down. I get some of my best ones 
while running, when I can't make 
notes, so I carry a tiny tape recorder 
and dictate; then when I get home I 
can transcribe those notes. I used to 
keep special books just for that, but 
it became impossible to find 



anything, so all that goes into the log 
with the phone calls. 

So far, so good, but I use up two 
or three of those logs each year; and 
how the devil can I find a phone 
number, or an idea, from several 
years back? After about the hun- 
dredth time I found myself thumbing 
through old logbooks, I had an idea. 
What I needed was an index to the 
logs. It seemed a simple enough pro- 
gram to write. 

The log books aren't machine- 
readable. I've had to go through them 
one at a time and enter the data (and 
I have to do it since no one else can 
interpret my cryptic notes); but it 
takes only about half an hour to do 
a whole book, and once done it's 
done forever. I have my index 
organized under three headings: 



"Major," "Minor," and "Subminor," 
which, if not original, is at least clear. 

The output prints on paper (see 
table 1) and can be pasted into the 
front of the log book. It organizes the 
stuff in a hierarchy, with the Major 
headings (things like "Do," "Phone 
Numbers," "People," "Ideas") on the 
left. The Minor categories include 
"Programs" (under "Do," of course), 
people's names for the phones and 
addresses (with cross-entries for who 
they are or what they do or where I 
met them). Subminor is mostly 
notes. Then on the far right side of 
the index is the page. 

Once the entries are made (as I 
said, about half an hour per log 
book), the program automatically 
sorts them, starting with the Sub- 
minor, then Minor, and finally Major 
headings, so that all the names are in 
alphabetical order within the 
"Phone" category, and that sort of 
thing. This gets printed and put in 
the book, and I can even do it 
periodically for the current log so I'm 
not always thumbing through it. 
Saves no end of time. 

Another thing the index program 
does is remember just what log book 
this is: that is, 1983-1, 1979-3, etc. 
Another part of the program will 
combine index entries from different 
books. The result is that I have an 
enormous index that lets me find 
stuff running all the way back to 1978 
when I began the log-book system (or 
will when I get through entering 1978 
and 1979). 

There's nothing all that wonderful 
about my scheme, and doubtless 
there are better ways to organize log 
books, but this works for me. The 
nice part is that the whole program 
didn't take more than a couple of 
hours to write. A story goes with 
that. 

A long time ago I wrote a 
'Minimum Data Base" (MDB), which 
is a quick and dirty program for 
organizing telephone numbers, ad- 
dresses, recipes, thoughts, characters 
in books, and the like. It has a good 
SORT routine built into it. When I 
decided to do this program, I realized 
that MDB had nearly all the 
mechanisms I needed for my index 
routine. 



78 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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(415) 895-0798 A division of G&G Engineering 
I'D LIKE THE WHOLE STORY. 
Please send me your brochure. 



Name 

Organization. 

Address 

City 



_Title_ 
-M/S_ 



_ State. 



. Zip_ 



Phone 

□ Please have a representative call me. 



GIFFORD COMPUTER SYSTEMS □ San Leandro, CA (415) 895-0798 D San Francisco, CA (415) 391-4570 □ Los Angeles, CA( 213) 477-3921 
□ Miami, FL (305) 665-9212 □ Houston,TX( 713) 680-1944 □ Amherst, NY (716) 833-4758 D Telex: 704521 □ 

Circle 170 on inquiry card. 



MDB was originally written in 
CBASIC. I later converted it to CB-80, 
which was the first Compiled 
CBASIC; but since CB-80 won't run 
with CP/M 1.4, we kept the CBASIC 
version around. Alas, CBASIC 
doesn't have some of the nifty 
features that Compiled CBASIC does 
(such as checking for undeclared 
variables, and really good functions). 
Even so, we'd done a lot of the con- 
version, and when I did the index 
program I did some more. More im- 
portant, though, when I began 



writing programs, MacLean insisted 
that I think about program structure 
as I wrote them; and although MDB 
isn't any model of structured pro- 
gramming, it's a heck of a lot more 
so than most old BASIC programs 
were, which is why I was able in one 
evening to write my index system. 
Alas, it was while writing it that I 
discovered a real bug in the newest 
version of Compiled CBASIC. 

That's Not a Bug, It's a Feature 

When my late mad friend MacLean 




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80 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 223 on inquiry card. 



first talked me into trying my own 
programming in BASIC, one of the 
things that drove me nuts was the 
"redimensioned array error." That is: 
in early BASIC (and many late-model 
versions for that matter) you must tell 
the machine the size of any array, and 
you must do that one and only one 
time; any subsequent attempt to 
change the array size gets the error 
message. 

When CBASIC, and later Compiled 
CBASIC (otherwise known as CB-80 
and CB-86), first came out, a major 
feature was dynamic array dimension- 
ing, i.e., you could dimension any ar- 
ray as often as you wanted to. There 
are lots of advantages to this. It saves 
memory and frustrations. 

Of course, any data in the array will 
be lost if you redimension it. That's 
only to be expected. Alas, it isn't 
automatically lost; that is, if you have 
string variables stored in an array and 
redimension it, the strings are still 
out there in memory, only now 
there's no way to get at them, not 
even to erase them. Some versions of 
BASIC have a "garbage collection 7 ' 
feature, which is a little subprogram 
that every now and then goes 
through memory to see if there are 
lost strings it can erase to reclaim 
memory. Some don't. 

With Compiled CBASIC, according 
to the instructions, you have to do 
something nonintuitive to get rid of 
those strings: 

1. Declare a string variable. Say 
NULU, for example. 

2. Never define that variable. (I 
presume the default is "", but the 
documents never say.) 

3. Set each element of the string ar- 
ray equal to NULL$. 

4. Dimension the array to 0. 

5. Redimension the array to the new 
value. 

That's complicated, but you can see 
that it saves the compiler a lot of 
work. Alas, there's no way for you to 
get out of doing your part of that 
work. Compiled CBASIC has really 
excellent functions, comparable in 
some ways to Pascal functions and 
procedures, but you cannot pass an 
array to one of them as a parameter. 

Circle 463 on Inquiry card. » 



WASHINGTON (UPI) — The U.S. Air Force/NASA have 
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THE BUFFER DID II 



Who Stole The 1500 Letters 
From The Computer? 

Let's just say you've got to 
send a letter to 1500 different 
people. Would you like to 
spend 22.5 hours* or 
60 seconds of 



** 



i? 



& 



*? 



^\tf 







sP 



y 



computer 
time? 

With \ 
a garden- 
variety 
buffer, the 
computer has 
to mix, merge 
and send 1500 
addresses and 1500 
buffer. Trouble is, most buffers 
only store about 32 letters. So after 
32 letters, the computer's down 
until the printer's done. Altogether, 
you're talking 22.5 hours. 

In the case of our new (not to 
mention amazing) 
** there s , ShuffleBuffer, 
that 's turr^~, 1 computer time 



letters to the 



"KiilU 



turned 



tonut* ^ 



IriQs n 



diarvt 



Cic% t* 



Vou'd 



iove 



my w 



is 60 
seconds 
flat. 

Just give 
ShuffleBuffer one form letter and 
your address list, and it takes care 
of the mixing, the merging, and the 
printing. But that's not all 
ShuffleBuffer's stolen from the 
computer. Oh, no. 

Who Changed and 
Rearranged The Facts? 

Again, ShuffleBuffer's 
the culprit. You want 
to move para- 
graph #1 
down 
where 
#3 is? 
Want 
to add a 
chart or 
picture? No 

problem. No mystery, either. Any 
buffer can give you FIFO, basic 
first-in, first-out printing. And some 



ps*. m w 



.. •: 



& 



<$P 




buffers offer By-Pass; the ability to 
interrupt long jobs for short ones. 
But only ShuffleBuffer has what we 
call Random Access Printing — the 
brains to move stored information 
around on its way to the printer. 
Something only a computer could 
do before. Comes in especially 
handy if you do lots of printing. 
Or lengthy manuscripts 
Or voluminous green 
and white spread 
sheets. And by the 
way, ShuffleBuffer 
does store up to 
128K of information 
and gives you a 
By-Pass mode, too. 

And Who Spilled The 
Beans 239 Times? 

Most buffers can't 
tell the printer to 
duplicate. If they can, 
they only offer a 
start/stop switch, 
which means you're 
the one who has to 
count to 239. Turn 
your back on your 
buffer, and your 
printer might shoot out 
a room full of copies. 
ShuffleBuffer, however, 
does control quantity. 
Tell it the amount, and 
it counts the copies. 
By itself. 

So, What's The Catch? 

There isn't any. 
Sleuth 
around. 
You won't 
find another 
buffer that's as slick a 
character as this one. 
You also won't find one that's 
friendly with any parallel or serial 
computer/printer combination. 
This is the world's only universal 
buffer. 
With a brain. 



Who Wants You To Catch 
A ShuffleBuffer In Action? 

You guessed it. We do. Just go to 
your local computer dealer and ask 
him to show you a ShuffleBuffer at 
^ work. Or, you can call us 
T$P* & at (215) 667-1713, and 
(5^ we'll clue you in on 

^ all the facts directly. 







iSf» 



\5* 






,«* 



* Based 
on an average 
4000 character letter 
& 128K buffer. 










^ShuffleBuffer 

Th 



The Buffer with a Brain 



Interactive Structures Inc. 
146 Montgomery Avenue 
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 



82 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 192 on inquiry card. 



If you could, it would be easy to write 
a "Kill String Array" function to do 
all that. Oh, well. 

The problem comes when you 
forget and never dimension the array in 
the first place. Unlike Microsoft 
BASIC, CBASIC has no default array 
size. It doesn't even default to 0! The 
result is a terrible bug in your 
program. 

If you leave an undimensioned ar- 
ray in a Compiled CBASIC program, 
the compiler won't find it. Your pro- 
gram will compile fine. It will run, 
too, until you try to do something 
with that array, at which point the 
whole system goes off into the land 
of lost bits. There's no error message. 
However, nothing whatever is hap- 
pening, and nothing you can do 
(other than to reset the machine) has 
any effect. This can be frustrating, 
and indeed it took me half an hour 
to figure out what had gone wrong 
with a simple modification to my 
Minimum Data Base. 

I suppose it's not too high a price 
to pay for dynamic redimensioning, 
but it's sure frustrating if you don't 

think of it. 

Actually, it's worse than that. 
There's no range checking in Com- 
piled CBASIC, meaning that if you 
exceed the boundaries of an array, 
you don't get the "Subscript out of 
Bounds" error you'd expect. It just 
hangs up the machine so that you 
have to reset. That is too high a price 
to pay. 

Example: 

REM A program to test arrays 

Integer i,j 

Real a(2) 

Dim A(2,2) 

FOR i = 1 TO 3 

FOR j = 1 TO 2 

MM) - i + ) 

Print "Watch it crash"; A(i,j) 

NEXT 

NEXT 

This will hang up as soon as the 
boundary of the array is exceeded. 
However, it hasn't told you why; it 
just stops the machine. This is 
enough to drive you crazy and is a 
real fault in Compiled CBASIC. Bet- 
ter you should use Modula-2, and I 

Circle 104 on inquiry card. «^— ► 




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Gemini-10X (120CPS) $ 299 

Gemini-15X (120CPS- 

Wide Carriage) $ 449 

Delta-10 (160CPS) $ 479 

Okldata 

Okidata-82A . $ 389 

Okidata-B3A $ 609 

Okidata-92PAR $ 459 

Okidata-93PAR , $ 700 

Okidata-84PAR $1049 

Tractor Feed (82+92) $ SO 

Play-N-Plug (82 + 83) $30.59 

Play-N-Plug (92 + 93) $43.53 

Play-N-Plug (84) $81.18 

Mannesmann Tally-160L Call 

Mannesmann Tally-180L Call 

Mannesmann Tally-Spirit Call 

C. ITHO 

Prowriter l-PAR $ 379 

Prowriter ll-PAR $ 659 

Gorilla Banana $ 219 

Letter Quality 

TTX-1014 $ 529.00 

Transtar-120PAR $ 519.00 

Transtar-130PAR $ 719.00 

Transtar-315 Color $ 519.00 

Transtar-Prinlwheels $ 15.95 

NEC-Sptnwriter $ Call 

Juki 6100 PAR (18CPS) $ 549.00 

Starwriter F10PAR $1079.00 

Starwriter-Tractor Feed $ 219.00 

Printmaster $1449.00 



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orders accepted 5300 maximum 510 nonrefundable surcharge • All products factory sealed with manufacturers warranty • POs accepted f 
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Label rate quoted at lime or order • All prices subject to change without notice • Telephone Order Desk Hours: 8 AM to 6PM, Monday through 
Saturday Appropriate taxes will be completed at time of sale. 



84 BYTE January 1984 




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MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03103 



BYTE January 1984 85 



intend to convert all my programs 
from CB-80 to Modula-2 as soon as 
possible. 



JRT Pascal Yet Again 

[Editor's Note: Alas. At press time, BYTE 
was notified that JRT Systems (45- Camino 
Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941) had filed for 
chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 18, 1983. 
This is not a complete liquidation, but a "re- 
organization." We thought the JRT delivery- 
problem saga had come to a conclusion in the 
April 1983 BYTE (see "Open Correspondence 
on JRT Pascal," Letters, page 18). Shortly 
thereafter, the number of complaints began to 
slow down—but scattered grousing continued. 
In any event, the slow delivery of the $29.95 
software deal of the century most likely will 
be slowed down even more. ] 

I'm getting weary of the accusation 
that I've said bad things about JRT 
Pascal because the BYTE advertising 
staff pressures me on behalf of 
publishers who charge a great deal 
more than JRT's $29.95. 

For the record: I have never heard 
one word from the BYTE advertising 
staff suggesting that I make any 
modifications in my column 
whatever, and the only time the 
editorial staff asked me to change 
something was because they feared 
a lawsuit. On that one occasion, I 
modified one sentence, and even 
then I retained the substance of my 
remarks, changing only the tone. 
Blame me for my columns, or blast 
me for my opinions, but do not ac- 
cuse me of petty cowardice. 

I reviewed one of the 2.x versions 
of JRT Pascal, and I was not im- 
pressed. Since then I have received 
many letters from users concerning 
version 3.0, and the consensus is that 
if you can get version 3.0 you will like 
it. 

Flat statement: JRT Pascal version 
3.0 is a bargain at $29.95. Qualifica- 
tions: it's a bargain in comparison to 
a lot of stuff on the market, and its 
value depends in good part on what 
you intend to do with it. If what you 
want is a fast-compiling nonstandard 
p-code language that works quite 
well and has no more anomalies than 
languages selling for 10 times the 
price, by all means send in your 
$29.95. You must then be prepared to 
wait, but the odds are reasonable that 



you'll eventually get more than your 
money's worth. 

Indeed, as a language for writing 
real programs intended for the CP/M 
2.x operating system, JRT Pascal is 
considerably better than "real" Pas- 
cal. If I had to write a number of rea- 
sonably sized programs, and I in- 
tended to stay with the CP/M 2.x 
operating system and not transfer the 
programs to anything else, I might 
well choose JRT Pascal as the lan- 
guage to write them in. 

If I wanted to get some idea of the 
flavor of Pascal, and I didn't want to 
spend much money, I'd certainly get 
JRT Pascal 3.0. 

JRT Pascal 3.0 has fixed most— not 
all, but most— of the bugs that 
plagued the earlier versions. As a 
programming language, it's com- 
parable to Sorcim's Pascal/M in both 
ease of use and speed of compilation. 
The execution speed is comparable to 
any other p-code (intermediate code) 
Pascal, including UCSD Pascal. Like 
Pascal/M (but unlike UCSD Pascal), 
there's no integration of editor and 
compiler, but of the three, I'd about 
as soon use JRT Pascal as either of the 
others for production work. 

The bugs that are left are, according 
to my correspondents, fairly 
harmless or very subtle. Since the 
professor who (in a letter praising JRT 
Pascal) spoke of the "subtle" bugs 
didn't tell me what they were, I can 
only guess at what he meant. One 
bug I found was a failure to compile 
a program because it had the follow- 
ing line: 

{a comment} (*another comment*) 

which was intended to illustrate the 
principle that you could use either 
kind of comment marker in a Pascal 
program. Standard Pascal (including 
both Pascal/M and Pascal/MT + ) will 
compile that, since standard Pascal 
doesn't recognize physical lines. 

There are other nonstandard 
features to JRT Pascal. For example, 
in the case above, the compiler didn't 
even attempt to work on the pro- 
gram; it simply told me there was an 
"unclosed comment." That is not a 
standard Pascal error message. 

Another JRT problem can be 



caused by multilayed procedure 
nesting and indirect recursion. Most 
users won't find this a problem. 

JRT Pascal does not format 
numbers in the same way as either 
Pascal/M or Pascal/MT + (which don't 
format them the same way either). 
Thus, the same program will have a 
different output depending on which 
compiler you use, 

I deliberately took out some 
semicolons in a JRT 3.0 program. The 
compiler dutifully reported '";' ex- 
pected". Alas, the standard Pascal er- 
ror messages are "Error #6 Illegal 
symbol (possibly missing ";" on line 
above)" and "Error #14 ';' expected 
(possibly on line above)." Perhaps the 
JRT error reporting system is better 
than Niklaus Wirth's, but it isn't the 
same. 

JRT is worth playing with. It's 
cheap for the compiler alone, and 
you get a bunch of useful utilities 
with it. As I've said many times, I like 
the price, and I wish other publishers 
would drop their prices to something 
reasonable. JRT has a lot of satisfied 
users. Indeed, it may in many ways 
be more useful than "real" Pascal. 
However, that doesn't make JRT into 
standard Pascal. 

In addition, JRT Systems got far 
more orders than it was geared up to 
fill. I have lots of letters from readers 
who ordered JRT Pascal and received 
nothing, neither software nor 
acknowledgment of order, for 
months. Sarah Smith, of Lisp 
Machine Inc., sent in an order in 
December, had the check cashed in 
January, got an acknowledgment of 
order in March, had them refuse to 
check the order in May, complained 
in June, and in August received a 
form letter stating that it couldn't find 
the order and wanted a copy of 
canceled check or bank-card Ml. (The 
form letter offered to refund the 
money once proof of payment was 
furnished.) 

Ms. Smith, like me, is a profes- 
sional; the time it would take to get 
a copy of canceled check or bank-card 
bill would chop pretty deeply into the 
bargain value of JRT Pascal. 

Thus, fair warning: JRT Pascal 3.0 
works and has enthusiasts I respect. 
The manual is well written, and there 



86 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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f/>*' 






M THE BEGINNING 

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rates, then immediately see revised reports. 

In the beginning, spreadsheets were great. At 
least, they were all we had. Now there's more, with 
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Available under $300 for CP/M-80, MS-DOS, 
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I 
I 
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I 
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are a lot of goodies that come with 
the program. However, if you order 
the program and don't get delivery, 
do not complain to BYTE or to me. 
Just be patient, and keep trying. 
Eventually you'll get satisfaction. At 
least you can continue to hope so. 

I've heard that Mr. Tyson of JRT 
Systems is working on a Modula-2 
compiler. I wish him well at it, but I 
do hope he'll pay more attention to 
the language standards than he did 
with his Pascal. 

[Late addition: Borland's Turbo 
Pascal, for $49.95, is standard, pro- 
duces native code (rather than p- 
code), and has a built-in editor. More 
next month, but it looks pretty good.] 

BDS C 

BDS C is a healthy subset of the C 
programming language. It uses some 
nonstandard library implementa- 
tions; in that sense, it has some 
similarities to JRT Pascal. 

The remarkable thing about BDS C 
was that it could be done at all; before 
Leor Zolman wrote his compiler, 



there was no C language for the 8085 
or Z80 machines; at least, nothing 
that compiled in reasonable time and 
had most of the features of real C. 
Once Zolman showed that it could be 
done, a number of other outfits got 
into the act. 

Zolman has a new version, 1.5a, of 
his C compiler. This one works only 

BDS C's major 

advantage is that it 

compiles faster than 

any other 8-bit C 

compiler and finds 

most trivial errors in 

seconds- 

with CP/M 2.x; anyone still running 
CP/M 1.4 can't use it. 

There is an improved floating-point 
package. Source code for most library 
routines is provided. The documents 
have been somewhat improved, but 
fair warning: the BDS C documents 
are not an introduction to the C 



language. You'll need both Kernighan 
and Ritchie (The C Programming 
Language) and some other good in- 
troductory book if you don't know 
how to use C. 

There's a good index and a fair but 
improvable table of contents. The in- 
structions for using BDS C, assum- 
ing you know something about pro- 
gramming in the C language, are 
clear. 

BDS C's major advantage is that it 
compiles fast; faster than any other 
8-bit C compiler. Furthermore, it 
finds most trivial errors in seconds. 
It's not the lowest-priced C compiler 
on the market, since Q/C is $99. At 
$130 postpaid (from Workman and 
Associates), though, it's still a 
bargain. 

In addition, there's a debugger, a 
library manager, and other goodies. 
There's a good overlay or "swapping" 
system so that you can write and run 
really big programs in BDS C. BDS 
C purchasers are encouraged to join 
the BDS C User's Group; the User's 
Group distributes a lot of interesting 



Graphics Plus 




■-<• . r _>- v- «">.- y . 



GRAPHICS-PLUS is a field installable enhancement board for 
the popular Zenith 1 Z19 video terminal adding many power- 
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GRAPHICS-PLUS provides Tektronix 2 4010 compatible vector 
drawing graphics, VT100 3 compatible 80 and 132 column 
display- formats, off-screen scrolling memory, program- 
mable function keys, ,l Plain English" menu-driven Set-up 
mode, and a host of other enhancements. Installation can be 
accomplished within 15 minutes using only a screwdriver. 



GRAPHICS-PLUS 

an enhancement 

For Z1 9 Terminals 

from 

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. • Tektronix 2 4010 Compatible Graphics 

512 Horiz by 250 Vert Resolution 
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Menu-driven "Plain English" Set-up Mode 
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GP- 19 Upgrade for Z19 Terminal $ 849 

Z1 9 Terminal With GP- 1 9 Installed $ 1 495 

Northwest Digital Systems 
P.O. Box 15288, Seattle, WA 981 15 [206] 362-6937 



88 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 269 on inquiry card. 



Score another 
first forACE. 



A lot of people who've never 4 
heard of ACE s impressive record 
of firsts in multiprocessing are about 
to sit up and take notice. Why? 

It's our latest wonder: Multipro- 
cessor CP/M Plus? 

ACE has developed a linkup be- 
tween its powerful multiuser micro- 
computer, the Discovery, and the 
fastest and most powerful version 
of CP/M* ever marketed. 

The result is a multiprocessor that 
does more than just emulate CP/M 
or rely on a lesser operating system 
that's "CP/M compatible." It 
actually delivers pure CP/M (either 
CP/M-86* or CP/M Plus) to any of 
Discovery's up to 16 on-line users. 

With easy command line editing, 
quick file accessing through user- 
defined automatic search paths and 
comprehensive "help menus," CP/M 
Plus is as friendly as they come — 
and with big performance extras. 

Like large files, directory hashing, 
data buffering, time and date 
stamping, and an extensive utility 
set that can accept English words. 

All of which means that ACE's 
linkup with CP/M Plus will 
continue to give Discovery owners 
access to the largest selection of 
applications software in the world 
for years to come. 

That's something to think about. 
Because who wants a multiuser 
system that's friendly and powerful 
today but unfriendly tomorrow 
when new software using CP/M 




Multiprocessor 
CP/M Plus: 



Plus features hits the scene? 

Our latest triumph is just one of a 
line of firsts. 

ACE pioneered multiprocessing 
for microcomputers back in 1979 
when we introduced a Discovery 
featuring what was then the 
revolutionary concept of dedicating 
a CPU to each on-line user. 

Two years later, we moved 
further ahead of the pack with our 
next singular feat: the first user- 
processor on a single board, the 
dpc-180? Everything was there: 
memory, CPU, serial I/O. 

Nice. 

Which made our 1982 
breakthrough — the amazing 16-bit 
dpc-186? mated with CP/M-86 — 
seem like business-as-usual to us 
even though it caught the 
competition flat-footed. 

With room to grow from 128K to 
1MB of expansion memory, and 
designed for systems also using our 
8-bit board, this breakthrough let 
individual users tap into either 8- or 
16-bit computing power with one 



central Discovery unit. 

And because each Discovery 
system is controlled by our own 
dpc/os* tried and proven in more 
than 10,000 Discovery and OEM 
installations around the world, any 
user on line can take advantage of 
interprocessor communication, file 
and record locking, fully managed 
multiple printers, private direc- 
tories, plus many other features. 

So what little wonder does ACE 
have up its sleeve now? Stay tuned. 
Because soon you'll hear the news 
about our Concurrent CP/M-86* 
which will give the owners of our 
Discovery all the benefits of 16-bit 
computing power, CP/M's compre- 
hensive software selection, and 
efficient multi-tasking capabilities. 
So each user can get several projects 
underway with a few quick taps on 
the keyboard. 

Meanwhile, it'll be business as 
usual for ACE, keeping ahead of the 
crowd while turning out the best 
multiuser multiprocessor micro on 
the market, backed by one of the 
best nationwide service networks 
you could hope for. 

So if you're a computer dealer, 
distributor, or systems house who 
wants to join the group that scores 
high with a multitude of users, just 
give us a call at (800) 821-6596. 
(In California, it's (213) 351-5451.) 
And do us a small 
favor. Tell us you've 
heard of us. 



The Multiprocessing Company. 



£ 



Action Computer Enterprise, Inc. (Corporate Headquarters): 430 No. Halstead St., Pasadena, CA 91107. TWX 910-588-1201 ACTION PSD 
ACE/Europe:Boschdijk 189, Box 1275, 5602 BG, Eindhoven, Netherlands, Tel. 040-452658, Telex 51767 ACE E NL ACE/Asia, G/Floor Lee Wah Mansion, 171-177 Hollywood Rd, Hong Kong, 

Tel. 5-441692 or 5-442310, Telex 75332 PACIC HX Canada: Future Electronics, Inc., 237 Hymus Blvd., Pt. Claire, Quebec H9R5C7, Canada, Tel. (514) 694-7710, Telex 05-823554. 
*CP/M Plus. CP/M, CP/M-86, and Concurrent CP/M-86 are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Digital Research, Inc. / *dpc-180 and dpc / os are registered trademarks of Action Computer Enterprise, Inc. 

Serviced nationwide by Bell & Howell Company 



Circle 11 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 89 



PC PEACOCK 

Brings Living Color 
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Computing is dull in black and white. But it doesn't have to be. 

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programs and utilities. 

All in all, BDS C is a reasonably 
priced way to get involved with the 
C programming language, or even to 
find out whether you really want to 
learn it. In my view, C is more useful 
on 16-bit machines, and I'm on record 
as saying I think Modula-2 is a more 
interesting language. On the other 
hand, a lot of people don't agree with 
me. You can certainly write some 
useful programs in BDS C; one of the 
most useful programs I own is a text 
comparator that one of Leor's friends 
wrote for me. 

Once More, the Epson 

When the Epson QX-10 computer 
first came out, the company was still 
evolving both hardware and soft- 
ware. I had a very early model, 
shipped long before Epson began 
selling the machines, and there was 
always some question of whether my 
system was truly integrated, especial- 
ly when I had some real problems 
with the Valdocs software that comes 
with it. 

The people at Epson couldn't have 
been nicer about it. The other day 
they sent out a systems-program- 
ming manager, who brought a new 
machine straight out of stock. We 
swapped. 

I also have the new Valdocs soft- 
ware, version 1.18, which has a 
number of new features and is also 
considerably faster than the old 
Valdocs. 

Alas, it doesn't have all the prom- 
ised features of Valdocs, and ap- 
parently it retains some un- 
documented features as well. 
Moreover, although the new Valdocs 
is fast, it's not fast enough for me, my 
wife, or my assistant. In particular, it 
is not designed to be used as a 
substitute for an office machine. It 
simply takes too darned long to get 
a business letter out using Valdocs. 
Just getting the envelope addressed 
can take a full minute or longer. 

Moreover, the FX-80 printer that 
came with the Epson QX-10 is not 
designed for use with letterhead or 
other single-sheet-feed paper. If you 
use a Micro Peripherals Printmate 99 
printer with the Epson, that will 
solve one of the problems, but the 



Valdocs software doesn't know how 
to make use of the 99's best features, 
so that's not so useful either. 

Valdocs might not be so bad if you 
use only tractor-feed paper, no let- 
terhead, and you're mostly writing 
documents, not letters. It does have 
some good features, although you'd 
better get used to being patient. 

We're at the moment installing 
Write on the Epson QX-10; we'll have 
versions for both the Valdocs and the 
regular Teletype-layout keyboards. 
Write will, of course, run under 
CP/M, not TPM and the Valdocs soft- 
ware, and it won't have all the cross- 
index features and other nifty con- 
ceptions Valdocs attempts. Our pre- 
sent version of Write probably won't 
be able to take advantage of the bit- 
mapped screen and other goodies 
that the QX-10 hardware features. 
We'll see. 

Meanwhile, my opinion of the 
QX-10 remains: the hardware is fine, 
and if Epson ever gets software wor- 
thy of it, it will have a nice little 
machine. On the other hand, does 
the industry need yet another Z80 
computer for more than $2500, 
especially if there's no software to 
take advantage of the unique hard- 
ware features of the QX-10? If Epson 
had released the QX-10 with ap- 
propriate software a year ago, it 
would have been competitive; I don't 
think it is now. 

I've also seen no reason to change 
my opinion about Valdocs: noble 
idea, but too ambitious for the 
machine. To get all the features 
Valdocs offers, you need both a bit- 
mapped screen (which the QX-10 has) 
and a fast 16-bit or larger CPU (which 
the QX-10 doesn't have). I've a great 
deal of admiration for what was ac- 
complished with Valdocs, but I can- 
not in good conscience recommend 
it to anyone who has actual produc- 
tion work to perform. It's just too 
darned slow. 

There's one more difficulty. 

Valdocs is slow in large part 
because Epson wanted it to be user- 
friendly; but alas, this wasn't even 
managed completely. If you get disk 
errors, Valdocs can report things like 

Error 01 Disk B Retry Y/N? 



Circle 375 on inquiry card. 

Less 
for lour 
Money 

If you do word processing on 
your personal computer, you 
probably know that there are 
many programs for sale to help 
you with your spelling. But the 
biggest spelling error you'll ever 
make is paying too much for your 
spelling correction software. The 
Random House ProofReader 
gives you less for your money - 
less trouble, that is, and fewer 
spelling errors. The Random 
House ProofReader is based on 
the world famous Random House 
Dictionary. It contains up to 
80,000 words? depending on 
your disk capacity. You can add 
new words with the touch of a 
key. It shows you the error and 
the sentence it's in. It instantly 
suggests corrections. It even re- 
checks your corrections. And it 
costs half as much as other 
programs with far less power. The 
Random House ProofReader is 
compatible with all CP/M 2.2®, 
MS-DOS® and IBM Personal 
Computer® systems. 




the 




f 



The 

Random 
House 
ProofReader 

$50 

For orders or information, see your 
local dealer or call 505-281-3371. 
Master card and VISA accepted. Or write 
Random House ProofReader, Box 339- B, 
Tijeras, NM 87059- Please enclose $50 
and specify your computer model, 
disk size and memory. 

Random House and the House design are registered 
trademarks of Random House, Inc. CP/M is a regis- 
tered trademark of Digital Research, Inc. IBM and IBM 
Personal Computerare registered trademarks of 
International Business Machines, Inc. MS-DOS is a 
registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc. 

January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 91 




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and if you hold down the "Y" key 
very long, it will give the same 
message a number of times, since 
Valdocs features a large type-ahead 
buffer. 

You can also get "Error FF" and 
other such cryptic messages. Now 
agreed: that's no more mysterious 
than the infamous "BDOS Error on 
B: Bad Sector" or such like; but it's 
certainly no less frightening to the 
naive user, and if you learn CP/M's 
error messages you've learned 
something about CP/M and other 
small machines. Learning what 
"Error FF" is teaches you nothing 
but Valdocs. 

Conclusion: if you want yet 
another Z80 CP/M machine, the 
QX-10 will do, but there are probably 
better deals pricewise. The unique 
features of the QX-10 are im- 
plemented only in Valdocs, but alas, 
that's so slow that despite my en- 
couraging him to use a computer (he 
has an Osborne at home), my 
editorial assistant prefers a Selectric 
typewriter for just getting the work 
done here. 

I like the bit-mapped screen, which 
lets boldface words appear on the 
screen in boldface (as well as on the 
output copy), and I like a lot of the 
other features of the QX-10; if Epson 
ever gets software worthy of the 
machine, it'll have something really 
great. 

As of October 1983, it doesn't. 



Rana 

If this were a news column, this 
item would have to be the lead. Alas, 
by the time you read this in January 
others will have printed it first. 

Not long ago I went out to Rana, 
an outfit that makes really advanced 
disk drives for popular machines like 
the Apple and the Atari. I brought 
home some of the drives, which we 
installed on our Apple and Atari 
machines, and waited for the boys to 
report, since those are their machines 
and they're out in back where I don't 
see them often. 

Their report is wild enthusiasm. 
Don't get standard Apple drives. Get 
Rana's package, which includes a 
new disk-controller card and a whole 



92 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 142 on inquiry card. 



/Micro/lge 

"THEIR ENTHUSIASM ABOUT OUR GROWTH 

IN ALASKA WAS CONTAGIOUS. . .IN LESS 

THAN TWO YEARS WE'VE EXPANDED INTO 

FOUR COMPUTER STORES!'' 



started MicroAge during the pioneering days of microcomputing is 
now a matter of company policy" 

"Plus, MicroAge helped us get key product Jines for Alaskal" 
-We're believers in MicroAge. Tfieir industry knowledge and 
insight into recent product developments has given us the flexibility 
to think and react before our competition does. We started with 4 
people in a single store in 1981. . .now we have 4 stores and 26 
people." 

"At MicroAge, they speak our language. . .successV' 



.V^fe-x 



jay Wistftoff 
MicroAge F ranch iset 



Tom Hunter 
MicroAge Franchisee 



To build your own professional computer sales organ- 
ization with MicroAge; write to; 

/MicroAge® 

co/MPUTer srores 

"The Solution Store" 9 

st Alameda • Tempe, Arizona 85282 

(602) 968-3168 




MicroAge franchisees \ay Wi'sf/ioff and Tom Hunter shown with Televideo products. 



Circle 243 on inquiry card. 



Items Reviewed 








CB-80 


$500 


Rana Disk Drives Elite 1 


(Apple) $379 


CB-86 


$600 


Rana Systems 1000 (Atari) $449 


Digital Research 




21300 Superior St. 




POB579 


i 


Chatsworth, CA 91311 




Pacific Grove, CA 93950 




(213) 709-5484 




(408) 649-3896 












Repton 


$39.95 


Eagle 1600 


1620 $4495 


Spider City 


$39.95 


Eagle Computer Company 


1630 $6995 


Sirius Software Inc. 




983 University Ave. 


1640 $8995 


10364 Rockingham Dr. 




Los Gatos, CA 95030 




Sacramento, CA 95827 




(408) 395-5005 




(916) 366-1195 




Epson QX-10 


$2995 


Slicer Computer 


$1075 


Epson America 




Slicer Controls/Computer 




23155 Kashiwa Court 




2543 Marshall St. NE 




Torrance, CA 90505 




Minneapolis, MN 55418 




(213) 534-0360 




(612) 788-9481 




Janus/Ada D-Pak 


8080 $500 


Sweet-P Plotter 


$795 


RR Software 


8086 $700 


Enter Computer 




POB 1512 




6867 Nancy Ridge Dr. 




Madison, WI 53701 




San Diego, CA 92121 




(608) 244-6436 




(619) 450-0601 




JRT Pascal 


$29.95 


Write 


$239 


JRT Systems 




Minimum Data Base 


$49.50 


45 Camino Alto 




BDS C 


$130 


Mill \klley, CA 94941 




Workman and Associates 




(415) 388-0530 




112 Marion Ave. 
Pasadena, CA 91106 




Turbo Pascal 


$49.95 


(213)796-4401 




Borland International 








4807 Scotts Valley Dr. 








Scotts Valley, CA 95066 








(408) 438-8400 









bunch of stuff. It all works faster than 
standard Apple, with fewer loading 
errors. It works with the Applicard 
CP/M converter card, too. 

We never had any other disk drive 
for the Atari, but I can testify that the 
Rana Atari drive works flawlessly on 
our Atari 800, loading Repton and 
Tank Attack and other games (on 
which more another time) and repor- 
ting all kinds of information that the 
Atari standard drives don't. 

However, I'd have waited for a less 



exciting month to write all that, disk 
drives for my popular computers not 
being my major area of interest, if the 
Rana people hadn't showed me what 
they're up to out there, which is no 
less than the demise of the hard disk. 

Rana will very shortly sell you a 
5V4-inch floppy disk that holds 2.5 
megabytes formatted. 

That's a lot. Syquest will for $90 or 
so sell you a "hard-disk cartridge" 
system that holds 5 megabytes. 
Rana's system requires pref ormatted 



disks, but the disks will sell for $15 
at first, less later, so that expense is 
hardly a problem. 

The Rana system puts "burst 
tones" on either side of the data 
tracks on the disk. These tell the disk 
head precisely where the track is, 
meaning the track can be narrower, 
and the tracks can be closer together, 
so that distortions of the media won't 
give you bad sector errors. If you 
want to know more about the 
technology, read something 



ONLY SYSTAT HAS THE POWER, 
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SYSTAT, INC. 1127 ASBURY AVENUE EVANSTON, IL 60202 (312) 869 7282 



94 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 345 on inquiry card. 




Handwell \ 



"What a feeling!" That's 
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Not only does the Handwell PC outperform everyone in 
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Due to its eight expansion slots, you'll be able to upgrade 
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All-in-all, the Handwell can, by combining 
quality, performance and unbelievable price, 
offer you a truly high-performance PC at sub- 
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• One SH-inch Floppy Drive (327Kb-formatted) • MS-DOS Operating System 
(MS-DOS 2.0 and CP/M compatible) • 8088 Processor • Spooler (part of system 
memory, can be used as a printer buffer) • Real Time Clock and Calendar 

'IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines 
"CP/M Is a registered trademark of Digital Research. Inc. 
'MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft. Inc. 

Dealer and OEM inquiries invited 

For further information call 

800-821-3628 



|2 j Handwcllcorp. 



4962 El Camino Real 
Los Altos, CA 94022 
415 962-9265 



Circle 178 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 95 



technical; I'm more interested in the 
implications. 

RAM disk, i.e., a way to fool your 
system into thinking a lot of memory 
is a disk drive, is becoming standard 
on most advanced systems like Sage 
and Compupro and will be standard 
on all systems in a few years. Pion's 
Interstellar Drive and Semidisk 
already offer ways to put battery 
backup on your RAM disk, making 
it pretty secure; once again, that will 
be standard one of these days. 

With a megabyte of RAM disk and 



floppy disks holding 2.5 megabytes, 
many of the advantages of Win- 
chester hard disks simply go away. 
After all, hard disks are not as reliable 
as floppies. They are subject to prob- 
lems when there are extreme humidi- 
ty variations. They don't like shock 
and vibration. They have to be ""back- 
ed up," which is to say you want 
copies of what's on them, and that 
takes time and has to be done. Their 
major advantages are speed and lots 
of storage. 
I don't make it as a flat prediction, 



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but I do put it as a subject for 
thought. Given lots of RAM disk, 
and 2.5-megabyte floppies, is there 
really a need for hard disks at all? 
However that develops, Rana is a 
company worth watching. 

Time Eaters . . . 

I'm not very good at arcade games. 
My timing just isn't that good. Con- 
sequently, I prefer games of strategy 
to joystick shoot-the-enemy games. 

My boys, however, have different 
preferences. The other day an enor- 
mous package of Atari games arrived 
from Sirius, and since then we've had 
trouble getting them to come in for 
dinner. There's no room to report on 
all of them; I'll get to them next 
month. 

Meanwhile, my own favorite is the 
Atari version of Repton. I didn't much 
care for that one on the Apple, but 
I find myself wasting more time than 
I should on the Atari version. There's 
also Spider City, which is mostly 
shoot- 'em-up but does have some 
strategic decisions involved. 

My all-time favorite, though, is still 
Epyx's Crush, Crumble, and Chomp. 
There's something exceedingly attrac- 
tive about burning down and stomp- 
ing the Pentagon flat, and in general 
making an even bigger mess of 
Washington than the politicians 
have. . . . 

Sigh 

My notebook contains six or eight 
other items I ought to have got to, but 
I'm out of space. I'm also out of time, 
since I've got another speech to give 
tomorrow and my plane leaves in an 
hour. 

I love this world of little machines, 
but it can wear you thin.B 



Jerry Pournelle welcomes readers' com- 
ments and opinions. Send a self-addressed, 
stamped envelope to Jerry Pournelle, do 
BYTE Publications, POB 372, Hancock, 
NH 03449. Please put your address on the 
letter as well as on the envelope. Due to 
the high volume of letters, Jerry cannot 
guarantee a personal reply. 



Jerry Pournelle is a former aerospace engineer and 
current science- fiction writer who loves to play with 
computers. 



96 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 62 on inquiry card. 



ACASE1 
ASYt 


Ill 

ITtTj 


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COMPUTER! 


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Rotate it to examine it from any angle. 



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TRANSMISSION 




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Add dimensions and design notes before 
plotter output. 



SCREEN YOUR DESIGNS 

BEFORE THEY GET ON PAPER. 




Turn your microcomputer* into a 
3-D CAD system. 

Find your best idea, 
faster. Now, there's a 
faster, easier way to find the 
best answer to your design 
problems. In minutes, you 
can create, evaluate and 
perfect your design 
ideas using your 
micro and the MCS 
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Anyone with even minimal computer 
experience can master our easy-to-use CAD 
system. It's a simple, menu-driven structure 
requiring no complicated commands or lengthy 
keyboarding. You're free to think design, not 
computers. 

Let your micro do the busy work. First, 
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Then, use Advanced Space Graphics™ soft- 
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stored on file. Study it from 3 simultaneous 
orthogonal views, or from an isometric 
perspective. Add arcs and 

.• ,■ •■■■;-. 



circles. Generate surfaces of revolution. You 
do the thinking, your computer does the work. 
Dimensions are computed 
^\ and changed auto matically , 

^ , as your model changes. 

When you're ready for 




hard copy, Advanced 
Space Graphics lets 
you add text and 
output your finished 
design to a plotter 
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The advantages of "true" 3-D. Only our 
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shapes, even irregular surfaces. True 3-D lets 
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*IBM PC and a variety of work-alikes are supported. A more basic version is avail- 
able for the Apple 11+ and Apple He. Support for a variety of plotters and 2-D 
graphics tablets available now. The most widely used high-resolution screen dis- 
plays will be supported by the beginning of 1984. 

IBM PC © International Business Machines Corp. Apple 11+ and Apple He & Apple Computer, Inc. 

Circle 482 on inquiry card. 



1984 and Beyond 



"Under the spreading chestnut tree 
I sold you and you sold me; 
There lie they and here lie we 
Under the spreading chestnut tree." 

-George Orwell, 1984 

1984. Just another year? Or the dawn of a sinister 
new era, an era of individual paranoia and cultural 
stagnation born of fear and suspicion? A time when 
people's movements, habits, and thoughts are 
monitored by a centralized power that possesses the 
technology to gather, record, and collate mountains of 
data? 

Or could 1984 bring the beginning of a Pax Orbis Ter- 
rarum of prosperity made possible by a technology that 
places power in the hands of virtually all citizens, an 
information autocracy that closes communications gaps 
and binds knowledge workers into a diverse but 
cohesive community? 

These are complex questions that may have no 
answers. Despite our thematic cover, this issue of BYTE 
makes no attempt to examine the social, psychological, 
and political impact of microcomputer technology- 
after all, this is a technical journal. 

Instead, as is our editorial wont at the turn of each 
new year, this issue offers some speculation on the 
specific technical innovations that will affect the per- 
sonal computer industry in 1984— 32-bit microproces- 
sors, natural-language systems, credit-card-sized mem- 
ory devices, and others. 

Before delving into these matters, however, we may 
all do well to reflect on the implications of our headlong 
assault on the bounds of technological possibility. 



Eric Blair, writing under the pen name George Orwell, 
created in 1947-48 his "negative Utopian" vision of a 
world dominated by fascists who possessed awesome 
technology. The real world was trying to cope with the 
aftermath of an unprecedentedly destructive war, with 
the ugliness of Hitlerian genocide, with the throat- 
clogging fear of the power of nuclear war technology. 
In this atmosphere, Blair, a fanatical anticommunist, 
chose to warn the world of the peril represented by the 
emerging Russian state by conjuring up the vision that 
is 1984. 

The reality of the current world is not nearly so bleak. 
Nevertheless, there are legitimate concerns about the 
use of computer technology in modern society. While 
there may be no Big Brother inside your personal com- 
puter, the fabric of life in the West is strongly tied to 
this technology. 

In fact, as this month's cover by visionary Robert 
Tinney depicts, Western society is heavily dependent 
on computer technology— it makes possible the tele- 
communications system that drives our complicated 
commercial and industrial economy and permeates all 
its sectors. As a society, we are addicted to computers 
in much the same way that we are addicted to petro- 
chemicals. 

Any dependency can be exploited. Our culture's com- 
puter (and information) dependency can be used against 
individuals and groups as easily as it can be used for 
them. The negative uses of information have been 
documented by writers such as David Burnham in his 
comprehensive book The Rise of the Computer State. 

The government is a major user of information. The 
most extensively shared information pool in the world 



100 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




104 Reason and the Software Bus by 

Michael F. Korns 

122 A General-Purpose Robot-Control 
Language by Dan Prendergast, Bill 
Slade, and Nelson Winkless 

134 1984, the Year of the 32-bit 
Microprocessor by Richard 
Mateosian 

154 Memory Cards: A New Concept in 
Personal Computing by Mark Mills 

172 Computer-aided Design by Rik 

Jadrnicek 

213 Speech Recognition: An Idea 

Whose Time Is Coming by George 
M. White 

226 Using Natural-Language Systems 
on Personal Computers by Jane 
Eisenberg and Jeffrey Hill 

243 Portables-1984 and Beyond: Idea- 
Processing Software and Portable 
Computers by David Winer and 
Peter Winer 

251 Beyond the Application Program: 
A Different Approach to Integrated 
Software by John Banning 



Painting by Robert Tinney 



is the FBI-coordinated National Crime Information 
Center, a computerized network linking more than 
57,000 local, state, and federal law-enforcement agen- 
cies. The IRS is another agency keen to collect and sift 
information. Its latest efforts include buying the mail- 
ing lists of swank department stores and luxury-car 
dealerships to track the buying habits of well-heeled tax- 
payers (Fortune, September 8, 1983). 

As Kent Greenwalt of Columbia University Law 
School suggests, intensive information gathering could 
produce a nation of sheep, all trying to keep their records 
clean. Such a response could sap the vitality and diver- 
sity of our culture. 

With the advent of home banking and shopping ser- 
vices, virtually every financial transaction we make will 
become part of a computer-controlled record. As the 
text box on page 102 suggests, unauthorized use of 
these databases may be impossible to prevent. The in- 
formation society may soon be victimized by a new 
class of criminal, the information thief. 

Currently, no laws prevent the use of information in- 
tercepted during data transmission over telephone lines. 



While tapping phone lines is illegal, using the informa- 
tion garnered from a tap is not. The sender virtually 
relinquishes his ownership of computerized information 
by the mere act of telephone transmission. This pre- 
sents the specter of thieves intercepting information 
transmitted from a bank computer to your personal 
computer and using the information to empty your 
account. 

In the face of these gloomy possibilities, though, is 
the bright prospect that personal computers also have 
many beneficial aspects. They can have a democratiz- 
ing influence on society by making access to informa- 
tion available to large numbers of people. They can aid 
communication among groups and individuals, further 
shrinking the distances separating the people of the 
global community. 

However computers ultimately affect our personal 
and public lives, you, the BYTE reader, will be one of 
the first to know. Theme issues planned for 1984 will 
cover topics such as data security, mass storage sys- 
tems, new chip technology, and communications. 

— G. Michael Vose 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 101 



Does Your Computer Need "Debugging"? 



by Bruce Bierman 

You are in your private office sitting behind your 
microcomputer, transmitting highly classified data to 
another computer system. There is no reason for you 
to suspect that the information you are sending is 
being intercepted. Nevertheless, today's electronic 
eavesdropping devices make stealing your precious 
data a simple operation. The interception may occur 
during data transmission, when floppy disks are be- 
ing mailed, as a result of illegal access of a mainframe 
using a micro, or because an ex-employee knows the 
password to your system. But no matter how it oc- 
curs, unless you are aware of the vulnerability of your 
computer system, you leave your data open to a new 
class of criminal-information thieves. 

Computers connected to telephone lines are espe- 
cially vulnerable. Data transmitted from computer to 
computer can be intercepted. Most computers used 
to send data to another computer can be called by 
an unauthorized "hacker." Once an intruder gains ac- 
cess to the computer, he or she breaks past the pass- 
word level by writing a computer program that gen- 
erates possible combinations of characters until the 
password is found. Another method finds the "back 
door" access left behind by the original pro- 
grammer—a la WarGames— but this is not usually 
the case. Once the password has been found, the in- 
truder has total access to the computer system. 

Dialing into a remote computer using a modem and 
a terminal or another computer enables a user to gain 
complete access to that system. 

Computer data transmitted on telephone lines can 
also be recorded using wiretapping devices. The re- 
cordings can be input into another computer for de- 
coding, allowing the thief to read your information. 
This vulnerability also applies to Facsimile Transmis- 
sion Machines (FAX), which send pictures of docu- 
ments over telephone lines. A tap on a FAX line is 
the equivalent of an outside individual having access 
to your documents and a copy machine. 

I have personally been involved in tracking down 
information leaks from a major computer company 
whose coming years' marketing plans and price lists 
turned up in a competitor's office. The recording of 
a PanaFax telephone data-transmission line between 
the U.S. and Japan proved to be the source of the 
leak. 

Transmitted computer data is made up of erratic 
sound patterns. Therein lies a legal loophole — 



currently, no laws protect the interception and record- 
ing of these sound patterns. The law does protect 
an individual's privacy in a telephone conversation, 
but not the individual's transmitted data. 

Using sophisticated electronic eavesdropping 
devices, recorded ASCII (American National Standard 
Code for Information Interchange) transmissions can 
easily be decoded to text on a printer. There are pro- 
grams available on the market that absorb strings of 
data recorded on tape and analyze the nature of the 
data format. The program can determine if the data 
is ASCII or an encoded or encrypted file. After estab- 
lishing the type of file, it creates a program to read 
and print the information. 

Although there are devices that protect large com- 
puters from unauthorized access by using a call-back 
verification method, these devices can be defeated. 
Establishing where the authorized locations of dial- 
back are and diverting the call-back to another loca- 
tion using an array of available telecommunications 
equipment on the market is one method. Even if an 
individual cannot break into the system using his own 
micro, there are still ways to intercept the transmitted 
information by placing devices on the data line or 
within the computer system itself to monitor its oper- 
ation. This is called "bugging" a computer, which is 
quite different from a computer with bugs. In bug- 
ging or tapping a computer, you can set up the ap- 
propriate access necessary to monitor the system's 
operation using a microcomputer with a program that 
logs all the functions taking place. 

The detection method for finding these back doors, 
or "debugging," is quite different from correcting 
errors in a system. This type of debugging demands 
that all logical paths are defined to establish their 
finite termination points within the system. Software 
taps can take a long time to find, while hardware taps 
are more visible and take much less time to identify. 

It may be possible to prevent access to your com- 
puter system by hackers or pirates, but a great deal 
of high-tech espionage is still possible. The profes- 
sional thief will not spend hours and days figuring 
out passwords and back doors when he can simply 
place a tap on your telephone line. All he has to do 
then is sit back and wait for you to begin transmit- 
ting data. 

Bruce Bierman is president of Communical Inc. (1400 Grant Ave., 
Novate, CA 94947), a computer-security consultant firm. 



102 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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Reason and the Software Bus 

A narrative about future software 



With the dawn of 1984, a look into 
the state of software production pro- 
vides a view of contrasting extremes. 
At one extreme are advanced soft- 
ware projects, including the Japanese 
ten-year project in supercomputers 
and intelligent software. In this 
world, heavily funded software re- 
search facilities produce expert sys- 
tems, natural-language interfaces, ad- 
vanced CAD/CAM (computer-aided 
design/computer-aided manufactur- 
ing) software, and more. 

At the other extreme lies the world 
of day-to-day business and industrial 
programming, a world where 60 per- 
cent of all software is still written in 
assembly language. In this world, 
armies of software technicians labor 
intensively to produce small advan- 
tages, and a request to a corporate 
data-processing department for a 
simple report may be bottlenecked 
for two years. 

What is the future of the software 
industry? Will more intelligent soft- 
ware put the less competitive soft- 
ware factories out of business? Will 
the COBOL programmer become an 
extinct species? Indeed, will all ap- 
plications programmers be replaced 
by automated programming soft- 
ware? As artificial-intelligence tech- 
niques permeate computer science, 
the answer to each of these questions 
may be yes. 

The Reason Research Project 

In the summer of 1981 1 began a re- 
search project in artificial intelligence. 
Its long-term goal was to develop a 
highly intelligent software system. I 
wanted the system to be as indepen- 
dent of its supporting hardware as 
possible and also to be easily portable 
to succeeding generations of corn- 



by Michael F. Korns 

puters, to take advantage of increases 
in processing power, speed, and 
memory-addressing range. I called 
the project the Reason research 
project. 

As the project gained momentum, 
I took on an assistant. Our first two 
years of effort resulted in a new soft- 
ware technology— the Reason soft- 
ware bus— and an advanced software 
environment that provides multiple 
windows and tasks. We call this 
environment— as an in-house joke 
and with all due respect to Visicorp's 
Visi On and Apple's Lisa— Lision. 
This article describes the work of the 
Reason research project and its 
possible effect on future systems 
software. 

Before I describe the Reason soft- 
ware bus and Lision, I'd like to review 
the research background of the proj- 
ect. 

A Large-Scale Technology 

Because of the project's ambitious 
goals, I knew it would involve many 
lines of code and intricate algorithms. 
To have a hope of success, I had to 
begin by thinking at industrial levels: 
not a few programs and hundreds of 
lines of code, but hundreds of pro- 
grams and thousands of lines of 
code. 

In software engineering, tech- 
niques that are effective at low levels 
of production may not remain so at 
high levels. Selecting the correct tech- 
nology base for development and 
production was an important chal- 
lenge. 

Possible System Models 

In choosing a technology for our 
software, I considered various cur- 
rently available choices including 



tools like Unix, C, Pascal, and 
Modula-1 as well as structured- 
programming techniques, function- 
oriented languages, and object- 
oriented operating systems. I even 
reviewed current experiments that 
vary from von Neumann's stored- 
program, register-based model of 
computing hardware design toward 
increasingly parallel processing 
techniques. 

Ultimately, we reduced the field to 
three contenders: object-oriented 
operating systems, function-oriented 
languages, and a new model— a 
"software bus." 

Object-oriented operating systems 
and function-oriented languages are 
based on systems theory and algebra, 
respectively, and both derive from 
sound theoretic origins. Each of these 
orientations can be applied at some 
level of engineering effort. 

However, important questions re- 
main. What are the costs of imple- 
menting these systems, and what 
resources will they consume in order 
to operate efficiently? 

Ultimately, I chose to use the third 
system model, the software bus, as 
the basic tool for the Reason research 
project. As we will see in a moment, 
this model springs from an extreme- 
ly successful engineering metaphor, 
rather than from algebra or systems 
theory. I thus began with a system 
model that I guessed would be prac- 
tical, without first worrying if the 
model could be shown to be com- 
plete in the mathematical or 
theoretical sense. 

The Hardware Bus 

It was the impact of the hardware 
bus on the recent history of com- 
puters that made me think a software 



104 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Artificial 

Intelligence: 

Reason's 

Generational 

Approach 

The standard approach to a project with 
the scope of Reason requires many pro- 
grammers and much money. We did not 
have such resources and did not wish to 
seek venture-capital funding. For these 
reasons, we took a risky approach to 
reaching our ultimate goals. We had to 
bootstrap not just our efforts, but the 
technology itself. 

We chose to build the Reason technology 
in generations of tools. The idea was that 
each new generation would be more power- 
ful and efficient than the previous one, tak- 
ing us a step closer to our goals, and that 



with each generation we would build the 
next. 

This strategy was very risky because if 
even one generation of tools should fail, 
the project's overall success would be cast 
into doubt. 

The systems and tools described in the 
main text represent the first generation of 
the project— the Reason software bus. This 
generation of tools is not intended to take 
up directly the question of artificial intel- 
ligence. Instead, these tools greatly ac- 
celerate the creation of more powerful pro- 
gram components. 

Using these tools, the Reason research 
project has been able to generate a complex 
software system quickly. The tools seem to 
be more efficient than anything any of us 
involved in the project has used before. 

We also feel that the Reason software bus 
fulfills the other criterion of each genera- 
tion of our technology: to represent a small 
but significant step toward the project's 



long-term goal of artificial intelligence in 
software. How do I mean this? 

No system, human or machine, can 
achieve advanced intelligence unless the 
system can manipulate its own com- 
ponents. To do this, the system must have 
a model to use as a guide. If the system 
is a machine, the model must be simple and 
clear enough for a program to understand. 

These criteria were crucial in deciding 
that the software bus was the most appro- 
priate model to use for the first generation 
of our project. The Reason software bus is 
a simple, packet-switching data-transmis- 
sion protocol. In addition to fulfilling this 
generation's goal of greatly increased pro- 
gramming productivity, it is also a model 
simple and clear enough for a program to 
understand. The next generation of in- 
tegrated components running on the bus 
may well address directly the issue of the 
ability of the Reason software bus to under- 
stand its own model. 



bus would be practical. Bused hard- 
ware designs, using integrated cir- 
cuits, have been extremely effective 
in advancing electronic engineering 
in recent years. Most microcom- 
puters, for example, include a hard- 
ware bus as an integral part of their 
design. 

The bus setup enables engineers to 
design such computer systems in an 
open-ended fashion. Simply by mak- 
ing them conform to the hardware 
bus protocol, engineers can create ex- 
citing new hardware and peripherals 
compatible with existing systems. 
Other engineers can configure new 
and different systems out of existing 
chips and integrated circuits. Field 
technicians can repair all these prod- 
ucts by replacing modular boards. 

Telecommunications systems dis- 
play another successful application of 
busing protocols. Communications 
networks, which bus data from one 
location to another in small packets, 
are indispensable to today's informa- 
tion-processing industry. 

The Reason Software Bus 

The power of the bus as a system 
model is all the more remarkable in 
that the bus is little more than a data- 
transmission protocol. What in- 



terested the members of the Reason 
research project was whether this 
busing concept could form the basis 
for a similarly successful generation 
of software tools. Could we apply the 
same design metaphor, so successful 
in hardware and telecommunica- 
tions, to the creation of an equally 
successful new software technology? 

The Reason software bus uses the 
bus metaphor to create a new soft- 
ware technology. In its basic form, 
the software bus is a simple protocol 
for transmitting data packets from 
one bus-integrated software compo- 
nent to another. The bus protocol 
looks like a standard telecommunica- 
tions protocol, with six transmitted 
parameters and two returned 
parameters. 

Bus-integrated components are in- 
dependent software modules, the 
metaphorical counterparts of the in- 
tegrated circuits in a hardware bus 
design. They are passive software 
packages, activated by transmissions 
along the software bus. 

Once activated, a bus-integrated 
component may initiate transmis- 
sions that activate other bus-inte- 
grated components. In such an orien- 
tation, the software implementing 
the bus is in control. Individual soft- 



ware components are not even aware 
of a world outside themselves. In- 
stead, they simply receive and 
transmit data packets from origins to 
destinations. 

Power and Flexibility 

Like their counterparts working in 
hardware-bus environments, Reason 
design engineers using the software 
bus can develop powerful bus-inte- 
grated components, confident that 
Reason system engineers can quickly 
configure the bus with various com- 
binations of these components to 
create complex applications systems. 
Reason maintenance personnel can 
repair or update such systems mere- 
ly by replacing one or more bus-in- 
tegrated components with newer and 
more powerful components. 

Reason and Unix 

A comparison with Unix illustrates 
the power and flexibility of a soft- 
ware-bus design. The Unix operating 
system allows standard output from 
one program to be rerouted as the 
standard input to another program. 
This capability, called piping, is a 
hallmark of Unix flexibility. 

Now consider an environment in 
which all input and output of any 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 105 



System Models 
in Software 

Why can't you request a list of all the 
programs that operate under CP/M? Of 
the programs that interact with each 
other? Of the means they use to interact? 

Because no such list exists, nor is it like- 
ly to exist soon. This is because the sys- 
tem model for CP/M programs is unclear. 
People can and do write CP/M programs 
in any fashion they choose. The question 
of system modeling comes up only after the 
programs are written, when it is too late. 
CP/M is just one of many programming 
environments in which the system model 
does not receive high priority. 

However, new programming environ- 
ments are being designed in a different 
way. Designers choose a system model 
first, and then create programs. 

We considered three such models for 
Reason. Object-oriented environments, 
function-oriented environments, and soft- 
ware-busing environments. 

A number of current experiments are 
aimed at developing object-oriented com- 
puter operating environments. An "ob- 
ject" can be anything from a byte memory 
switch to a whole suite of programs, de- 
pending on the flexibility of the system 's 
"object dictionary." Object-oriented en- 
vironments depend heavily on descriptive 
tables and dictionaries. 



DICTIONARY 

OF 

OBJECTS 




DICTIONARY 

OF 

OPERATIONS 




DICTIONARY 

OF 

OBJECTS 


I 




I 




t 


OBJECT 




OPERATION 




OBJECT 







Figure 1: An object-oriented operating system model. 



The preliminary manual of one such 
project contains terms like hierarchy, node, 
keys, locks, badges, and zone-in-item- 
space. More simply, however, figure 1 il- 
lustrates the kind of model an object- 
oriented operating system proposes. 

In this environment, operations per- 
formed on objects create new or altered ob- 
jects. Each of these objects and operations 
is stored in one or more dictionaries. As 
operations alter objects in the environment, 
the environment's dictionaries are updated 
to reflect these changes. Thus, a list of 
available programs, which was difficult to 
obtain for CP/M, is easily obtained in an 
object-oriented environment. You simply 
examine the system's dictionaries. 

Function-oriented programming en- 
vironments extend to the design and con- 
struction of new programming languages 



and to the future of computing hardware. 
Function-oriented environments are 
especially exciting when designed in 
tandem with hardware design. 

In such an environment, the function- 
oriented software is designed to break large 
functions down into sequences of smaller 
functions. The software then ships these 
smaller functions to parallel processors so 
that the various portions of a problem are 
solved piecemeal but simultaneously. 

The Reason design team did not choose 
either of these models, despite their respec- 
tive attractions. Instead, we chose to de- 
velop a software bus. Although it was a 
newer, less well-tested system model, we 
felt the Reason software bus gave us the 
even greater power and flexibility we re- 
quired to reach our long-term goals. 



program component is "standard/' 
i.e., is known to the software bus and 
occurs across an active bus transmis- 
sion line. Such transmission lines can 
be run in series, in parallel, or in any 
other logical combination. Transmis- 
sions from any component can be re- 
routed to any other component on 
the bus by a simple command recon- 
figuring the bus. Such is the flexibili- 
ty and power of the software bus. 

Software-Bus Technical Details 

The Reason software bus is a data- 
transmission protocol between dis- 
crete bus-integrated components. Its 
function is analogous to the functions 
performed by a hardware bus. In fact, 
the Reason protocol looks much like 
a standard packet-switching network 
protocol, with six transmitted 
parameters: 



• user identification (person or com- 
ponent ID) 

•logical transmission-line number 
(unique data path) 

• transmission-origin routing name 

• transmission-destination routing 
name 

•transmission verb or command 
expression (e.g., LOGON, LOGOFF, 
WRITE, NEXT, etc.) 
•transmission data packet 

and two returning parameters: 

•returned data packet 
•transmission status message 

The Reason software bus supports 
each discrete integrated component 
by providing a code page, a data 
page, an operations stack, and a data 
stack. Figure 1 on page 108 demon- 



strates how these supporting 
resources interact. 

Each time a transmission session 
on the bus activates a bus-integrated 
program, a Reason context is created. 
A newly created timesharing opera- 
tion is called a task. It is common to 
have multiple contexts within a single 
task. It is also possible to have mul- 
tiple tasks within a single context. 

The code page contains the op- 
timized machine-language code that 
is the bus-integrated program. The 
Reason protocol allows code pages to 
vary in size, up to 64K bytes. 

Importantly, all Reason bus-inte- 
grated components are recursively 
reentrant. Neither multiple simulta- 
neous contexts nor multitasking ap- 
plications require multiple copies of 
the same program code page. Com- 
ponents can invoke themselves or 



106 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




;/ 



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Circle 29 on inquiry card. 




Apparatlnc. 









DATA 
PAGE 




J 


i 










CODE 
PAGE 









OPERATIONS 
STACK 



DATA 
STACK 



Figure 1: The interacting resources of the 
Reason software bus. Each software compo- 
nent on the bus has a code for the program 's 
source code, a data page for variable storage, 
and operations and data stacks, the "scratch- 
pads" for program operation. 



IBM 
PC 




IBM 
XT 




















RADIO 
SHACK 
MODEL 16 
































HARD 
DISK 










VICTOR 




DEC 
PC 



Figure 2: Each microcomputer runs a ver- 
sion of a Datanet. Datanet masks the dif- 
ferences between each node microprocessor and 
the network environment. Microcomputers in 
the network share data as well as execute pro- 
grams interactively. 



can be invoked many times concur- 
rently and still require only one copy 
of the object code. 

New data pages are supplied for 
each concurrent invocation, and, as 
long as the data pages are kept sepa- 
rate, everything operates smoothly. 
Reason provides a data page for each 
context. Reason also provides an 
operations stack and a data stack for 
each task. 

Selecting a Language 

Selecting a computing language to 
implement the Reason software bus 

108 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



was difficult. We needed a high 
degree of machine independence but 
could not afford the run-time over- 
head of previously existing pseudo- 
code languages like Pascal. 

Pascal also was too high-level for 
our purposes, as we needed to work 
more directly with the machine. We 
looked at FORTH but decided it was 
too slow in execution and cumber- 
some in its linking process. We felt C 
was fast enough, but it still didn't let 
us get close enough to the machine. 

The N Language 

Finally, we chose to develop our 
own language to support the project. 
We decided to create a language with 
two different syntaxes: it would be 
simultaneously an assembly lan- 
guage and a high-level language. We 
dubbed this language a "meta-assem- 
bler" because of its dual syntax. We 
called it N, for Network language. 
(See the accompanying box for 
details on N, its speed, and its 
unusual dual syntax.) 

The Network Control Program 

The Reason software bus is an in- 
ternally networked data-transmission 
protocol. In effect, it is a network of 
independent software components. 
This network is integrated using a 
control program somewhat analo- 
gous to an operating system. In 
Reason, this program is appropriately 
termed a network control program, 
or simply NCR By loading a network 
control program into a machine and 
creating origin and destination dic- 
tionaries, you configure the system. 

It is the responsibility of the net- 
work control program to support the 
software bus. How a program is 
loaded into a code page, how con- 
texts and tasks are started, and how 
data pages and stacks are allocated 
are all problems that the NCP must 
resolve. 

Unlike an operating system, how- 
ever, a network control program is 
merely another discrete integrated 
program on the Reason software 
bus. Network control programs are 
every bit as interchangeable as any 
other component in the system. You 
can construct many different NCPs, 



simple or complex, to satisfy specific 
engineering needs. This has interest- 
ing implications, especially for net- 
works involving a variety of com- 
puters. 

In figure 2, all computers might be 
running copies of the same network 
control program and sharing the net- 
work equally. Or some computers 
could be running different NCPs, 
with different functions and orienta- 
tions. One or more might be running 
NCPs in a slave mode, and one ma- 
chine or more might have a master 
NCP installed, determining the 
specific tasks of the other computers. 

The problems of networking per- 
sonal computers— from the same 
manufacturer, let alone of different 
brands— have been hard to solve at 
the software level using other tech- 
nologies. Once the Reason software 
bus has been installed on a number 
of machines, however, these prob- 
lems shrink to the less difficult activ- 
ity of configuring network control 
programs for different tasks and re- 
lationships among the networked 
computers. 

Building the First NCP 

Datanet, the first network control 
program written for the Reason proj- 
ect, is designed as a multicontext, 
single-tasking, microcomputer net- 
work control program. It is a discrete, 
integrated component on the Reason 
software bus. This first NCP manages 
up to 1 megabyte of RAM (random- 
access read/write memory) and up to 
12 concurrent program contexts and 
uses as little as 300K bytes of floppy- 
disk storage or as much as 15 mega- 
bytes of hard-disk storage. 

Copies of Datanet operating con- 
currently on different microcom- 
puters can be used to create a net- 
work machine. Each computer in the 
network shares program contexts and 
exchanges data. Network machines 
can duplicate tasks for redundancy, 
or a large problem can be broken up 
into smaller activities to take advan- 
tage of the parallelism of the 
network. 

The design of Datanet allows max- 
imum flexibility. As figure 3 illus- 
trates, the Datanet kernel is nothing 

more than a network transmission 

Text continued on page 112 



Draw your own conclusions 
with a Six-Shooteiv 



The Sweet-P Six-Shooter. 
The six-pen graphics plotter 
that made a big noise at 
COMDEX. It goes for 
$1095. And goes. And goes. 

The Good Guys from Enter 
Computer, Inc., really showed 'em 
at COMDEX. 

They pulled out the Sweet-P 
Six-Shooter. And it blew everyone 
away. Especially the competition. 

The Six-Shooter graphics plotter 
uses six pens, not just two. They 
change and cap automatically in 
a fraction of a second. And they 
can draw at 14 inches a second 
on a plotting area of 8 Vz x 11-inches 
or 11 x 17-inches. 

But it's what they draw that 
caused all the excitement. 



i 



-r? 



Six-Shooter Standard interfaces: parallel, 
and serial with evesdropping: 



oo 


Plotter 




1 1 1 




1 
Eavesdrop Mode 

1 


n 


Serial Interlace 





Presentation-quality graphics 
in six colors. Graphs 
of all kinds... bar, pie, 
line, scatter and sur- 
face. Information taken 
from spread sheets or 
D.I.F. files, and repro- 
duced in minutes on 
paper or acetate (for over- 
head transparencies). 

The Six-Shooter showed its 
friendly side, too. It's compatible 
with IBM, Apple and major CP/M 
based micros. Which means, of 
course, that it can use most of the 
graphics software created for them. 
Including many packages that sup- 
port Hewlett-Packard's plotters. 

If you're networking, get this: 
the Six-Shooter has two ports that 
let you switch from parallel inter- 
face to RS-232 serial interface 
and back again. It'll even eaves- 
drop on the line between your 
computer and any terminal, listen- 
ing for the signal to start plotting. 




Trademarks: Sweet-P, Six-Shooter, Personal Plotter, Enter Computer, Inc. 
Apple Computers; H-P, Hewlett-Packard; IBM, International Business 
Machines; CP/M, Digital Research. 




Servicing is available at any 
of more than 80 Xerox Service 
Centers throughout the country. 
And software assistance and 
advice is as close as your tele- 
phone. Just call the Good Guys 
direct. And toll-free. In California, 
call (800) 227-4371. Anywhere 
else in the U.S. , call (800) 227-4375. 

Get hold of a Six-Shooter 

now at your near- f\ 

est computer store. \.., 
Then draw your own \ ^ 
conclusions. / Gg a ^-§ 

In six colors on O--^ '" ~ tl y$\ 




paper or acetate. 
In minutes. For $1095. 

The good guys from 
out of the West. 



c 



Enter Computer, Inc., 
6867 Nancy Ridge Drive, 
San Diego, California 92121 
Telephone (619) 450-0601. 
Milan, Italy: (392) 323597 



Enter Computer. 
The Sweet-P Personal 
Plotter Company. 

Circle 19 on inquiry card. 




The Reason 

Network 

Language 



The N language is an assembler for a 
very well defined, imaginary, stack- 
oriented, pseudocode-like machine. Pro- 
grams can be written, onep-code per line, 
exactly as with assemblers for real 
machines. But high-level syntax can also 
be used, which is why we call it a "meta- 
assembler. " 

Unlike many other p-code machines, the 
N p-codes never appear in the target 
machine. The N compiler outputs what in 
Reason is called a Compiler Normal Form 
file. This file is then passed through O, the 
Reason binary code generating optimizer. 
And, the final form ofanN language pro- 
gram is optimized binary machine language 
for the target machine. 

The result is that N language programs 
are highly portable yet very fast. Currently 
the N language operates on the Motorola 
68000 and the Intel 8086 family of pro- 
cessors. Reason also plans to create op- 
timizer tables for the National Semiconduc- 
tor 16032 and other microprocessors. 

N language programs can be written in 
normal assembly-language format or in 
high-level syntax. Listings 1 and 2 dem- 
onstrate N's unusual feature of a dual syn- 
tactical structure. 

Significantly, both forms of the program 
are equivalent. O will output the identical 
optimized binary machine code regardless 
of the form used. 

O, another product of the first genera- 
tion of Reason, is a 900 template optimizer 
with expression reduction and register 
allocation. Since the optimizer is table 
driven, only one copy of the optimizer is 
required for all target machines. Chang- 
ing the optimizer's tables generates 
machine code for a new target machine. 

A study published in the Gilbreath ar- 
ticle cited in the main text displayed times 
for execution of a prime-number generating 
program written in several different com- 
pilers on the Motorola 68000. A com- 
parison of results (table 1) for the same 
prime-number generator written in N 
yields some indication of the efficiency of 
N and O on the 68000 relative to the nine 
top performers in the Gilbreaths ' study. 



Listing 1: The assembler -like syntax variation of the proprietary language, N. 



START: 


#LCD{K} 
#LOD{I} 
#LCI{0} 


THEN: 


#CPI{GE} 

#JCF{ELSE} 

#LCI{1} 


ELSE: 


#LCD{N} 
#SVD{I} 

#JMP(CONTINUE) 
#LCI{-1} 


CONTINUE: 


#LCD{N} 
#SVD{I} 



/* LOAD ADDRESS OF INTEGER VARIABLE*/ 
/* LOAD INTEGER ONTO STACK 7 

/* LOAD INTEGER CONSTANT ONTO 
STACK 7 

/* IS K GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO ? 7 
/* IUMP IF K LESS THAN 7 

r LOAD INTEGER CONSTANT ONTO 
STACK */ 

/* LOAD ADDRESS OF INTEGER VARIABLE*/ 
/* SAVE INTO INTEGER VARIABLE */ 

/* JUMP AROUND ELSE */ 

/* LOAD INTEGER CONSTANT ONTO 
STACK */ 

/* LOAD ADDRESS OF INTEGER VARIABLE*/ 
/* SAVE INTO INTEGER VARIABLE */ 



Listing 2: The high-level syntax of N. 

START: IF [K> =0] THEN [N: =1] ELSE [N: = - 1] 
CONTINUE: 







Time 


Computer 


Language 


(seconds) 


68000 8 MHz 


Assembly 


0.49 


68000 8 MHz 


SMPL (Ebnek) 


2.6 


68000 8 MHz 


N 


2.85 


68000 8 MHz (Sun PM68K) 


Pascal (Telesoft) 


4.28 


68000 8 MHz (Sun PM68K) 


Ada (Telesoft) 


4.4 


68000 Wicat 1 50WS 


C (Johnson) 


4.71 


68000 8 MHz (HP-9830) 


Ada (Telesoft) 


4.0 


68000 8 MHz (HP-9830) 


Pascal (Telesoft) 


5.0 


68000 8 MHz 


Pascal (Softech Nat.) 


5.0 


68000 8 MHz 


Pascal (IMS Inc.) 


5.8 


68000 8 MHz (HP-9830) 


Pascal (Hewlett-Packard) 


5.9 



Table 1: Results of a prime-number generating program in a variety of languages run- 
ning on 68000 processors. 



Reason optimization tools will also in- 
clude a table-driven, assembly-language 
source generating optimizer to be called S. 
This optimizer will generate native assem- 
bly language files in one-to-one correspon- 
dence with the binary output of the code 
generating optimizer. S would be used in 
the event that an O-optimized N program 



were not fast enough for some special im- 
plementation. In such a case, compiler nor- 
mal form would be passed through S to 
produce native assembly-language source. 
An engineering technician would then fur- 
ther optimize this source by hand, until 
it was as close to assembly-language speeds 
as the implementation required. 



110 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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F 



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believe we have created the program you seek. 

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spreadsheet, information management and 
graphic functions — all in one program. 

You can switch from one function to another 
with the touch of a key, instantaneously. 
Although it seems faster. 



In effect, it's a perfect combination of raw 
power and spectacular speed. 

But for those who want more, 1-2-3 is spe- 
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In fact, the only limit is your imagination. 
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from Lotus. 



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1-2-3 .ind I.«tus ;irc tr;tdcm;trks of Lotus Development Corporation. All rights reserved. 




Figure 3: The Datanet system is constructed from a layered collection of discrete components 
with a single message router at the center. There are no operating systems or applications 
programs, just a collection of components, each sending messages to all the other components. 



Text continued from page 108: 
manager. All of the actual work is 
performed by the Datanet system ser- 
vice handlers (SSHs), independent 
modules through which Datanet 
routes all transmissions. 

Datanet comes with several resi- 
dent system service handlers, and 
additional disk-resident SSHs are 
available as well. Datanet's use of 
disk-resident SSHs allows an engi- 
neer wide flexibility in dynamically 
extending or constricting Datanet for 
specific environments. 

The Laplace Interpreter 

With an NCP and other bus-inte- 
grated programs available, it re- 
mained to complete the actual soft- 
ware bus by linking these com- 
ponents. 

To picture this problem, consider 
how a printed-circuit board joins 
unrelated components in a hardware 
bus design to create products. How 
are two popular 16-bit computers— 



the DEC Rainbow and the IBM PC- 
related? From our human point of 
view, the difference between these 
two computers is clear. They look dif- 
ferent, they have different keyboards, 
and they come from different manu- 
facturers. 

Yet, from an engineering stand- 
point, they and other computers 
share many of the same integrated 
circuits and components. Under their 
covers may lie the same micropro- 
cessor, memory chips, and logic cir- 
cuitry. Seen from the point of view 
of an integrated-circuit manufacturer, 
each of these computers might be 
thought of as merely a different user 
view of mostly identical components. 

How could we on the Reason re- 
search project construct software user 
views? Obviously, in software we 
could not use a physical surface such 
as a printed-circuit board. Instead, 
we would need an algorithmic lan- 
guage to logically connect our various 



software-bus components. To speed 
up development of the Reason proj- 
ect's user views (the applications soft- 
ware), we decided that this language 
would be interpreted. 

Existing Choices 

Once again, we undertook a review 
of the existing technology in the area 
of interpreters. We looked first, of 
course, at BASIC. The syntax style of 
BASIC is easy to learn and use, 
which means that programming neo- 
phytes might be able to develop user 
views on the Reason software bus. 

Because BASIC programs are read- 
able after any number of revisions, 
maintenance is fairly easy. But BASIC 
lacks the modularity necessary for 
large engineering projects. We had to 
reject it as the language of choice. 

APL has simple and efficient 
modularity, but its syntax is too 
esoteric and difficult to maintain. 
FORTH, the only other interpreter 
we considered at length, is exten- 
sible: user-defined commands can ex- 
tend the language's vocabulary with 
new words— a very desirable feature. 
Another FORTH advantage is its abil- 
ity to get at the machine. 

But FORTH did not fulfill our syn- 
tactical requirements for readability. 
So, as you might expect, once again, 
we decided to create our own inter- 
preter, combining all these desirable 
features. We call it Laplace. 

Laplace is an interpretive language 
in the same syntax family as BASIC. 
It has the modularity and recursion 
of APL. It also has the extensibility 
and machine facilities of FORTH. The 
Laplace interpreter is one more bus- 
integrated component, a discrete 
software module running on the 
Reason software bus. 

A Laplace Listing 

Listing 1 is a prime-number pro- 
gram coded as a user-defined com- 
mand in Laplace. Versions of this pro- 
gram in many different languages ap- 
peared in an article by Jim Gilbreath 
and Gary Gilbreath (see "Eratos- 
thenes Revisited: Once More through 
the Sieve," January 1983 BYTE, page 
283). Listing 1 allows comparison of 
Laplace syntax with that of other 
languages. 



112 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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Circle 456 on inquiry card. 




Listing 1: A prime-number generator written for the Laplace interpreter. 




(Or how to add 
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with just one 



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ConsoCard from Consolink...the multifunction 
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■ Up to 384K expansion memory for larger 
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■ Printer spooling for computing even when 
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■ Battery powered 
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One Card. Six Tricks. v 


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Circle 109 on inquiry card. 



j area regis! ered tradi 
International Business Machines Corpoi 



100 DEF, PRIME 

110 DIM,flags[8191]{i} / m{i} / count{i} / prime{i} / k{i} / i{i} 

120 ? u 10 iterations" 

130 FOR{M = l,10}:count = 

140 FOR{i = 0,8190}:flags[i] = l:NEXT! 

150 FOR{i = 0,8190} 

160 IF{flags[i]=0}THEN:GOTO,210 

170 prime = i + i + 3:?prime:k = i + prime 

180 IF{k>8190}THEN:GOTO,200 

190 flags[k] = 0:k = k + prime:GOTO,l 80 

200 count = count + 1 

210 NEXT! 

220 NEXT! 

230 ?count, u primes" 

240 END! 



„OLINK 

CORPORATION 



1840 Industrial Circle ■ Longmont. CO 80501 
(303) 651-2014 -Toll Free 800-525-6705 

Subsidiary of Consolidated <*> Packaging Corporation 



Our First User View 

With Laplace in our software tool- 
box, it was now time for the acid test. 
Could the Reason research project ac- 
complish anything with these shiny 
new software tools? It was time to 
construct the first user view. 

To preserve the bus metaphor and 
perform this task efficiently, this user 
view would have to be a selection of 
discrete bus-integrated components 
fitted together via interpretive 
Laplace programs and merged into a 
system configuration. Of course, with 
this as with all user views, the com- 
puter user would not need to see in- 
side the creation. 

From the user's point of view, this 
new creation seems just like any 
other large, complex application pro- 
gram, in the same way that a DEC 
Rainbow and an IBM PC appear to a 
user as distinct computers, rather 
than two different user views of 
mostly the same components. 

We chose to develop an advanced 
user view— a complete software en- 
vironment comparable to Visicorp's 
Visi On and the software running on 
Apple's Lisa. 

Could we develop, without high- 
resolution hardware or a mouse, a 
user view of such sophistication? We 
decided to try and to refer to this en- 
vironment as Lision. 

Lision 

In order to fully test the productivi- 
ty of the new software tools, we as- 
signed one senior software engineer 
full-time to the project. Single- 



handedly, this engineer would have 
to connect existing bus components 
together with Laplace algorithms to 
form 



• a multiple-screen context (window) 
applications interface 

•a disk operating system, similar in 
its functions to MS-DOS, which 
would operate out of any of the 
screen contexts 

•an advanced spreadsheet program 
•a full-service text editor 

• a document printer/ formatter for 
combining text files into large printed 
documents 

• a database-management system 

The result, Lision, operates effi- 
ciently in 320K bytes of RAM, using 
as little as 300K bytes of disk space. 
(See photos 1 through 11.) 

The document printer/formatter 
can produce documents of up to 500 
pages and automatically generates a 
table of contents, headers, etc. The 
disk operating system can perform 
directories, memory dumps, interac- 
tive debugging, generic file copies, 
deletes, merges, and even generic N 
compiles or native assemblies. 

The Lision text editor does line or 
column move or copy, group search 
or replace, wrap-around paragraph 
managing, and even sorting. The 
spreadsheet is fully programmable. It 
includes all the transcendental func- 
tions, IF. . THEN statements, user 
definable commands, and a wide 
range of full programming features. 



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then sends it at the fastest rate your 
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Because MicroSpooler™ Is a 
stand-alone buffer, it can be easily 



installed in-line between almost any 
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communications and peripheral 
devices. And its attractive case and 
compact size allow it to fit comfortably 
in any office environment. 

Standard features include: 

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data stored or number of copies left 
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CONSOLINK 

CORPORATION 



»840 Industrial Circle Longmont.CO8050I (303)65 
Circle 110 on inquiry card. 



- OUU-DZD-O/UD 



Subsidiary of Consolidated * 



Packaging Corporation 



1 
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GROSS REVENUES 1 HOVE 
OEM Prict (w\ unused 
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..oem siiw (*y 

INVESTMENT REVENUES 

Investment Base 

Interest Rate 
..Investment Income 

MIDGET RESEARCH EXPENSES 
Research Assistant 
IRS & SSC overhead 
Research Fee 
Product Royalty 
Travel Budget 
Equipment Budget 


1 

i 

925.88 

186.96 

'98.88 

osaaaa qd 

.11 

2750.96 

2588.88 
625.88 
3886.06 

W 258.*80 
850.00 


4988 86 

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2758.88 

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3866.68 

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2756.88 

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258.86. 
850.88 


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2756.66 

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256.68 
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President Salary 4899.86 


4886 86 


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V.P. Finance Salary 4866.89 


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26 


V.P. Marketing Salary 4886.88 


4686.86 


4688.68 




4888.88 
3688.86 


27 


IRS & SSC overhead 3668.88 


3698,88 


3686.88 


JliwidV 


29 


Office Rent I Utilities 3568.66 










29 


Travel Budget 588.89 


588.86 


588.88 


5-89.68 


586 86 




Equipment Budget 586.69 


599.88 


588.88 




568.68 


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., Tota 1 Admin Expenses 19589.89 


13588,99 


19566.68 


19588.86 


19588.98 
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DEF.ADMIN 








118 


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1 



Photo 1: Lisicalc, the Transoft spreadsheet, shown with one of its 
pop-up menus. 



Photo 2: The spreadsheet shown with the program it automatically 
generates. Programs in the Laplace interpreter can generate spread- 
sheets, and use of the spreadsheet generates programs. 



CONTEXT* |Tfl9 
CONTEXTB 1*8 
COHTEXTC ! 121 



. »«nf2e BAR SftftPH 

121 DATABIQS 

122 DATANET 

123 DOCUMENT 
8.88 4066.08 4908.09 4966124 ECU 
8.88 180988.88 188088.88 108996125 LaPLACE 

126 REPORT 



(all of the above, to be integrated wi 
)hp:SHALL BUSINESS PACKAGE 

The small business package Hill i 
business packages which other licra to 
will be integrated on the software bus 



12 0.60 2759.80 2750.08 2756138 

g 5636.28 131 

S 1582.33 132 

15 9.00 2560.60 2500.06 2566133 

16 5.00 625.60 625.68 625134 

17 0.00 3898.88 3666.60 3886135 

18 0.66 3680.66 3009.86 3888136 

19 6.66 258.00 258.68 258137 
26 8.60 850.08 858.06 856138 



Photo 5: The spreadsheet and word processor in different windows. 
The user is preparing to copy the title "SMALL BUSINESS PACK- 
AGE' ' from the text file at right directly into the spreadsheet at left. 
Large blocks of text can also be moved. 



} UU of the above, to be integrated wi 

■ 8.80 2750.88 2758.80 2758139 )hp:SNAU BUSINESS PACKAGE 

13 5638.28 131 The snail business package will i 

14 1562.33 132 business packages which other micro so 

15 8.38 2506.80 2500.98 2580133 will be integrated on the software bus 

16 5.00 625.00 625.80 625134 

17 8.00 3006.00 3000.08 3666135 

18 6.00 3868.66 3606.00 3866136 COMPONENT 

19 0.88 258.88 258.86 258137 — 

26 8.88 858.88 858.88 856138 



Photo 6: The heading now appears in the spreadsheet. 



a 00 I 18.88 4666124 

S*M ' '9.88 188886*5 

* ,m 126 

127 
SMALL BUSINESS PACKA6E g 

a 00 2750.08 2758.80 2758138 

5638.28 131 

1582.33 132 

8,88 2508.88 2588.99 2588133 



5.88 625.98 



625.88 625134 



8.00 3088.88 3809.88 3860135 

8.08 3008.60 3866.86 3866136 

8.00 258.68 258.80 259137 

0.00 850.06 858.06 858138 



fell of the above, to be integrated wi 
>hp:S«ALL BUSINESS PACKA6E 

The small business package will i 
business packages union other micro so 
wi 1 1 be integrated on the software bus 




Photo 9: Preparing to do a descending alphabetic sort on a column Photo 10: A Lisiword window overlapping a Lisicalc window, 
of words. 



116 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



nATABi REPLACE iwndtnt* 45 pp 

_ | niniuMi feature ) 125 pp 

uplaj program i 53 pp 

DOCUHI unused I « 

REPQRI I if 

EDIT < 

SPREAD 

m sraph 

Ull of the above i to b# integrated with 

mtsmx Business package 

The sim 11 business package will include the fundainentai 
business packages ufrich other micro software houses offer, 
will be integrated on the software bus. 



36 COMPONENT 



MANUAL STftTla 




Photo 3: Lisiword, the word processor , preparing to sort a list of Photo 4: The page numbers in the text file are now in ascending order, 
numbers in a text file. 



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Photo 7: Preparing to copy a column of numbers from the spread- 
sheet into the text file. 




Photo 8: The numbers now appear in the Lisiword text file. 



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140 SiMNPUTCEHTER DATA SET NAHPiOlOU 



Photo 11: Three Lision windows showing a dump for a machine 
language file in hexadecimal, a program written in the Laplace inter- 
preter, and a program written in the N compiler'. 



Lision's database-management system is not quite 
finished at this writing. When complete, it will include 
masked screen display, data entry, and creation; auto- 
matic report generation and creation of report formats; 
and impromptu inquiry in an English-like query lan- 
guage. 

Lision features a single-line menu at the top of the dis- 
play for highlighting current user options. Function keys 
take the place of the mouse for selecting menu options 
and do not disturb the normal cursor position in the cur- 
rent window. Furthermore, the system features user-pro- 
grammable function keys (softkeys) to automate menu 
selections or any other operations. 

Lision allows multiple programs to operate simulta- 
neously, each with its own different screen. Windows 
can be placed anywhere on the display and may be of 
any size. They may overlap, be side to side, on top of 
one another, and so on (the desktop metaphor). Data 
can be transferred from any window into any other. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 117 



Circle 132 on inquiry card. 




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US January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 364 on inquiry card. 



Using the new software bus tools, 
the Reason research project created 
Lision in less than 10 person-weeks. 
Lision was begun on July 15, 1983, 
and the first draft of this article was 
written on September 27, 1983, using 
Lision. 

Summary 

Design work on the Reason soft- 
ware bus began on July 1, 1981. Final 
cleanup on this generation of tools 
should be completed before you read 
this article. The bus and Lision are 
currently operational, although they 
require beta testing and bug fixes. 

The entire Reason software bus 
was developed in less than 36 engi- 
neering person-months. Equipment 
used in the project comprised two 
68000-based desktop computers and 
an IBM PC system modified by inclu- 
sion of a 68000 board manufactured 
by Analytical Engines Inc. of Austin, 
Texas. 

One favorable compiler timing 
comparison and one favorable appli- 
cations development project do not 
a technology make. Of course, we at 
the Reason research project are ex- 
cited about our progress. We have 
high hopes for the future. However, 
if software-busing concepts, and the 
Reason software bus in particular, are 
to become a factor in future tech- 
nology, they must remain productive 
across a number of tests and within 
a number of different environments. 

If they continue to be productive, 
it's possible that software-busing con- 
cepts may form a new software tech- 
nology with dramatic effects on the 
software choices of the future. 

Because of this possibility, mem- 
bers of the Reason research project, 
together with other associates, have 
formed a company called Transoft 
Corporation to market the products 
of Reason research. Lision, no doubt 
under another name, will be one of 
the company's first products. ■ 

Michael F. Korns has been a software engineer 
for 18 years. He has worked in systems design for 
IBM, as a DP Manager for Tymshare, and until 
1981 was a principal in Computhink (now called 
Momentum Inc.). A student of mathematics, his 
primary interest is in artificial-intelligence software. 
He can be reached at Transoft Corporation, 233 Page 
St., San Francisco, CA 94117. 

Circle 296 on inquiry card. » 



•* i Ii I 4l II H 



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Copyright © 1983 Texas Instruments 277S-04OPC 



A General-Purpose Robot- 
Control Language 




122 January 1984 © BYTE Publications. Inc. 



RB5X is a little fellow, almost 2V 2 
feet tall. He is cylindrical, avail- 
able with or without an arm, and has 
a domed plastic top (see photo 1). 
With two powered-drive wheels and 
two casters for balance, he can pivot 
around his own center point, rotate 
360 degrees within his own diameter, 
and move forward or backward at 
about 4 inches per second. He's 
equipped with a ring of bumper 
switches, a highly directional sonar 
system capable of sensing remote ob- 
jects or barriers at distances ranging 
from 10 inches to 35 feet. Infrared 
sensors under his body can detect 
markers on the ground, including a 
line that guides him to a charger at 
which he feeds his two sealed lead- 
acid batteries (see photo 2). 

RB5X is a personal robot, the first 
in a series under development by RB 
Robot Corporation. RB5X is an exam- 
ple of state-of-the-art personal robots 
now reaching the market for the first 
time. 

The robot can be fitted with a 
vacuum cleaner (see photo 3), a 
trailer, a voice, a compass for naviga- 
tion, and even a fire detector and ex- 
tinguisher. With speech-recognition 
equipment, RB5X can come when 
called and respond to useful spoken 
commands. 

Notably, the robot is designed for 
growth. This initial design uses an 
INS-8073 8-bit processor from Na- 
tional Semiconductor with Tiny 
BASIC in ROM (read-only memory) 
and 8000 bytes of RAM (random- 
access read/write memory) to pro- 
gram control of the robot. Memory 
can be expanded with another 16,000 
bytes of RAM, plus 4K-byte EPROM 
(erasable programmable ROM) car- 
tridges for prewritten programs. The 
system motherboard provides several 
slots for expansion. Options as well 
as additional plug-ins developed by 
RB Robot and other companies are all 
designed to use this bus. 

Robots, even more than mass-mar- 
keted computers, are expected to com- 



municate with people in a convenient 
and friendly style. RB5X's program- 
ming language, Tiny BASIC, has some 
good features and packs a lot of power 
in a very small package, but conve- 
nience and friendliness with nontech- 
nical strangers cannot be counted 
among its good features. For example, 
to sound the robot's horn, it's neces- 
sary for a programmer to type an in- 
struction such as @#7801=#80. To 
make the horn stop, a different in- 
struction is needed. This isn't what 
the average person has in mind for 
conversation with a robot. When we 
designed RB5X, we knew that a 
natural language for control of robots 
would be essential to their general ac- 

Robots, even more 

than mass-marketed 

computers, are 

expected to 

communicate with 

people in a convenient 

and friendly style. 

ceptance in society. The open ques- 
tion was, "How soon could it be 
done?" 

The first steps were taken with re- 
markable speed. In June of 1983, the 
RB Robot staff examined a software 
system called Savvy developed by Ex- 
calibur Technologies Corporation. 
This system showed that the state of 
the art in plain-language program- 
ming and communication with com- 
puters had moved faster than antici- 
pated. Even in its first release, Savvy 
offered a way to leap almost im- 
mediately from communication ex- 
clusively in computer code to com- 
munication in plain language. 

We do not intend to do a full ex- 
position of Savvy in this article. (The 
Savvy programming language will be 
reviewed in the February BYTE.) 
Briefly, the Savvy system integrates 
a computer operating system, an in- 
definitely extensible computer Ian- 



Photo 1: RB5X, a personal robot, standing next to the "charger /nest." When the robot finds 
the nest, the two metal contacts on the front make contact with the metal strips of the curved 
surface of the charger and recharge the robot's batteries. (Photos courtesy of RB Robot 
Corporation.) 



guage, utilities, and applications. 

Savvy is integrated with an adap- 
tive pattern-recognition process 
(APRP) that lets it determine and act 
upon the meaning of imprecise in- 
puts, program names, or instruc- 
tions. For example, if Savvy has been 
programmed to recognize the in- 
struction BLOW THE HORN, it will 
without further training recognize 
such mistyped or rephrased instruc- 
tions as BLWO YOUR HRON, BLWO 
THEH ORN, etc. 

Any specified input can be con- 
nected in Savvy with any specified 
output. Thus, the Savvy system can 
be trained so that if it sees a pattern 
that seems more like BLOW YOUR 
HORN than anything else, it should 
output the instruction @#7801=#80. 
Furthermore, Savvy can learn that 
HONK and SOUND WARNING 
SIGNALS and OBLAY DER 
ORNHAY all mean BLOW YOUR 
HORN. If you then type SOUND 
THE HORN, the correct Tiny BASIC 
code will be emitted. 

RB Robot contracted with Excalibur 
for development of a new robot- 
control language (RCL) that uses the 
Savvy system on the Apple II com- 
puter. Programs are written in plain 
language, then automatically cross- 
compiled into Tiny BASIC code that 
is downloaded into the robot's 
computer. 

Working in RCL with Savvy, a pro- 
grammer of RB5X doesn't need to re- 
member whether the command to 
move forward is @#7802=#9 or 
@#7801=#20; he simply types MOVE 
FORWARD.RCL is more than a 
simple substitution of English words 
for computer code. The programmer 
can at any time add to the RCL 
vocabulary. In fact, the programmer 
creates a new language in using the 
system; he not only adds synonyms 
to the existing commands but creates 
new commands and extends the lan- 
guage as far as desired. 

If the operator writes a routine in 
RCL that causes the robot to run in 
a circle, the name of that routine 
(probably RUN IN CIRCLES or 
MAKE A CIRCLE) becomes part of 
the RCL vocabulary. RUN IN 
CIRCLES becomes a command with 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 123 




Photo 2: An internal viezv of RB5X that shows the main circuit board and rechargeable batteries. 



as much authority as any Savvy 
primary-language command like 
ADD, EDIT, or SAVE. Perhaps the 
operator wants the robot to do a 
dance while humming its own tune. 
The robot may be instructed to 
MOVE FORWARD, then RUN IN 
CIRCLES, then MOVE BACKWARD. 
It is unnecessary to tell the computer 
to go and find the subroutine called 
RUN IN CIRCLES, fetch it, and then 
run it. The name of the routine itself, 
RUN IN CIRCLES, implies all that, 
and Savvy does it automatically with- 
out requiring detailed instructions. 
You can think of Savvy as an auto- 
matic programmer that knows all of 
the details about the computer sys- 
tem. It tells the computer how to ac- 
complish the steps of the task, 
specifies memory allocation, data 
types, linking, and blocking. Savvy 
tells the computer when to open and 
close files and how to move through 
the structural hierarchy from one 
point in the system to another. Savvy 



knows more about the internal oper- 
ations of an Apple or IBM Personal 
Computer system than most human 
programmers. It follows the step-by- 
step instructions of a human pro- 
grammer to code the program. 

Savvy and a programmer must be 
able to communicate. RCL is the vo- 
cabulary created to enable that com- 
munication. If any wording choice 
seems unbearably bad to any RCL 
user, that person can associate some 
preferred name with the bad one and 
use that. To each his own. 

Skilled programmers, proud of 
their ability to operate in obscure 
codes, may choose to give RCL an ef- 
ficient vocabulary of very short 
names. You might teach the system 
that MF means the same as MOVE 
FORWARD, MB, MOVE BACK- 
WARD, and RIC, RUN IN CIRCLES. 
Using this kind of technique does not 
necessarily hide the meaning from 
newcomers to the code. Savvy inter- 
prets each command in terms of its 



original, underlying vocabulary. 
Unless the programmer takes steps 
to obscure the meaning of the pro- 
gram (which can be done), the pro- 
gram task is ultimately documented 
by the system in plain text. 

The vocabulary is constantly ex- 
panding because new fundamental 
instructions are continuously being 
added to the system for operation of 
the arm and hand, sensory systems, 
and other peripherals. The RCL pro- 
grammer can add instructions, up- 
dating the system at any time, sim- 
ply by defining the new terms to the 
system. RCL users will often develop 
new fundamental instructions that 
seem useful to them and add them 
to their own systems. No users group 
has yet been formed to publish and 
maintain a dictionary of terms com- 
mon to all RCL users, though such 
action would facilitate standardiza- 
tion from system to system. 

Developing RCL was essentially a 
job of writing a compiler as an ap- 



124 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



plication program in Savvy. The 
mechanics of the system were deter- 
mined by the nature of the existing 
Tiny BASIC software and hardware. 
The National Semiconductor micro- 
processor, memory and supporting 
circuitry are packaged specifically as 
a Tiny BASIC engine. 

The goal in developing RCL was 
straightforward: create a plain-lan- 
guage programming environment 
that will let a user readily create and 
edit "scripts" to govern a robot's 
behavior. We did not want to limit the 
effective utilization of all of the hard- 
ware features of RB5X, and we 
wanted to make good use of Tiny 
BASIC. We aimed to create a flexible, 
easily extensible set of programming 
constructs. 

The INS-8073 directly supports an 
RS-232C port through which a ter- 
minal can communicate with the 
Tiny BASIC interpreter/monitor in 
the RB5X. It was clear that with a cor- 
rectly functioning robot, we didn't 
need two-way communication with 
Tiny BASIC. We could work just one 
way, downloading a program from 
the Apple to the robot. 

Communications resolved, the 
next concern was storage of the Tiny 
BASIC program text. The typical syn- 
tax of a BASIC statement is statement 
numbers and then statement text. 
Therefore, a program file folder was 
named SOURCE, which had as its in- 
dexing item STATEMENT NUMBER 
and the two items BASIC TEXT and 
MEANING. BASIC TEXT is the pro- 
gram statement, and MEANING is a 
diagnostic and educational remark 
for the user. 

By way of clarification, Savvy ter- 
minology, as well as structure, is 
somewhat different from convention. 
Savvy uses the word folder for what 
is commonly called a "file," page for 
"record," item for "field," and task for 
"program." (Yes, there is debate about 
this, but we'll not enter it here.) 

The folder structure for stored Tiny 
BASIC text in RCL is: 



SOURCE (a folder) 

1 Id STATEMENT NUMBER 

2 Item BASIC TEXT 

3 Item MEANING 



Each robot script is, in fact, a Savvy 
task and is edited by the Savvy task 
editor. The "primitive" programming 
elements of RCL are the kinds of 
commands we suggested above. For 
example, 

GO FORWARD 

SPIN RIGHT 90 DEGREES 

WAIT this many seconds < 1 > 

TURN ON HORN 

SAY this phoneme <1> 

From these discrete instructions, the 
Savvy task editor compiles the Tiny 
BASIC text necessary to accomplish 
the function specified. 

Here is the process for compiling 
a single line of Tiny BASIC: Incre- 
ment the current line number to form 
the STATEMENT NUMBER for this 
statement, copy the appropriate piece 
of text to the BASIC TEXT, copy any 
meaningful text description to the 
MEANING, and then save this page 
of data in the SOURCE folder. Two 
tasks have been written to accom- 
plish this compilation: 

INCREMENT STATEMENT 
NUMBER (a task) 



1 Does ADD the STATEMENT 
NUMBER and STATEMENT 
NUMBER INCREMENT VALUE 

2 and COPY from SUM to 
STATEMENT NUMBER 

3 and END . 

COMPILE the BASIC statement 
<1> which means <2> 
(a function) 

1 Does INCREMENT STATE- 

MENT NUMBER 

2 and COPY from (1) to BASIC 

TEXT 

3 and COPY from (2) to 

MEANING 

4 and SAVE new page in 

SOURCE 

5 and END 

With these two tasks, it's easy to 
write one-liners to compile a state- 
ment. Some RCL primitives are very 
simple. For example, STOP ALL MO- 
TION (a task) does a COMPILE of 
the BASIC statement @#7802=#0 
(which means STOP ALL MOTION). 
In another example, the primitive 
WAIT goes through logic to deter- 
mine if a specified waiting period is 
shorter than one second. (In many 
Text continued on page 230 




Photo 3: RB5X with an optional vacuum-cleaner attachment. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 125 



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Listing 1: The Charger Finder routine written in RCL with Savvy. The program instructs 
the robot to search for a metal tape on the floor and follow that tape to the "charger/nest." 



57 Main Street, P.O. Box 70 
Franconia, N.H. 03580 
(603) 823-5587/7021 



JEB 3 



1 RESET THE ROBOT 

2 INITIALIZE MEMORY 

3 BEGIN A REPEATING PROCEDURE 

4 INITIALIZE MESSAGES 

5 CLEAR ALL VARIABLES 

6 BEGIN A REPEATING PROCEDURE 

7 GO FORWARD 

8 LEAVE IF ANY BUMPER TOUCHED 

9 DOES THE variable R compare = to ZERO 

10 LEAVE THIS REPEATING PROCEDURE 

1 1 END TEST 

12 REPEAT THIS REPEATING PROCEDURE 

1 3 LEAVE I F TAPE I S SENSED 

14 MOVE WITH BETA INTELLIGENCE 

15 REPEAT THIS REPEATING PROCEDURE 

16 FOLLOW TAPE 

17 MAINTAIN CHARGE 



Listing 2: The Charger Finder routine compiled into Tiny BASIC code. This program is trans- 
ferred from the Apple II computer into the RB5X's on-board computer. 



Tiny BASIC Text 

10 T = 10 

20 GOSUB 1000 

30 T = 10 

40 GOSUB 1000 

50 @ #7803 = #98 

60 N=TOP 

70 0=TOP + #FF 

80 M= TOP + #200 

90 FOR P = N TO M 
100 @P = #FF 
110 NEXT P 

120 REM START A LOOP 
130 @ #7803 = #98 
140 CLEAR 

150 REM START A LOOP 
160 @ #7802 =#09 
170 Y=@#7800 
180 IF Y<255 GOTO 230 
190 IF R<0 GOTO 210 
200 GOTO 230 
210 REM END HERE 
220 GOTO 150 
230 REM EXIT TO HERE 
240 X = #02 
250 GOSUB 1100 
260 R=@#7802 AND #40 
270 IF R = GOTO 310 
280 GOSUB 2000 
290 REM RETURN GOES HERE 
300 GOTO 120 
310 REM EXIT TO HERE 
320 REM START A LOOP 
330 @ #7803 = #98 
340 CLEAR 

350 REM START A LOOP 
360 @ #7802 = #08 
370 X = #02 
380 GOSUB 1100 
390 R=@#7802 AND #40 
400 IF R = GOTO 440 
410 Q=@#7802 AND #20 
420 IFQ = 0GOTO 440 



Meaning of Text 

Number of whole seconds 

Go wait 

Number of whole seconds 

Go wait 

Initialize I/O 

Initialize experience block 

Initialize inhibition block 



Begin A Loop 

Initialize I/O 

Clear variables 

Begin A Loop 

Go forward 

Test for bumper contact 

Exit if any contact 

Make a comparison 

Exit this Loop 

Fall through to here 

Repeat this Loop 

Turn on LED 1 

Go turn on a bit 
Test for tape sense 
Exit if tape sensed 
Go to Beta Subroutine 
Return to here 
Repeat this Loop 

Begin A Loop 
Intialize I/O 
Clear variables 
Begin A Loop 
Right forward 
Turn on LED 1 

Go turn on a bit 
Test for tape sense 
Exit if tape sensed 
Test for charger contact 
Exit if charger sensed 



Listing 2 continued on page 128 



126 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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Listing 2 continued: 



Tiny BASIC Text 



Meaning of Text 



Tiny BASIC Text 



Meaning of Text 



430 GOTO 350 

440 REM EXIT TO HERE 

450 Q=@#7802 AND #20 

460 IFQ = GOTO 800 

470 X = #40 

480 GOSUB 1100 

490 T = 

500 DO 

510 T = T+1 

520 @ #7802 = #09 

530 R=@#7802AND#40 

540 UNTIL (RO0) OR (T> = 

550 DELAY 100 • 

560 @#7803 = #98 

570 CLEAR 

580 REM START A LOOP 

590 @ #7802 = #01 

600 X = #02 

610 GOSUB 1100 

620 R=@#7802AND#40 

630 IFR = 0GOTO 670 

640 Q=@#7802AND#20 

650 IF Q = GOTO 670 

660 GOTO 580 

670 REM EXIT TO HERE 

680 Q=@#7802AND#20 

690 IF Q = GOTO 800 

700 X = #40 

710 GOSUB 1100 

720 T = 

730 DO 



Repeat this Loop 

Test for charger contact 
Exit if charger sensed 
Turn on flashing lights 

Go turn on a bit 
Initialize 

Do the following 
Math function 
Go forward 
Test for tape sense 
100) Check exit conditions 
Short wait 
Initialize I/O 
Clear variables 
Begin A Loop 
Left forward 
Turn on LED 1 

Go turn on a bit 
Test for tape sense 
Exit if tape sensed 
Test for charger contact 
Exit if charger sensed 
Repeat this Loop 

Test for charger contact 
Exit if charger sensed 
Turn on flashing lights 
Go turn on a bit 
Initialize 
Do the following 




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740 T = T+1 

750 @#7802 = #09 

760 R=@#7802AND#40 

770 UNTIL (R<>0) OR (T> = 

780 DELAY 100 

790 GOTO 320 

800 REM EXIT TO HERE 

610 GOSUB 2310 
1000 FORS = 1 TOT 
1005 DELAY 1000 
1010 NEXTS 
1015 RETURN 
1100 U = @#7801 
1105 U = UORX 
1110 @#7801=U 
1115 RETURN 
1120 U = @#7801 
1125 U = U ANDX 
1130 @#7801=U 
1135 RETURN 
2000 P=@#7800 
2010 IF P = 255 THEN P = 251 
2020 V=@(N + P) 
2030 IF VO#FF GOTO 2100 
2040 V = RND(1,14) 
2050 IF(V = 3)OR(V = 12)OR 

(V = (0 + P) 
2100 @#7802 = V 
2110 T = 2 
2120 GOSUB 1000 
2130 D = 200 
2140 IF(@#7800<>#FF)OR 

(D<95)GOT 
2150 @(N + P) = V 
2160 CLEAR 
2170 GOTO 290 
2200 @(0+P) = V 
2210 GOTO 2040 
2310 REM START A LOOP 
2320 REM START A LOOP 
2330 Q = @#7802 AND #20 
2340 IF Q = GOTO 2560 
2350 P = 

2360 REM START A LOOP 
2370 P = P + 1 
2380 @ #7802 =#09 
2390 DELAY 100 
2400 @ #7802 = 
2410 Q=@#7802AND#20 
2420 IFQ = GOTO 2540 
2430 IF P<> 5 GOTO 2520 
2440 @ #7802 =#06 
2450 DELAY 1000 
2460 @ #7802 = #09 
2470 T = 1 
2480 GOSUB 1000 
2490 DELAY 100 
2500 @ #7802 = 
2510 P = 

2520 REM END HERE 
2530 GOTO 2360 
2540 REM EXIT TO HERE 
2550 GOTO 2320 
2560 REM EXIT TO HERE 
2570 X = #04 
2580 GOSUB 1100 
2590 DELAY 1000 
2600 @ #7803 = #98 
2610 GOTO 2310 
2620 REM EXIT TO HERE 



END OF PROGRAM 



Math function 
Go forward 
Test for tape sense 
100) Check exit conditions 
Short wait 
Repeat this Loop 

Charge maintain routine 
Wait T seconds subroutine 



Turn on a bit @#7801 



Turn off a bit @#7801 



Bumper pressed 

Sonar treated as bumper #1 

Check experience block 

Try action 

Pick random action 

Pick another 

Try action 

Number of whole seconds 

Go wait 

Cancel sonar test 

Not successful 

Successful 
Clear variables 
Back to main program 
Not successful 

Begin A Loop 
Begin A Loop 
Test for charger contact 
Exit if charger sensed 
Initialize 
Begin A Loop 
Increment Loop count 
Go forward 
Short wait 
Stop all motion 
Test for charger contact 
Exit if charger sensed 
Make a comparison 
Reverse 
Short wait 
Go forward 

Number of whole seconds 
Go wait 

Milliseconds to wait 
Stop all motion 
. Initialize 

Fall through to here 
Repeat this Loop 

Repeat this Loop 

Turn on LED 2 

Go turn on a bit 
Short wait 
Initialize I/O 
Repeat this Loop 



14 



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BYTE January 1984 129 



'Rover, Fetch a Dozen #9 Ratchets' 

by Nelson Winkless 



Personal robots have come a long way 
technically in the last few years. Advances 
in digital electronics have made it -practical 
to build compact sensory, information-pro- 
cessing, and control systems that can ride 
in self-powered carts that aren't too large 
or heavy. The laboratory curiosities that 
have been rolling around research institu- 
tions and a few home workshops have 
become today's affordable "personal robots" 
loaded with potential. But potential for 
what? 

A case has been made for using robots 
as household pets. They can be compan- 
ions, health monitors, entertainers, com- 
municators, and protectors, given a lot of 
hardware and software development that 
robot enthusiasts now are beginning to pro- 
vide in increasing quantity. Pets are highly 
valued in our society, and the reasons for 
keeping dogs and cats around the house 
apply as well to keeping robots around the 
house. The discussion of pets is worth- 
while, but let us not dwell on it here. 

Our society prizes things that are spe- 
cifically useful. Robots will fare well if they 
do useful work for people. Personal com- 
puters now do work for people, and busi- 
nesses have no trouble finding excuses to 
buy them. Individuals have more difficul- 
ty finding excuses; games are a weak ex- 
cuse, keeping personal accounts is fairly fee- 
ble, but word processing is pretty good. 
Robots offer even fewer practical excuses for 
their purchase, but their potential in the 
long run exceeds that of personal com- 



puters. 

Just as the definition of the "personal" 
computer remains cloudy, the definition of 
"personal" robot is shrouded in uncertain- 
ty. Indeed, while we have pretty well 
agreed on what a computer is, we have by 
no means agreed on what a rvbotis, so the 
definition of a personal robot is doubly 
obscure. Without pretending to settle 
matters, I've come up with some guidelines 
for distinguishing personal from nonper- 
sonal robots. But first we must talk about 
computers. 

Before personal computers came among 
us, we had only institutional computers. 
They were owned by government agencies, 
large businesses, and other organizations. 
The work produced by the institutional 
computer is looked upon as the work of the 
organization. The personal computer, how- 
ever, is looked upon as the implement of 
an individual. That person uses the com- 
puter as if it were a pencil, a pocket 
calculator, or a telephone. The individual, 
not the organization, is responsible for the 
work produced by that personal instru- 
ment, even when the individual is operat- 
ing in an institutional setting. There's no 
ceremony involved in using the personal 
computer, no labored allocation of 
resources, no meetings, no sign-offs (that 
is, after the initial effort to get the com- 
puter). The individual uses the machine 
as casually as a pad of paper and is fully 
responsible for what is produced. 

The institutional robot is typically part 



Text continued from page 125: 
robot scripts, RB5X is instructed to 
wait for a specified period of time 
before going on to the next action.) 
If the period is shorter than one sec- 
ond, RCL computes a "DELAY nnn'/ 
where nnn is in milliseconds. Other- 
wise, it calls an integer second delay 
subroutine and, if necessary, com- 
piles a DELAY for any fractional 
period. 

This is the general model for imple- 
menting primitives of RCL. Of 
course, many primitives are provided 
to the RCL user, so the casual robot 
user needn't get down to that level. 
The next higher level of RCL 
primitive is exemplified by: 



HONK the horn for this many 
seconds <1> 

1 DoesTURNONHORN 

2 and WAIT this many seconds 

<1> 

3 and TURN OFF HORN 

4 and END 



Again, we are not attempting here to 
provide a complete explanation of 
Savvy. We're merely showing the ap- 
proach to using Savvy in RCL to 
compile Tiny BASIC. Let us reiterate 
that the casual RCL user never sees 



of a production system. The machine's 
work can be changed by changing its pro- 
gram, but it is used as part of a larger 
scheme, worked out and administered by 
an organization. The personal robot will 
be identified with an individual who is 
responsible for its actions, misbehavior, and 
good deeds. The individual will get credit 
and blame for its performance, as does the 
user of an Apple. (Am I my robot's keeper? 
Yes.) 

Personal robots represent the convergence 
of two lines of technical development- 
automobiles (in the sense of "self-moving" 
systems) and computers. You might think 
of personal robots as mobile machines to 
which we are now finally adding flexible 
automatic guidance and control systems. 
You might think of robots primarily as com- 
puters that can move around. You might 
also think of them as artificial animals, 
neither vehicles nor information handlers 
but self-serving systems that internet with 
their environment in a way that enables 
their own survival; in essence, a new class 
of machine. 

What practical excuse can we find for 
getting acquainted with personal robots? 
Well, let's go back to "automation." 

Technologists have been working on fac- 
tory automation for a long time and mak- 
ing good headway. The automated office 
began with word processors, communica- 
tions equipment, personal computers, etc. 
Office automation has been most effective 
in small enterprises, where one personal 



the compiled Tiny BASIC code unless 
by choice. Indeed, he never has to see 
the comparatively plain-language 
Savvy tasks. The whole point of RCL 
is to give the robot operator a simple 
means for telling RB5X what to do. 
The mechanism outlined above does 
that. 

By way of demonstration, the 17- 
line RCL routine in listing 1 compiles 
the 262-line Tiny BASIC routine in 
listing 2. RCL with Savvy is new and 
will clearly never be "complete," but 
it serves its immediate purposes well, 
and RB Robot is developing applica- 
tions programs in RCL to put RB5X 
through a lot of paces. 



130 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



computer, such as an Apple, serves many 
functions: production scheduling, word 
processing, bookkeeping, inventory control, 
mailing-list management, and so forth. 

In the shop or office, the personal robot 
can become a strange combination of un- 
complaining menial and brilliant infor- 
mant. Imagine a scenario along these lines: 
You're running a small assembly plant. Ten 
or 15 workers take components, assemble 
them into your products, package them, 
and ship them to customers. The business 
is not very complicated, but it depends 
upon alertness, responsiveness, quality 
control, and a smooth flow of production. 
You add a robot to the staff. Give it a name, 
something neutral to avoid social conflict. 
Call this machine "Rover." 

Rover learns the layout of the shop, the 
schedules, the identities of other employees, 
the social hierarchy, the protocols (who gets 
out of whose way), and the rhythm of the 
place. 

People tend to drop small components. 
In many cases, it's cheaper to toss out the 
dropped stuff rather than collect and re- 
sort it. Rover, however, can wander 
around, pick the pieces up, and put them 
away without any stir. This saves material, 
breaks in the routine, dignity, and possibly 
the job of an otherwise good employee who 
is having a spell of dropping things. 

"Hey, Rover, bring me a dozen #9 
ratchets." Rover can. "Rover, take this up 
to Norma in the front office and come right 
back." Rover will. "Rover, let's take inven- 



tory." And at this point, the robot can do 
some things that people can't do. Not only 
should Rover be able to trail around after 
you, counting things, holding things, and 
recording information; Rover should have 
the complete inventory system in mind and 
be able to comment on discrepancies, loom- 
ing shortages, and changes in rates of use. 
Indeed, Rover should have free access to 
the inventory and order information 
handled by the computer in the front of- 
fice. Rover should know which orders are 
in the works, which items are back-ordered, 
and which are in oversupply. Rover should 
have, and he should be able to com- 
municate, all of the complex detail that the 
shop manager cannot practically keep in 
mind. Also, Rover should be perfectly will- 
ing to sit up all night with the inventory 
chores, sorting, counting, tidying, and 
making burglars nervous. 

"Rover, get the phone." The robot should 
be able to handle calls at least as well as 
the average answering machine, and might 
even select among callers. ("If Mr. XYZ 
calls, let me know at once") Furthermore, 
Rover can carry the phone to you. 

"Rover, I want to send a letter." Rover 
should be able to plug in the keyboard and 
the display for word processing and have 
them ready when and where you want 
them. 

"Rover, has ABC Products ever bought 
a Model Six from us?" The robot can be 
a good database manager, offering state-of- 
the-art facilities in Natural Query Lan- 



guage for communicating with you. In- 
deed, the robot can be loaded with infor- 
mation and manipulate it on the spot if a 
keyboard and display are available. 

Rover becomes a useful hand around the 
place, learning to do whatever is appropri- 
ate at the moment and remembering how 
to do that same job again later-. With ex- 
perience, Rover grows increasingly valu- 
able. 

With the personal mbots currently avail- 
able, how practical is this scenario? Not 
very. Some of Rover's activities can be done 
by commercial personal robots right now. 
But how practical was an MITS Altair 
computer with octal switch input, 4K bytes 
of memory, cassette storage, and no 
BASIC? Not very. A few years of serious 
effort were needed to shape personal com- 
puters into generally useful devices. 

The same kind of effort will make per- 
sonal robots handy. We've come a long way 
already. The availability of a plain-lan- 
guage control system brings Rover-like per- 
formance closer to reality. Memory is get- 
ting cheap, speech recognition and synthe- 
sis are operating at a useful level, sensory 
systems can be integrated nicely, and some 
clever mechanical systems exist. 

You may want to tell your personal robot 
to fetch the paper and do those entertain- 
ing things around the house that we con- 
sider suitable activity for personal robots. 
You may also want to tell it to knock out 
a day's useful work in the shop. 

The robots are willing; we have to learn 
how to tell them what we want. 



Summary 

RCL and Savvy mark an improve- 
ment over Tiny BASIC coding, of 
course, but an improvement on Tiny 
BASIC alone is a modest goal. The 
programmer (and the robot) are still 
dependent on programming 
generated on an external computer 
and downloaded to the robot. Ob- 
viously, RB5X needs more brains 
aboard, and a card is in development 
that will enable programming in RCL 
internally in RB5X. Also, sensory in- 
put patterns can be learned by a Sav- 
vy system and associated with ap- 
propriate responses. RCL will 
become more comprehensive with 



time and experience, and the system 
can be extended in many directions. 
This has important implications for 
robotics. One intriguing thing about 
RCL is that it could work from the 
same plain-language instructions to 
compile programs in any language— 
FORTRAN, assembly language, 
whatever the object machine wants to 
hear. An enriched RCL vocabulary 
could control milling machines and 
steel mills as well as RB5X and his 
brethren. RCL with Savvy in its first 
release is powerful. It seems capable 
of becoming a general-purpose robot 
language that can keep up with the 
state of the art.B 



Dan Prendergast is vice-president of research and 
development at RB Robot Corporation, Bill Slade 
is operating-systems manager at Excalibur Tech- 
nologies Corporation, and Nelson Winkless is presi- 
dent of ABQ Communications Corporation (Box 
1432, Con-ales, NM 87048) and coauthor of 'Robots 
on Your Doorstep. 



TheRB5X robot is manufactured by RB 
Robot Corporation, Suite 310, 18301 West 
10th Ave., Golden, CO 80401, (303) 
279-5525. 

The Savvy Programming Language is 
published by Excalibur Technologies Cor- 
poration, FOB 26448, Albuquerque, NM 
87125, (505) 242-3333. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 131 




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BYTE January 1984 133 



1984, the Year of the 32-bit 
Microprocessor 

Technological evolution continues at breakneck speed with the 
coming of the supermicroprocessor 



By the end of 1984, well have seen 
32-bit microprocessors manufactured 
by Data General Corporation (DG), 
Digital Equipment Corporation 
(DEC), Hewlett-Packard (HP), Inmos, 
Intel, Motorola, National Semicon- 
ductor, NCR, Western Electric, and 
Zilog. In this article, I'll look at what 
32-bit microprocessors are and what 
they're going to be used for. Then I'll 
look at certain details available about 
the chips. 

First, let's define our terms. A 32-bit 
microprocessor has a full 32-bit archi- 
tecture, a full 32-bit implementation, 
and a 32-bit data path (bus) to mem- 
ory. Because this definition is terse, 
some explanation and examples are 
in order. 

Architecture. What is a micropro- 
cessor's architecture? The term means 
different things to different people 
but, for this article, let's call it the in- 
terface between the programmer and 
the machine. Architecture defines the 
set of accessible registers, the mem- 
ory model, the instruction set, and 
the addressing modes of the ma- 
chines. In order to qualify as having 
a full 32-bit architecture, the machine 
must have the following features: 

1. Data and address registers that are 
32 bits wide. 



by Richard Mateosian 

2. An instruction set that fully sup- 
ports 32-bit data types. 

3. Indexes and other address modi- 
fiers used in the machine's ad- 
dressing modes that have 32-bit 
representations. 

Now, I don't mean to quibble about 
a few bits here and there. For ex- 
ample, the DEC \AX, generally ac- 
knowledged to have a 32-bit architec- 
ture, devotes the uppermost bits of 
addresses to special purposes; the ac- 
tual address fields are smaller than 
32 bits wide. Furthermore, many 
32-bit architectures provide for com- 
pact forms of addressing or address 
modifiers using fewer than 32 bits, 
but these are in addition to, not in- 
stead of, the full 32-bit forms. 

Full support of 32-bit data types is 
another deceptively simple idea. At 
the very least, it means that 32-bit 
quantities can be moved with a single 
instruction, and the usual arithmetic 
and logical operations (e.g., ADD, 
SHIFT, NOT) can be applied to 32-bit 
operands to produce 32-bit results. 
Problems arise with multiplication 
and division operations. When two 
32-bit quantities are multiplied, the 
result may have as many as 64 signifi- 
cant bits. Similarly, because division 
is the inverse of multiplication, you 



would expect, in a 32-bit architecture, 
to be able to divide a 64-bit quantity 
by a 32-bit quantity as long as the 
quotient and remainder could each 
be represented in 32 bits. One popu- 
lar microprocessor, widely regarded 
as having a 32-bit architecture, limits 
multiplication to 16-bit quantities so 
that results can be represented in 32 
bits. The same microprocessor en- 
ables division of a 32-bit quantity by 
a 16-bit quantity, but only if the quo- 
tient can be represented in 16 bits. 

Implementation. It is easier to under- 
stand architectural anomalies such as 
those mentioned above in terms of 
implementation. The first 16-bit 
microprocessors (8086, Z8000, 68000) 
were implemented with 16-bit data 
paths and computational units, even 
though two of these microprocessors 
included many 32- bit architectural 
features. Similarly, Intel's iAPX432, 
which featured an innovative 32-bit 
architecture, was implemented with 
a 16-bit computational unit and 16-bit 
internal data paths. 

Let's look at how implementation 
can account for the architectural 
restrictions I've just described. Sup- 
pose you are designing a micropro- 
cessor with a 16-bit computation unit 
(also known as an arithmetic and 
logic unit or ALU). That means that 



134 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




Photo 1: The Motorola MC68020. (Photo courtesy of Motorola Inc.) 



a basic operation of the ALU will be 
to accept two 16-bit inputs and to pro- 
duce a 32-bit product. If you want 
32-bit registers and an instruction 
that multiplies two 32-bit quantities 
to obtain a 64-bit result, you're going 
to have to devise some sort of inter- 
nal hardware "subroutine" that 
breaks the multiplication down into 



16-bit multiplications and additions. 
These subroutines are an endless 
source of problems when you imple- 
ment interrupt handling or virtual 
memory. They are not appreciably 
faster than subroutines in software 
that implement the same operations 
using basic ALU operations. Thus, 
you will be tempted to match the ar- 



chitecture to the implementation, 
putting in a multiplication restriction 
like the one mentioned earlier. This 
causes little inconvenience to cus- 
tomers, but it gives a marketing de- 
partment nightmares when it tries to 
convince the world that a micropro- 
cessor has a true 32-bit architecture. 
Data path (bus) to memory. This is 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 135 



the easy part of the definition of 32- 
bit microprocessor. There must be 32 
(or more) I/O (input/output) lines 
used for the transfer of data between 
the central processing unit and mem- 
ory. The effect of this requirement is 
to increase memory-bus bandwidth 
(the amount of data that can be trans- 
ferred on the memory bus per unit 
of time). In simple systems (just a 
central processing unit and memory), 
this can increase performance only 
when the central processor can han- 
dle instructions and data faster. In 
more complex systems, an important 
benefit of increased bus bandwidth 
is the ability to use multiple central 
processing units, direct memory ac- 
cess (DMA) transfers, and high- 
speed graphics processing without 
degrading computational power. By 
using the bus substantially less than 
all of the time, a 32-bit micropro- 
cessor contributes to overall per- 
formance in computer-aided design 
(CAD) systems, engineering worksta- 
tions, and even mainframe-level com- 
puters. 



Data buses of the 32-bit type are a 
relatively new addition to the micro- 
processor scene. Chips like Intel's 
iAPX432 and National Semiconduc- 
tor's NS16032 have full 32-bit architec- 
tures but 16-bit data buses. As this is 
being written, system designers can- 
not yet buy production quantities of 
any microprocessor with a 32-bit data 
path to memory. 

What Are 32-bit Chips Good For? 

The preceding section hints at the 
strengths of 32-bit microprocessors. 
The year 1984 will see many an- 
nouncements of CAD systems and 
engineering workstations based on 
32-bit microprocessors. General-pur- 
pose computers will appear with 
mainframe performance at substan- 
tially less than mainframe cost. High- 
end personal computers will follow. 
As competition and the "learning 
curve" of system design around 32-bit 
machines drive down prices, 32-bit 
microprocessors (and their architec- 
turally compatible 16- and 8-bit 
relatives) will become the standard 



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Aside from the performance ad- 
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memory-bus bandwidth and 32-bit 
implementation, the main benefit 
32-bit microprocessors bring to com- 
puter users is architectural. Most 
32-bit microprocessor architectures 
are designed to support high-level 
language programming. 

Each 32-bit microprocessor ad- 
dresses the issue of high-level lan- 
guage programming in a different 
way, and we'll look at the details later 
in the discussion of individual prod- 
ucts. The basic support features are: 
large, uniform address spaces; sup- 
port for virtual memory; addressing 
modes that support high-level lan- 
guages; and instruction-set sym- 
metry with respect to operations, 
operand size, and operand address- 
ing modes. 

Another benefit of the features of 
the new microprocessors is that they 
can use standard operating systems. 
Advances in computer science have 
led to the inclusion of operating-sys- 
tem support features within the new 
architectures, and the existence of 
"standard" operating systems like 
Unix has made the design of specific 
support features easier. 

The Lineup 

I want to discuss every 32-bit 
microprocessor that will be available 
or announced this year, but this in- 
volves a little guesswork. Much of 
this information is based on official 
releases, technical articles, and reli- 
able inside information. Other parts 
of the story are based on rumors, 
used only when that's the best infor- 
mation available, and then only 
when I believe the rumors. 

Here (in alphabetical order by man- 
ufacturer's name) are the 32-bit 
microprocessors: 

•DCs Microeagle 
•DEC's Micro VAX 1 
•HP's Focus (company's internal 
name) 

•Inmos' Transputer 
•Intel's iAPX386 
•Motorola's MC68020 
•National Semiconductor's NS32032 



136 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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138 byte January 1984 Circle 379 on inquiry card. 



•NCR's NCR/32 

•Western Electric's WE32000 

•Zilog's Z80000 

DG announced its Microeagle in 
November 1983. DEC's Micro VAX 1 
was announced last October. The HP 
Focus (no official name or part num- 
ber) is the heart of the HP-9000 com- 
puter system, but it is not and will 
not be available as a separate prod- 
uct. The Intel iAPX386 has not been 
announced yet, but the company is 
expected to do so in late 1984. Moto- 
rola has announced its MC68020; al- 
though no detailed specifications are 
available, samples have been prom- 
ised for the middle of this year. The 
NCR/32 chip set, like the National 
Semiconductor NS32032 and its as- 
sociated chips, is commercially avail- 
able. Western Electric has incor- 
porated its WE32000, formerly 
known as the Bellmac-32 and opera- 
tional since 1981, into at least one ter- 
minal. The chip, used internally by 
the company and in several \AX-class 
minicomputers, is not available as a 
separate product, but Western Elec- 
tric has not publicly ruled out that 
possibility. Zilog's Z80000 has been 
announced, detailed specifications 
are available, and samples have been 
slated for release this year. 

In addition to these products, there 
is an important experimental family 
of microprocessors called RISC ma- 
chines. (RISC is an acronym for re- 
duced-instruction-set computer. ) 
These 32-bit microprocessors have 
been developed at universities like 
Stanford and the University of 
California at Berkeley. They are not 
commercial products, but the ideas 
propelling them will profoundly in- 
fluence future commercial micropro- 
cessors. The Inmos Transputer, an- 
nounced in November 1983, reflects 
this influence. 

Now let's look at these micropro- 
cessors in greater detail. Then I'll 
make a few comparisons. 

The DG Microeagle. This is a VLSI 
(very large-scale integration) version 
of the machine whose soul Tracy Kid- 
der described. The Microeagle chip 
set's central processing unit executes 
register-to-register operations in a 
400-nanosecond cycle time and uses 



two cycles for memory-to-register 
moves. The central processor uses a 
floating-point coprocessor to handle 
64-bit addition in four cycles. (See the 
November 3, 1983 issue of Electronics 
for more information.) 

The DEC Micro VAX 1. The VAX 
is a well-known 32-bit architecture 
that has been realized in two "super- 
mini" implementations, VAX-11/780 
and VAX-11/750, and in a more mod- 
est VAX-11/730 version. The Micro 
VAX 1 is an implementation of the 
same architecture in a set of VLSI cir- 
cuits, supplied on a printed circuit 
board like the LSI-11 implementation 
of the PDP-11 architecture. 

A key feature of the VAX line of 
computers is its total upward and 
downward compatibility. In this 
Micro VAX 1, some of the "commer- 
cial" instructions have been elimi- 
nated, but traps have been provided 
to enable their emulation in software. 
The VAX architecture is well known. 

The Hewlett-Packard Focus. A 
number of articles have been pub- 
lished about the process technology 
and design methodology of the HP 



Focus, but HP deliberately avoids 
revealing details of the architecture. 
Enough is available from technical ar- 
ticles, however, to get the general 
idea. 

Basically, HP set out to design a set 
of VLSI components that would work 
together to form fully integrated 
32-bit multiprocessing systems. It 
took seven years; when HP finished, 
it had designed six VLSI circuits and 
a special mounting board that 
doubles as a heat sink. The six cir- 
cuits are: central processor, I/O pro- 
cessor, memory controller, RAM 
(random-access read/write memory), 
ROM (read-only memory), and 
clock. Each circuit is fabricated in a 
1-micron double-metal NMOS (neg- 
ative-channel metal-oxide semicon- 
ductor) technology, designed to run 
at 18 MHz. A typical system block 
diagram is shown in figure 1. 

The most complex of the circuits is 
the central processing unit, which 
contains about 450,000 transistors. Its 
230 instructions are microcoded in 
9216 38-bit words of control ROM, 
fetched and executed at an 18-MHz 




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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 139 



MEMORY-PROCESSOR BUS 



CPU 



SYNC 



IOP 



O- 



MC 



MC 



-O 

o 



20 RAMS 8 ROMS 

Figure 1: A block diagram of the Hewlett-Packard Focus microprocessor. 



clock rate, A 38-bit microinstruction 
is executed every 55 nanoseconds. 
The central processing unit's instruc- 
tion set is stack based, in the style of 
some Burroughs machines. Many in- 
structions operate on the top ele- 
ments of the stack, leaving the result 
on the stack. To optimize these in- 
structions, the top elements of the 
stack are automatically kept in reg- 
isters, with transfers between these 
registers and the stack segment of 
memory carried out without explicit 
machine instructions. 

The central processor contains an 
extremely powerful ALU capable of 
executing a 32-bit register-to-register 
integer addition or a right or left shift 
of up to 31 bits in one microcycle (55 
nanoseconds). Division of 64-bit 
operands in IEEE (Institute of Elec- 
trical and Electronics Engineers) for- 
mat, the longest ALU operation, re- 
quires 16 microseconds. 

The memory model for a process 
executing on the Focus central pro- 
cessing unit consists of code, stack, 
global data, and external data seg- 
ments. Processes can have multiple 
data segments, which can be demand 
paged. Code is also demand loaded, 
an entire segment at a time. 

HP estimates the execution speed 
of the Focus central processing unit 
to be approximately 1 MIPS (million 
instructions per second) on typical 
instruction mixes. That is, a typical 
instruction requires approximately 18 



microcycles for its execution. Al- 
though execution and operand fetch- 
ing from memory are pipelined, the 
central processor has no cache or TLB 
(translation lookaside buffer, a cache 
of address translations used for 
memory addressing). Nonetheless, 
the Focus central processing unit uses 
only about 30 percent of the 18-mega- 
byte/second memory-bus band- 
width, so that substantial perfor- 
mance improvement can be obtained 
with a configuration that has mul- 
tiple central processing units. This is 
exactly what HP intended, and the 
instruction set of the central pro- 
cessor is designed to support parallel 
processors. 

The Focus instruction set features 
high-level language support, includ- 
ing a Try/Recover facility based on 
stack markers. The Focus is intended 
to be programmed in HP's "Modular 
Pascal" implementation language, 
Modcal. Even the lowest level of the 
company's HPUX (HP's version of 
Unix) kernel is programmed in 
Modcal. 

I'm not going into detail about the 
other circuits of the Focus chip set, 
but one example shows how these 
circuits work together. The central 
processing unit can issue up to three 
addresses on its multiplexed address/ 
data bus before receiving the corres- 
ponding data from memory. The data 
words appear on the address/data 
lines at precise, predictable times, re- 



quiring perfect synchronization of the 
activities of the central processor, 
memory controller, and memory cir- 
cuits. In fact, 25 of the central pro- 
cessing unit's 83 "pins" are dedicated 
to control lines for communication 
with other Focus chip set circuits. 
(The remaining pins are the 32 ad- 
dress/data lines and the 26 lines for 
power, ground, and clock signals.) 

The Inmos Transputer. This is a 
RISC-like machine scheduled for 
release in late 1984. The name of the 
chip indicates Inmos intends to make 
it as ubiquitous as the transistor. The 
Transputer will be a single-chip, 
250,000-transistor device built in 
2.0-micron CMOS (complementary 
metal-oxide semiconductor) technol- 
ogy. It will include processor, mem- 
ory, and communications circuitry. 
The Transputer is designed to be 
used in multiprocessor systems and 
data-flow machines programmed in 
Inmos' Occam language. 

The Intel iAFX386. Some of this in- 
formation is based on rumors, but it's 
what I believe to be true about this 
chip: 

•it's an extension of 8086 and 286 ar- 
chitectures 

•it has 32-bit offsets in data segments 
•it's implemented in CMOS technol- 
ogy to run at 16 MHz 
•it has speeded up instructions from 
iAPX286 

•it has an on-chip instruction cache 
•it contains 270,000 transistors 
•it features on-chip paging plus 286- 
style segmented virtual memory 
•it has new instructions for vectors 
and bit fields 

•its accompanying numeric coproces- 
sor is much faster than the 80287 
•its improved bus supports fault 
tolerance 

The Motorola MC68020. This is the 
32-bit member of the MC68000 
family. Very little has appeared in 
print about the features of this cen- 
tral processing unit, which is sched- 
uled to be sampled in 1984. Motorola 
personnel have talked freely at recent 
conferences and trade shows, and 
many details have been presented to 
current 68000 users. I'll summarize 
the industry scuttlebutt about the 



140 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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68020. 

The MC68020 is a 32-bit version of 
the widely used MC68000. It is 
basically upward compatible— most 
68000 code can run on a 68020, but 
not vice versa. Because the 68000 ar- 
chitecture has already been pre- 
sented in a series of articles by Tom 
Starnes (April, May, and June 1983 
BYTE), 111 concentrate on the im- 
provements. 

Although most of the instruction- 
set changes are in the area of address- 
ing, specific new instructions have 
been added for packing and unpack- 
ing of BCD (binary-coded decimal) 
strings, manipulation of bit fields, 
and 32-bit multiplication and divi- 
sion. Several new addressing modes 
have been added, and 32-bit dis- 
placements are supported. 

Because the 68020 maintains the 
68000 requirement that instructions 
be multiples of 16 bits in length and 
aligned on 16-bit boundaries in mem- 
ory, extensions to 68000 addressing 
involve the addition of one or more 
16-bit words to the basic instruction. 



This additional space makes possible 
the encoding of a large number of 
new addressing forms. These forms 
include 16-bit and 32-bit displace- 
ments, elimination of the base or 
index register operand in addressing 
modes that usually require one, and 
an additional level of indirection, 
either before or after indexing. 

Besides instruction-set changes, 
the 68020 has a number of other new 
features. The most important are an 
on-chip instruction cache, dynamic 
bus sizing, a coprocessor interface (to 
support the MC68881 floating-point 
coprocessor), better exception han- 
dling, virtual memory and bus fault 
support, and a "barrel shifter" to 
speed the execution of shifts, multi- 
plication and division, bit field, and 
other instructions. 

The 68020 will be fabricated in a 
new process that is about 90 percent 
CMOS, with NMOS technology 
used for critical circuits. The chip 
contains approximately 170,000 tran- 
sistors and will be supplied at speeds 
of 16 and 20 MHz. Motorola estimates 



that at equal clock speeds, the 68020 
will be about twice as fast as a 68000 
on typical programs. 

The National Semiconductor 
NS32032. This is the 32-bit member 
of the NS16000 family, which consists 
of the NS08032, NS16032, and 
NS32032. The NS08032 and NS16032 
are the 8-bit and 16-bit bus versions. 
As in the VAX line, all central pro- 
cessing units in the NS16000 family 
share the same 32-bit architecture. 
Except for the data bus, they also 
share the same internal implementa- 
tion. BYTE readers had the oppor- 
tunity to learn about the NS16000 
family architecture in an article by 
Glen Leedy (April 1983, page 53), so 
I won't repeat that material. 

The NS16000 family is distin- 
guished by its mainframe-on-a-chip 
architecture, featuring virtual mem- 
ory, floating-point support, and a 
highly regular, compactly encoded 
instruction set designed for high-level 
language support. The NS32032 is 
designed to work with a memory- 
management unit (MMU), the 



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COMPUPRO is a Godbout Company, CP/M, is a Registered 
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142 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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BYTE January 1984 143 



ADD/DATA CONTROLS 8 STATUS 

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REGISTER SET 










WORKING 
REGISTERS 







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Figure 2: A block diagram of the NS32032 central processing unitftvm National Semiconductor. 



NS16082, and a floating-point unit, 
the NS16081. Floating-point and 
memory-management control in- 
structions are integrated into the cen- 
tral processor and communicate with 
the support chips through a slave 
processor protocol. This arrangement 
enables transparent integration of the 
three chips into one. 

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the 
NS32032 central processing unit. An 
important feature of this chip is the 
8-byte instruction prefetch queue. 
This small FIFO (first-in/first-out) 
buffer lets the central processing unit 



make 32-bit aligned transfers from 
the instruction stream, even though 
NS32032 instructions vary in size and 
have no alignment restrictions. This 
8-byte buffer provides another 
benefit, achieved in other central pro- 
cessors with a much more costly on- 
chip instruction cache. By letting in- 
struction fetching proceed asyn- 
chronously from execution, instruc- 
tions load as fast as necessary, up to 
the full bandwidth of the memory 
bus. Because the compactly encoded 
NS32032 instructions load faster than 
they execute even with external mem- 



ory management, the central pro- 
cessing unit executes in-line code at 
full speed. In fact, in typical applica- 
tions, the NS32032 central processing 
unit occupies less than 50 percent of 
the available bus bandwidth, making 
it suitable for complex systems con- 
taining multiple central processors, 
DMA transfers, and high-speed 
graphics. 

The NS32032 is implemented in a 
3.5-micron NMOS process and con- 
tains about 70,000 transistors. It runs 
at 10 MHz. A CMOS version and ver- 
sions running at higher clock speeds 
are planned for 1984. The machine 
uses a three-stage pipeline for in- 
struction execution: the first stage is 
the loader, which removes instruc- 
tions from the queue; the second 
stage is the preprocessor, which de- 
codes instructions; the final stage is 
the microcode-execution unit. Micro- 
code executes at the rate of one 
microinstruction per clock cycle (100 
nanoseconds). 

The NCR NCR/32. This micropro- 
cessor chip set is quite different from 
all of the other microprocessors dis- 
cussed in this article. It is designed 
to be externally microprogrammed to 
emulate other computers, principal- 
ly medium-sized IBM mainframes 
like the System 370. The chip set con- 
sists of: 

•the NCR 32-000 CPC, the central 
processing unit. It contains 40,000 
transistors and is fabricated in a 
3-micron silicide NMOS process. It 
runs with a 13.3-MHz clock, with in- 
ternal machine cycles occupying two 
clock cycles (150 nanoseconds). The 
16-bit microinstructions, read from a 
128K-byte external storage unit, select 
95-bit words from an internal ROM 
to control 179 operations, mostly 
register-to-register arithmetic and 
logical operations on 4-bit, 8-bit, 
16-bit, 32-bit, and field data types. 
Microinstructions are executed in a 
three-stage pipeline (fetch, interpret, 
execute). Eight 16-bit jump registers 
support a rich set of conditional 
operations at the microcode level, 
and special set-up microinstructions 
facilitate IBM System 370 emulation, 
•the NCR 32-010 ATC, the memory 
management unit. In addition to ad- 



144 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



F 




UNIX, with change. 

With Idris, developers get the functionality, compatibility and portability of UNIX. 



And pocket the Idris 

• TWICE THE NUMBER OF USERS as • 

UNIX on comparable hardware, because Idris 
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• MORE DISK SPACE FOR FILES AND 
PROGRAMS. Idris occupies less than 1 .5 
megabytes of disk. 

• MORE TASKS RUN SIMULTANEOUSLY 
because Idris requires less memory. 
Typically, 50 KB for the Kernel plus 50 KB 
for a compile. For example, you can overlap 
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Fortran compilation. 

provided by use of Whitesmiths' 



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difference. 

GREATER PORTABILITY FOR YOUR 
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1 1), numerous Motorola 68Ks and, in first 
quarter 1984, the 8088 based IBM PC and 
DEC Rainbow. 

MORE COST EFFECTIVE PER USER. 
The $550 end-user price is for as many users as 
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That's UNIX with change. To get more 
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UNIX is a trademark of Bell Laboratories: DEC. PDP- 1 I and Rainbow are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation; IBM and IBM PC are trademarks of International Business 
Machines Corporation; Idris is a trademark of Whitesmiths. Ltd. Distributors: Australia, Fawnray Ply. Ltd.. P.O.B. 224. Hurstville. NSW222(M6I2)570-6I(X); Japan, Advanced 
Data Controls Corp.. Chiyoda-ku. Tokyo (03)263-0380; UnitedKingdom,Real Time Systems. Douglas. Isle of Man 0624833403. 



PERFORMANCE BOOSTER 



ADDRESS TRANSLATOR 



INSTRUCTION 

STORAGE 

UNIT 

(128 K BYTES) 



SYSTEM 

CLOCK 

CONTROL 



EXTENDED- 
ARITHMETIC 
CHIP 
32-020 



ADDRESS- 
TRANSLATION 
CHIP 
32-010 



. . CENTRAL- . 



•32-BIT BUSi; 



m 



MEMORY INTERFACE 



MAIN MEMORY 



Figure 3: A configuration of the NCR/32 System. 



SYSTEM- 
INTERFACE 
CHIP 
32-100 




SYSTEM- 






TRANSMITTER 






1 






CLOCK 












1 






SYSTEM- 




INTERFACE 
RECEIVER 





dress translation and access protec- 
tion, this chip provides memory-re- 
fresh control, error-checking and cor- 
rection (ECC) logic, a time-of-day reg- 
ister, an interval timeout interrupt, 
and an interrupt on writes to one 
specified virtual address. Sixteen 
translation registers support map- 
ping of 32-bit or 24-bit virtual ad- 
dresses into 24-bit physical ad- 
dresses, using page sizes of IK, 2K, 
or 4K bytes. 

•the NCR 32-020 EAC, the "booster" 
chip for arithmetic operations. It sup- 
ports IBM-compatible single- and 
double-precision binary and floating- 
point arithmetic, packed and un- 
packed decimal storage, and format 
conversions. A single-precision float- 
ing-point addition takes approxi- 
mately 1.6 microseconds, 
•the NCR 32-500 SIC, which inter- 
faces the 24-megabyte/second pro- 



cessor memory bus to slower periph- 
erals and to other systems. 

The configuration of an NCR/32 sys- 
tem is shown in figure 3. No bench- 
mark data has been published, but 
NCR estimates performance of the 
NCR/32 at approximately four times 
that of a 10-MHz 68000. 

The Western Electric WE32000. 
This microprocessor was designed 
from the start to support Unix and C. 
Although a great deal has been pub- 
lished about the process technology, 
electrical design, emulation tech- 
niques, and testability of the 
WE32000, few details are available 
about its architecture. The basic chip 
set consists of a central processing 
unit and an MMU, each realized in 
2.5-micron "domino" CMOS and 
running at 8 MHz. Versions meant to 
run at much higher speeds have been 



FETCH 

CONTROL 



« 



MAIN 
CONTROL 



designed but are not officially ac- 
knowledged by Western Electric. The 
central processing unit contains 
146,000 transistors, and the MMU 
contains 92,000. Figure 4 shows a 
block diagram of the central process- 
ing unit. 

The WE32000 instruction set fea- 
tures a high degree of orthogonality 
of operation, addressing mode, and 
operand size selection. All binary 
arithmetic operations are available in 
two-address and three-address 
forms, and unary operations all have 
two-address forms. In general, the op 
code specifies the operand size, with 
all operands extended to 32 bits 
before operations are performed. 
When operands of different sizes are 
operated upon, an explicit type spec- 
ification in an "expanded type" ad- 
dressing mode overrides the operand 
size implicit in the op code. 



EXECUTE 
CONTROL 



INSTRUCTION BUS;; 



16-BYTE 

INSTRUCTION 

QUEUE 



ADDRESS 

ARITHMETIC 

UNIT 



17 32-BIT 
REGISTERS 



INPUT/ 
OUTPUT 



t 



C 



L 



PROGRAM 

STATUS 

WORD 



BARREL 
SHIFTER 



ARITHMETIC 
LOGIC UNIT 



; EXECUTION BUS 



! DATA BUS \ 



I 
I 



Figure 4: A block diagram of Western Electric's WE32000. 

146 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




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24 23 



LOGICAL ADDRESS 




TABLE 

DESCRIPTOR 

REGISTERS 



REAL ADDRESS 



Figure 5: The Z80000 address translation scheme. 



The WE32000 provides bit-field and 
string instructions. All strings ter- 
minate with a zero byte, as is stan- 
dard for C programs. Floating-point 
instructions are also included in the 
instruction set, but these are in- 
tended to be executed by an external 
floating-point chip. Western Electric 
has not announced plans for such a 
chip. 

Procedure linkage on the WE32000 
is similar to that of the VAX. All six- 
teen 32-bit registers can be referred to 
in the machine's addressing modes. 
Seven of them, however, are given 
special functions; a program counter 
(PC), an interrupt stack pointer, a 
process control block pointer, a pro- 
cessor status word, a stack pointer 
(SP), a frame pointer (FP), and an 
argument pointer (AP). The PC, SP, 
FP, and AP play special roles in pro- 
cedure linkage. In addition, the SAVE 
instruction, executed upon entry to 
a procedure, lets registers R3 through 
R8 be saved in a single instruction. 
Registers RO through R2 are intended 
for passage of information between 
caller and callee, and they are accord- 
ingly not modified by the procedure- 
calling and return sequences. 

The WE32000 supports multitask- 
ing operating systems like Unix. 
Without getting too detailed, here's 
the essence of multiple-task, or pro- 
cess, support. First, the machine sup- 



ports four privilege levels and a "con- 
trolled transfer" mechanism (similar 
to the system call on machines with 
only User and Supervisor modes) for 
moving among them. A process, 
however, has only one execution 
stack, which makes the passing of 
arguments between levels quite pain- 
less. Furthermore, because the kernel 
is assumed to be in the address space 
of every process, sharing of buffers 
between the user and kernel routines 
makes copying unnecessary. Finally, 
the context of a process (central pro- 
cessor registers and address transla- 
tion tables) is stored in process con- 
trol blocks in memory, and special 
central processor instructions imple- 
ment rapid switching between pro- 
cesses. This mechanism is also used 
for interrupts, which are treated like 
processes called unexpectedly. 

The Zilog Z80000. This is the 32-bit 
member of the Z8000 family. An up- 
ward-compatible extension of the 
Z8000 architecture, it features dynam- 
nic bus sizing, sixteen 32-bit general 
registers, on-chip data and instruc- 
tion cache (256 bytes), and on-chip 
memory management using mem- 
ory-based tables with an automat- 
ically managed 16-entry TLB. The 
address-mapping scheme enables 
either linear addressing or several 
upward-compatible extensions of 
Z8000 segmented addressing. 



Demand-paged virtual memory is 
supported with lK-byte page size. 
Figure 5 shows the address transla- 
tion method. 

The machine is implemented in a 
2.0-micron NMOS technology de- 
signed to enable speeds up to 25 
MHz. The initial version runs at 10 
MHz. Internal machine cycles take 
two clock cycles. Zilog estimates that 
with a high-performance memory 
configuration, typical programs will 
execute at the rate of one instruction 
every 6.8 clock cycles, resulting in an 
execution rate of 1.47 MIPS. Both bus 
size and bus timing are dynamically 
controllable, with accesses adhering 
to the Z-BUS protocols used by 
Zilog's Z8000 peripheral family. 
Nibble-mode (burst) transfers sup- 
port prefetching of instructions into 
the cache. Like the Z8000, the Z80000 
is designed for use with an external 
floating-point chip, which Zilog plans 
to make available in 1985. 

Which Is the Best One? 

Of course, I won't touch that ques- 
tion with a 10-foot pole, but further 
discussion of the 32-bit chips may be 
useful. The first interesting point is 
that the microprocessors fall into 
groups. For example, the WE32000 
and the NS32032 show many simi- 
larities, and both are close to the 
VAX. Similarly, the MC68020 and the 



148 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



\j$MM. 



Remote Intelligence 
takes your computer from the screen 

out to the scene. 




Who can blame you if you've 
only been using your computer as 
an efficient filing system. Op to 
now, getting it to physically do 
things for you, like regulate 
equipment or even just open the 
garage door, has been complex, 
troublesome and expensive. 

Rydex has the intelligent solution! 

The Rydex IC (Intelligent Con- 
troller) series transforms your PC 
into a powerful monitor and 
control tool, with capabilities 
ranging from relay activation to 
temperature monitoring, motor 
control and security/alarm system 
regulation. Control can be through 



digital or analog channels, con- 
nected directly or by modem, with 
hundreds of IC units to a single 




For more information on how Rydex ICs can 
put YOUR computer to work, call or fill in and 
mail coupon below to: 

Rydex Industries Corporation, 200/4040 No. 3 
Road, Richmond, B.C. V6X 2C2 (604) 278-6772. 



NAME 



COMPANY NAME 



ADDRESS 



ZIP/POSTAL 



RS 232 serial port. Modular design 
means you can expand easily to 
virtually limitless remote control 
capacity. 

Rydex ICs require no special 
computer knowledge or special 
software to use. Allcommands are 
accessible through Basic. IC sys- 
tems are not difficult to install. 
Complete instructions come with 
the unit. Or if you have an espe- 
cially complex application, our tech- 
nical staff will be glad to assist. 

And here's the final word on 
Rydex ICs. Affordability. Most 
systems can be installed for less 
than $1,000. 



Circle 310 on inquiry card. 




PREVENT THE DISASTER 

OF HEAD CRASH AND 

DROPOUT. 



The war against dust and dirt 
never ends. So before you boot 
up your equipment, and 
everytime you replace a 
cassette, disk or drive 
filter, be sure to use Dust-Off II; 
it counteracts dust, gritandlint 
Otherwise you're flirting with 
costly dropouts, head crashes 
and downtime. 

Dust-Off II i s most effective 
when used with Stat-Off II. Stat- 
Off II neutralizes dust-holding 
static electricity while Dust-Off II 
blasts loose dust away. There's 
also the Dual Extender and Mini- 
Vac for vacuuming dust out of 
hard-to-reach places. 

Photographic professionals 
have used Dust-Off brand 
products consistently on 
their delicate lenses and 
expensive cameras for 
over ten years. They 
know it's the safe, dry; 
efficient way to contami 
nant-free cleaning-. 




Cleaning not provided by liquid 
cleaners. 

Dust-Off II's remarkable 
pinpoint accuracy zeros in on the 
precise area being dusted. And 
you have total control — every- 
thing from a gentle breeze for 





Stat-Off II neutralizes dust-holding 
static electricity from media and 
machines. 

delicate computer mechanisms 
to a heavy blast for grimy dirt. 
Don't let contamination dis- 
rupt your computer operation. 
Stock up on Dust-Off II — the ad- 
vanced dry cleaning system, 
at your local computer or 
office supply dealer. 

Or send $1.00 (for 
postage and handling) 
for a 3 oz. trial size and 
literature today. 



Dust-Offll 

The safe dry cleaning system 

Falcon Safety Products, Inc . , 1065 Bristol Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092 



Z80000 are closely parallel, both be- 
ing upward-compatible extensions of 
16-bit central processing units de- 
signed in the PDP-11 tradition. The 
HP Focus, with its architectural 
heritage from the Burroughs line, is 
unlike the other chips discussed 
here. It's too early to know where to 
place the iAPX386, but it's probably 
closest to the Z80000 and the 
MC68020. The NCR/32 family, with 
its theme of emulation through exter- 
nal microcode, is related to the RISC 
machines, as is the Inmos Trans- 
puter. These comparisons are meant 
only as food for thought— don't make 
too much of them. 

Floating-point support is an impor- 
tant issue. The overwhelming trend 
is toward execution of IEEE-format 
operations using a coprocessor chip. 
Only the HP Focus does on-chip 
floating-point operations. NCR/32 
follows the IBM style of floating-point 
math, different from the IEEE pro- 
posed standard. The VAX also uses 
its own formats, some similar to IEEE 
formats. 

Demand-paged virtual memory 
seems to be a universally accepted 
choice, using a separate memory- 
management circuit. Only Zilog and 
Intel use on-chip memory manage- 
ment; Zilog's technique evolves from 
the separate-chip approach, and In- 
tel upgrades the rudimentary on-chip 
memory management of the 8086 
and 286. 

Execution speed is a tricky area, 
and I've been involved in enough 
benchmark studies to know better 
than to shoot from the hip here. 
What's needed, once all of these 
32-bit microprocessors are real, is a 
comprehensive comparison study 
like the one in EDN magazine's issue 
of September 16, 1981. There is prob- 
ably less than a factor of 4 between 
the fastest and the slowest of these 
microprocessors. All of the 32-bit 
chips are a cut above the best 16-bit 
microprocessors. ■ 

Richard Mateosian (2919 Forest Ave., Berkeley, 
CA 94705) is the technical marketing manager for 
the NS16000 family at National Semiconductor: He 
is the author of Programming the Z8000, pub- 
lished by Sybex in 1980, and Inside BASIC 
Games, Sybex, 1981. 



150 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 161 on inquiry card. 




GIVE YOUR CHILD 

THE PLATO EDGE IN ALGEBRA. 



For use with the Apple II 
Plus and Apple He: 

New PLATO® lessons in 
Elementary Algebra* 

Help your child feel confident 
about learning algebra skills. 
This new PLATO series helps 
simplify Exponents, Poly- 
nomials, Roots and Radicals, 
Factoring and other Algebra 
components. Practice prob- 
lems change at random and 
examples of solutions help 
keep kids motivated. 

New PLATO lessons in 
Computer Conceptst 

This series helps kids understand 
the computer and lets them 
practice what they learn. 



Lessons include: The Computer 
Keyboard, Storage and Memory 
Files and Editing and Databases. 

Widen your child's world 

Other PLATO lessons include 
Elementary Math, Foreign 
Languages, Physics- Elementary 




Mechanics, Computer Literacy 
and #Ceyboarding. 
All PLATO micro courseware 
is available for the Apple II 
Plus and Apple He. Selected 
lessons are available for the 
TI99/4A and Atari 800. 

For a free catalog 

See the growing line of PLATO 
micro courseware at selected 
retail outlets. For a free catalog, 
call toll-free: 800-233-3784. 
(In Calif, call 800-233-3785.) 
Or write: Control Data 
Publishing Co., PO. Box 261127, 
San Diego, CA 92126. 

^Developed with Courses by Computers, Inc. 
^Developed with Continuous Learning Corporation. 
^Developed with Gregg/McGraw-Hill. 

Warranty available free from Control Data Publishing Co., 
4455 EastgatcMall, San Diego, C A 92121 



PLATO 

COMPUTER-BASED EDUCATION 



CONTROL DATA 
PUBLISHING 



Circle 333 on inquiry card. 



MitelAnnounces 



1A CALENDAR. With a built-in time and 
date clock. And an alarm that flashes to 
remind you of key appointments. A whole 
year's plans can be stored. Reminders 
automatically move to the next day. A bar chart 
shows you your entire week at a glance. And all 
calendars can be electronically mailed or printed 
and carried with you. 



3 AN ELECTRONIC MAILBOX. 
From your Kontact to anyone else's. 
Inside the company or out. Instant 
notification when mail arrives. Just one 
instruction sends a piece of mail to many 
people. Gather mail in your "out basket" Auto- 
matically send it later at lower long distance rates. 




2 A TELEPHONE. Built right into 
your workstation. With your own 
alphabetic phone directory on the 
screen. Automatic dialing. And redial- 
ing. Using only the initials of the person you're 
calling. A record of how much time is spent on 
each call. Hands-free conversation through 
a speaker phone. Two lines that can be used 
simultaneously. Voice and data communica- 
tions at the same time. And an interface with both 
Mitel and other PBX's 



Introducing Mitel Kontact J M The management workstation 
that fully integrates virtually every day-to-day task. Commu- 
nications, time management, computing, and so much more. 
Plus the ability to do so many things simultaneously. Talk on 
the phone at the same time you're on-line with your main- 



frame computer at the same time you're checking your calendar 
at the same time you're printing your sales forecast at the 
same time... Compare the Mitel Kontact with any workstation 
on the market. And make sure you compare prices, too. You'll 
discover Kontact gives you much, much more for your money. 



152 BYTE January 1984 



Six NewMachines. 

are it 




4 A COMPUTER TERMINAL. Send 
and receive information with your 
company's IBM™ compatible or DEC™ 
compatible computer. Access Dow 
Jones,™ The Source™ and other data banks. 
The telephone line and modem are built right in. 
Your Kontact memorizes the computer "lingo." 
To make data communications as simple as any 
other task. 



5 A PERSONAL COMPUTER. Pre 
pare a budget, forecast sales, plan the 
next quarter. With your ExecuCalc™ 
electronic spreadsheet. The answers 
to all the mathematical "what ifs" of your busi- 
ness. Access in the future to CP/M™ programs. 
Plus the ability to edit them with word process- 
ing. Send them to any other Kontact user. And 
discuss them on the telephone. 



6 A WORD PROCESSOR. Whether 
you type with two or ten fingers. 
Eight function keys tell you exactly 
what to do. In everyday English. 
Execu Write™ is a sophisticated, full-featured, 
word processing package. Review and edit 
two files at once. Transfer text from one report to 
another. Integrate information created with 
your electronic spreadsheet. 




\'.C'' ■ 



mmmmm 



There simply isn't 
any other system 
that does as much. 
At any price. 

Circle 259 on inquiry card. 



For more information call 
1-800-MITELSX. 
In Canada call collect 
1-613-592-6353. 



m 



MITEL 



BUIIDING BETTER COA4MUNICATIONS 

BYTE January 1984 153 



Memory Cards: A New 

Concept in Personal 

Computing 

These miniature microcomputers could become 
the most popular portables 



One fascinating new microcom- 
puter has neither keyboard nor 
power supply, and chances are that 
you'll soon carry one in your wallet. 
This type of memory card (also.called 
a "smart card" or "chip card") is the 
same size and shape as a credit card 
and contains an embedded micro- 
computer. Currently being test-mar- 



by Mark Mills 

keted in the United States and 
Europe, memory cards are designed 
to record and play back information 
in a secure fashion. 

Another type of memory card 
doesn't have an embedded micro- 
computer but instead has a special 
coating on which information can be 
encoded. Yet another type is not 



card-shaped but resembles a fat 
plastic key with a nonvolatile semi- 
conductor memory embedded in it 
(see photo 1). Throughout the rest of 
this article, "memory card" will be 
used to indicate all three types of 
implementations. 

Presently, the primary application 
for memory cards is in the area of 




Photo 1: Four memory cards incorporated into different carrier packages. The bottom three cards are active devices, containing embedded 
microcomputers. Note the metal contact points on their surfaces (ok the "key," the contacts are between the ridges). The top card is a passive 
device that uses an optical stripe for laser recording and playback. 



154 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




.NEW PRODUCTS- 



Before Johann Sebastian Bach developed 
a new method of tuning, you had to 
change instruments practically every time 
you wanted to change keys. Very difficult. 

Before Avocet introduced its family of 
cross-assemblers, developing micro-pro- 
cessor software was much the same. You 
needed a separate development system 
for practically every type of processor. 
Very difficult and very expensive. 

But with Avocet's cross-assemblers, a 
single computer can develop software for 
virtually any microprocessor! Does that 
put us in a league with Bach? You decide. 



The Well-Tempered Cross-Assembler 



Development Tools That Work 

Avocet cross-assemblers are fast, reliable 
and user-proven in over 3 years of actual 
use. Ask NASA, IBM, XEROX or the hun- 
dreds of other organizations that use them . 
Every time you see a new microprocessor- 
based product, there's a good chance it 
was developed with Avocet cross- 
assemblers. 

Avocet cross-assemblers are easy to use. 
They run on any computer with CP/M* 
and process assembly language for the 
most popular microprocessor families. 

5 1 /*" disk formats available at no extra 
cost include Osborne, Xerox, H-P, IBM 
PC, Kaypro, North Star, Zenith, 
Televideo, Otrona, DEC. 

Turn Your Computer Into A 
Complete Development System 

Of course, there's more. Avocet has the 
tools you need from start to finish to enter, 
assemble and test your software and finally 
cast it in EPROM: 

Text Editor VEDIT •• full-screen text edi- 
tor by CompuView. Makes source code 
entry a snap. Full-screen textediting, plus 
TECO-Iike macro facility for repetitive 
tasks. Pre-configured for over 40 terminals 
and personal computers as well as in user- 
configurable form. 

CP/M-80 version $150 

CP/M-86 or MDOS version $195 

(when ordered with any Avocet product) 

EPROM Programmer Model 7128 
EPROM Programmer by GTek programs 
most EPROMS without the need for per- 
sonality modules. Self-contained power 
supply . . . accepts ASCII commands and 
data from any computer through RS 232 
serial interface. Cross-assembler hex ob- 
ject files can be down-loaded directly. 
Commands include verify and read, as 
well as partial programming. 

PROM types supported: 2508, 2758, 
2516, 2716, 2532, 2732, 2732A, 
27C32, MCM8766, 2564, 2764, 27C64, 
27128, 8748, 8741, 8749, 8742, 8751, 
8755, plus Seeq and Xicor EEPROMS. 

Circle 36 on inquiry card. 



Avocet 
Cross-assembler 


Target 
Microprocessor 


CP/M-80 
Version 


• CP/M-86 
IBM PC, MSDOS" 

Versions* 


• XASMZ80 


Z-80 




•XASM85 


8085 






XASM05 


6805 


$200.00 
each 


$250.00 
each 


XASM09 


6809 


XASM18 


1802 


XASM48 


8048/8041 


XASM51 


8051 


XASM65 


6502 


XASM68 


6800/01 


XASMZ8 


Z8 


XASMF8 


F8/3870 


$300.00 
each 


XASM400 


COP400 


XASM75 


NEC 7500 


$500.00 


Coming soon: XASM68K... 68000 





(Upgrade kits will be available for new 
PROM types as they are introduced.) 

Programmer $389 

Options include: 

• Software Driver Package -- 

• enhanced features, no installation 

• required. 

• CP/M-80 Version $75 

• IBM PC Version $ 95 

RS 232 Cable $30 

8748 family socket adaptor ... $ 98 
8751 family socket adaptor . . . $174 

• 8755 family socket adaptor . . . $135 

• G7228 Programmer by GTek -- baud 

• to 2400 ... superfast, adaptive program- 

• ming algorithms ... programs 2764 in one 

• minute. 

• Programmer $499 

• Ask us about Gang and PAL programmers. 

• HEXTRAN Universal HEX File Con- 

• verter -- Converts to and from Intel, 

• Motorola, MOS Technology, Mostek, 

• RCA, Fairchild, Tektronix, Texas 

• Instruments and Binary formats. 

• Converter, each version $250 



Call Us 

If you're thinking about development sys- 
tems, call us for some straight talk. If we 
don't have what you need, we'll help you 
find out who does. If you like, we'll even 
talk about Bach. 

CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-448-8500 

(In the U.S. except Alaska and Hawaii) 



VISA and Mastercard accepted. All popular disc formats now 
available -- please specify. Prices do not include shipping and 
handling - call for exact quotes. OEM INQUIRIES INVITED; 

'Trademark of Digital Research ' 'Trademark of Microsoft 



AVOCET 7X 
SYSTEMS INC, 

DEPT. 184-B 

804 SOUTH STATE STREET 
DOVER, DELAWARE 19901 
302-734-0151 TELEX 467210 



BYTE January 1984 155 



electronic funds transfer (EFT). 
France has several trial programs 
underway to demonstrate "electronic 
money" using memory cards. For ex- 
ample, videotex users may purchase 
goods and services in their homes 
using memory cards. In Italy, a semi- 
conductor firm is manufacturing pro- 
totype memory cards for pay tele- 
phones. You buy a memory card with 
a "preloaded" amount of money, 
and, with each phone call, an 
amount is deducted from the 
memory card's balance. When the 
amount reaches zero, the card is dis- 
carded. (See the text box below.) 

Other proposed uses for memory 
cards include personal identification 
(using physiological traits), driver's 
licenses, ski-lift tickets, passports, 
data recorders for pacemakers, hotel 
door keys, input devices for com- 
puter-controlled equipment, and ex- 
tended memory for computers. 

Memory-Card Technology 

Memory cards are implemented 
using three types of technologies: 
monochip memory cards, multichip 
memory cards, and optical-stripe 
memory cards. A monochip memory 
card has only one integrated circuit 
(IC), which includes a single-chip 
computer that holds a maximum of 
about 4000 bits of information in pro- 
grammable read-only memory 
(PROM). This PROM is used to 





Bits 


Characters (bytes) 


Reusable memory 


Optical stripe 


16M 


2M 






no 


PROM 


128K 


16K 






no 


. EEROM 


64K 


8K 






yes 


EPROM 


128K 


16K 






no 


Magnetic stripe 


1.7K 


212 






yes 


Table 1: A comparison 


of the 


storage capacities 


of all the types of memory cards. 



record and play back the "transac- 
tions" of the memory card. A PROM- 
based card could be considered dis- 
posable because once its memory is 
full, the memory cannot record new 
transactions. To overcome this draw- 
back, manufacturers are now in- 
vestigating the use of electrically 
erasable read-only memory (EEROM). 
Although this technology eliminates 
the "use until full" problem, it may 
increase problems related to card 
security and integrity. 

A memory card with more than 
one IC is called a multichip card. The 
multichip card is more versatile 
because it has a memory capacity of 
approximately 16,000 bits of informa- 
tion and does not require the high 
degree of IC customization the 
monochip card does. With the im- 
provement of packaging techniques 
and IC technology, multichip cards 
with large memory capacity will be- 
come commonplace. 



An optical-stripe memory card has 
a special surface similar to the coating 
on a videodisk rather than embedded 
integrated circuitry. A single optical 
stripe the size of the magnetic stripe 
on a credit card can hold 16 million 
bits of information; a similar size 
magnetic stripe on a typical credit 
card holds only about 1700 bits of in- 
formation. Table 1 provides a com- 
parison of storage densities for 
memory cards. 

A memory card that incorporates a 
microcomputer is known as an active 
memory card. This type of card has 
some degree of internal intelligence 
that enables it to make decisions 
about its interactions with the outside 
world. These decisions can range 
from the security of its stored infor- 
mation to initiating the proper se- 
quence of steps required to enable a 
transaction to be processed. 
Regardless of the nature of the in- 
teraction, the active memory card 



It's in the Cards 

Approximately five years ago, the French 
Telecomms Administration initiated a co- 
hesive research and development program 
from which memory cards and other re- 
lated products have evolved. Memory cards 
were originally designed to exploit 
integrated-circuit technology in a credit- 
card-shaped package for electronic funds 
transfer (EFT). This technology is being 
developed to replace check writing as a 
method of payment. With the astronomical 
number of checks written annually, it is 
not hard to see why a less labor-intensive 
method of payment is being developed. 
Presently, several test sites in the United 
States and France are studying this con- 
cept in conjunction with videotex systems. 

Memory cards are also being evaluated 



in lieu of money for pay telephones. Ad- 
vantages to using telephone memory cards 
include no coins to collect from coin boxes, 
less vandalism (because no money is kept 
in the telephone itself), and instant collec- 
tion of payment for services. Current prob- 
lems these test markets must resolve are the 
matter of contact reliability between the 
memory card and the transaction terminal 
and the integrity of memory-card security 
systems. These issues, as well as that of 
public acceptance, must be resolved before 
a full-scale memory-card application for 
EFT can be implemented. It will probably 
be several years before memory cards are 
widely in use. 

At present, there are no in-place systems 
for memory cards in the U.S. However, the 



U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to 
soon choose a contractor for a demonstra- 
tion of a memory-card system that could 
replace the paper coupons in the food- 
stamp program. The cards would be issued 
with the equivalent amount of money in 
memory, thereby eliminating the paper; 
paperwork, printing, and handling of 
stamps for the approximately 8 million 
households in the food-stamp program. 

Another area in which memory cards are 
being used is to augment or replace "dog 
tags" currently used in the military. The 
memory card could not only keep the tradi- 
tional name, rank, and serial number data 
but also store a soldier's training history, 
medical records, and so on. 



156 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Our new Color/Scribe™ printer: 

fully compatible with the IBM Personal Computer 
and color monitor when using the emulation disk 
supplied with each printer. 

If you think it takes guts 

to announce a color printer 

in a Black & White ad, 

wait until you hear our Radio spots. 




After years of building single-color 
printers, we would be the first to admit that 
color printers aren't for everyone. 

But for those of you who insist on a full- 
color printer, here's the one you should insist 
on: Our Color/Scribe DP-9725B. 

Because Color/Scribe's rich, saturated colors 
and razor-sharp resolution lets you take full 
advantage of your computer's color graphics. 
With it, you can punch up your presentations 
and breathe new life into your reports. 

And since Color/Scribe is based on the 
"Bulletproof" design of our Silent/Scribe™ 
series, you get quiet, field-proven reliability 
that's becoming the industry standard. 

Don't need color all the time? Fine. In the 
single-color mode, Color/Scribe runs circles 
around most other printers with its Draft, 
Enhanced and Dual-Pass Correspondence 



Modes at speeds up to 240 Characters-per- 
Second. 

So, with Color/Scribe you can have color 
when you need it, and high-performance black 
& white at no extra cost . . . sort of like getting 
three printers. 

Color/Scribe. If you simply must have a 
full-color printer, have one of the best. 

Have one of ours. 

Call (800) 4 ANADEX 

In California 800-792-9992 



Mi 



©Copyright 1983. Anadcx, Inc. 



MAULIN 

FORTHE WORLD 



The more you know printers, 
the more you'll like Anadex. 

ANADEX, INC. • 1001 Flynn Road • Camarillo, California 93010 • Telephone: (805) 987-9660 • TWX 910-494-2761 
U.S. Sales Offices: Irvine, California (714) 557-0457 • Schiller Park, Illinois (312) 671-1717 • Wakefield, Massachusetts (617) 245-9160 
Hauppauge, New York, Phone: (516) 435-0222 • Atlanta, Georgia, Phone (404) 255-8006 • Austin, Texas, Phone: (512) 327-5250 
ANADEX, LTD. • Weaver House, Station Road • Hook, Basingstoke, Hants RG27 9JY, England • Tel: Hook (025672) 3401 • Telex: 858762 ANADEX G 
ANADEX GmbH • Behringstrasse 5 • 8752 Mainaschaff • W. Germany • Tel: 011-49-06021-7225 • Telex: 4188347 

Circle 26 on inquiry card. BYTE January 1984 157 



jar th« 



IBM 



The most comprehensive | 
statistics and graphics 
ever developed for 




and sophisticated 
I database workstation 
the personal computer. 



Years of research, development, and 
field testing have resulted in the 
most extensive statistics and graph- 
ics database'program specifically 
designed for thepersonal computing 
environment. STATPRO ™ provides 
the data analysis capabilities and 
flexibility previously available only 
on a large computer. Researchers, 
business professionals, and other 
data analysts will welcome the 
breadth yet simplicity of this pro- 
gram! STATPRO requires no pre- 
vious computer experience, no 
special command language. Single 
keystrokes access all of the data man- 
ipulation, statistics, and graphics 
power of STATPRO. 

STATPRO allows easy access to its 
extensive numerical data 
capabilities. 

The strength of STATPRO is found 
in the functions of its user friendly, 
menu-driven database. You can 
easily learn to enter and edit, 
manipulate, transform, and print 
out data. STATPRO's searching 
capabilities allow these functions to 
be performed on all your data or a 
user defined subset of your data. 



Statistics Modules Menu 

A) DESCRIPTION 

B) REGRESSION 

C) ANOVA 

D) TIME SERIES 

E) MIILTIVAR 

(ESC» Exit to Master Menu 
Choice ->[ ] 



Transformations and over 400 
conversions are available. You can 
place the results of these transfor- 
mations into the same field or any 
other field in STATPRO's database. 



188 468 1688 6468 
COST ANAL VS IS FOR FIELD K8 



STATPRO offers a comprehensive 
collection of statistical procedures. 

The statistics component of 
STATPRO contains a multitude of 
procedures, grouped into the fol- 
lowing modules: 

Descriptive: Contingency analysis, 
cross tabulation, normality tests; 
descriptive, comparative, range and 
non-parametric statistics. 
Regression: Linear, non-linear, 
stepwise, and multiple regressions; 
residual analysis and statistical 
matrices. 

Analysis of Variance: Single and 
nested classifications, two and three 
way equal and unequal sample size 
and non-parametric ANOVA. 

Time Series: Moving averages, 
multi-stage least squares, fitted 
polynomials and trig functions, 
additive and multiply forecasting. 

Multivariate: Principal components, 
factor, orthogonal factor, oblique 
factor, pair-weighted cluster, dis- 
criminantfunction, multiple con- 
tingency, and canonical correlation 
analysis. 

STATPRO provides graphic 
representation of your data in 
minutes. 

STATPRO graphics iplot all the 
results of your STATPRO statistical 
analyses including scatter, triangle 
regression, and box plots; pie- 



charts, histograms, and dendo- 
grams. Further, with STATPRO you 
can custom edit with any of four 
character sets from the keyboard. 
You can also edit using paddles, 
joystick or special graphics com- 
mands. Mix text with data fields. 
Place multiple plots on each screen. 
Define your axis limits. 

You can save your graphics on a 
disk for a multiple color "slide 
show" presentation, or print them 
out through a variety of compatible 
printers. 

STATPRO documentation wraps 
up the package. 

Although STATPRO software is 
essentially self-documenting, com- 
plete print documentation is pro- 
vided. This includes a walk- through 
Introductory Tutorial, a Menu 
Chart, and a comprehensive 
User's Guide for each STATPRO 
component. 

STATPRO currently runs on all 
versions of the Apple® II, Apple / / /, 
and IBM® Personal Computers. 

To find out more about Statpro : 
The Statistics and Graphics Data - 
base Workstation , contact your 
local dealer, or 

Call us toll-free at 

800-322-2208 

In Massachusetts call (617) 423-0420. 

You can also call us toll-free for 
information on corporate purchase 
through our National Account 
Program. 




Wadsworth Electronic 
Publishing Company 

Statler Office Building 

20 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116 



STATPRO is a trademark of Wadsworth Electronic Publishing Company. Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. IBM is a registered trademark 

ot International Business Machines, Corp. 

158 byte January 1984 Circle 374 on inquiry card. 




Figure 1: A typical arrangement of the con- 
tact points of an active memory card. Relative- 
ly few (six to eight) contacts are needed because 
the data is transmitted serially. See the Flonic 
security card in photo 1. 

plays a direct part in its own destiny. 

On the other hand, a passive 
memory card (e.g., an optical-stripe 
card) has no active intelligence and 
depends entirely on the outside 
world for interaction. A passive card 
is not unprotected, however, because 
this type of device can dedicate a por- 
tion of its larger memory-storage ca- 
pacity to identification data of its 
owner. For instance, its card reader 
might require a match with a digit- 
ized picture, fingerprint, or voice- 
print to confirm identification; an 
ample amount of storage capacity 
would be left over for transactions. 
Data-encryption schemes further in- 
crease the security of passive cards. 

The design of the card reader or 
transaction terminal depends on 
whether the memory card is active or 
passive. In the case of an active card, 
a transaction terminal would need 
only I/O (input/output) devices and 
a power supply because the memory 
card already contains a microcom- 
puter (see photo 2). 

By contrast, the optical-stripe card 
requires some type of sophisticated 
laser-based data-transfer system to 
decipher the small dots encoded on* 
the card's surface. 

Memory-Card Architecture 

The active monochip memory-card 
architecture typically contains a 
single microcomputer embedded in 
a package the size and shape of a 
credit card. The microcomputer is 
connected to the outside world via 
contact points on the memory card's 
surface. Very few contact points are 
necessary because only power and 




Photo 2: A transaction terminal (or card reader) for an active memory card. 



INPUT/OUTPUT DOOR 



PERSONAL DATA 
MASKED (PROM) 



USAGE DATA 
(EEPROM) 



PROGRAM STORAGE 
MASKED (ROM) 



WATCHDOG 



MICROPROCESSING 
UNIT 



< 



O 

o 



Figure 2: The system architecture of a monochip-based memory card. 



data pass between the memory card 
and the transaction terminal. Figure 
1 shows the basic physical layout of 
a monochip memory card. Figure 2 
shows the general architecture of a 
monochip memory card. 
The architecture of multichip mem- 



ory cards is basically similar to that 
of monochip cards except that large 
memory capacities are possible and 
each subsystem can be a separate IC. 
Figure 3 shows a multichip memory 
and architecture. 
Data is typically transferred by an 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 159 



TO CONTACTS ON SURFACE 
OF MEMORY CARD 



H 



INPUT/OUTPUT 
DOOR 



I 



MICROPROCESSOR 



WATCHDOG 



M 
E 
M 

R 
Y 

B 

U 
S 




MEMORY 1 



MEMORY 2 




Figure 3: The system architecture of a multichip memory card. Each block represents a separate integrated circuit. 



I/O door. This doorway is similar to a 
universal asynchronous receiver/ 
transmitter (UART) and is monitored 
by a watchdog— the "security officer" 
of the memory card. The function of 
the watchdog is to make certain that 
the I/O transactions are valid. For ex- 
ample, successive attempts to initiate 
a transaction using improper access 
codes would cause the watchdog to 
close the I/O door permanently, ren- 
dering the card useless for future 
transactions. 

The memory section of monochip 
and multichip cards is a combination 
of four types of memory: factory-pro- 
grammed ROM (read-only memory), 
RAM (random-access read/write 
memory) for temporary data storage, 
and EEROM or PROM, in which 
transactions are stored. 

PROTECTIVE COATING 

REFLECTIVE LAYER 
NONREFLECTIVE LAYER 

SUBSTRATE 



CARRIER 



The architecture of the optical- 
stripe memory card is relatively 
straightforward. A special material, 
used in the manufacture of video- 
disks, is placed on the back of a stan- 
dard credit-card-shaped carrier. At a 
glance, the average person may not 
even notice the difference between a 
regular magnetic-stripe credit card 
and an optical-stripe memory card. 
The special stripe is actually com- 
posed of four layers: a protective 
coating, a reflective layer, a nonre- 
flective layer, and a substrate layer 
(see figure 4). Data is encoded on its 
surface by burning small holes ap- 
proximately 5 microns in diameter in- 
to the reflective layer. A low-power 
laser is used to "burn" the data onto 
the stripe and to read it back. By 
scanning the optical stripe with the 



OPTICAL STRIPE 



MEDIA 

(e.g.. PLASTIC CREDIT CARD) 



Figure 4: The physical layout of an optical-stripe memory card. The material on its surface 
is similar to that used on laser videodisks. A laser is used to read and write the transaction 
information. 



laser, a bit stream of data is produced. 
Figure 5 shows what happens when 
a laser scans the optical stripe. 

Memory-Card Terminals 

Because transaction terminals are 
necessary for a complete memory- 
card system, a brief discussion will 
help to understand how the whole 
system works. 

A transaction terminal is a commu- 
nication station used to transfer infor- 
mation into and out of memory 
cards. Basically, transaction terminals 
consist of two parts: a display with 
an attached keypad and a memory- 
card interface. The display and key- 
pad could be a standard serial ter- 
minal. The memory-card interface 
"customizes" the transaction terminal 
for a particular type of memory card. 
There are two types of interfaces: one 
for optical-stripe memory cards and 
one for monochip and multichip 
memory cards. 

The terminal interface for an 
optical-stripe memory card contains 
a computer-controlled laser 
data-transfer scanner. This scanner 
knows how to interpret or write dots 
on the memory card into meaningful 
data. Because this type of adapter 
needs a computer and a laser to read 
the memory card, it would be more 
expensive to manufacture than the 



160 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



I 



Compatible 



Compatible 



Compatible 



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MasterCard and Visa Accepted 



Separate specialized sales staff for 



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Syracuse. N Y. 13220 



(315)422-4467 TWX-71 0-541 -0431 (315)478-6800 



Circle 258 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 161 



LASER SOURCE 



LASER SOURCE 



EMITTER 







U-J 


V 



DETECTOR 



EMITTER 



\^ 






13 



OPTICAL STRIPES 




DETECTOR 



VERY LOW REFLECTION 



VERY HIGH REFLECTION 



Figure 5: The process of reading data encoded on an optical stripe. On the left, the laser beam encounters a hole written in the reflective 
layer so no light reaches the detector. On the right, the beam is reflected to the detector from an undisturbed section of the reflective layer. 



interface for monochip and multichip 
memory cards. 

A terminal interface for monochip 
and multichip memory cards is no 
more than a small housing with a 
mechanical device to connect the 
memory card to the terminal's con- 
tact points. These points provide 
power to the memory card and serial 
communications capability to the dis- 
play and keypad. Information can be 
exchanged as long as the transaction 
terminal adapter is connected to the 
memory card. 

Memory-Card Packaging 

By definition, memory cards must 



be small enough to be carried conve- 
niently. The most common package 
for memory cards resembles a credit 
card. However, there are possible 
drawbacks to incorporating electronic 
circuitry within a 30/1000-inch thick- 
ness of plastic. Manufacturing the 
plastic card liberates corrosive gases 
that can affect integrated circuits. Fur- 
thermore, producing such a package 
is difficult using conventional 
semiconductor fabrication tech- 
niques. 

Fortunately, a process known as 
tape-automated bonding (TAB) solves 
most of these problems. It's current- 
ly used to manufacture such items as 




Photo 3: An integrated circuit bonded to a carrier tape or TAB (tape-automated bonding). 
This process is used to fabricate thin electronic devices such as calculators and memory cards. 



electronic watches and very thin 
pocket calculators. TAB originated in 
the U.S. in 1969 and uses a flexible 
printed-circuit carrier tape, which 
looks like 35mm movie film, to which 
an IC is bonded and tested (see photo 
3). 

Memory-Card System Costs 

Card costs will depend on two fac- 
tors: the technology used and the 
volume of production. In high 
volume, optical-stripe cards should 
cost about 50<t each, monochip cards 
about $4.50 each, and multichip 
cards about $8 each. In low-volume 
production, these prices would be 
significantly higher (see. table 2). 

The cost of the transaction terminal 
must be considered in addition to the 
cost of the distribution and manufac- 
ture of the memory card. A simple 
transaction terminal for active mem- 
ory cards may be priced as low as 
$250, whereas a transaction terminal 
for passive memory cards will cost at 
least $1500. These costs are significant 
because anyone wishing to use a 
memory card will need a reading 
device. 

Security 

It stands to reason that the more 
you need to protect the information 
on your memory card, the more valu- 
able (or private) the information is. 



162 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




Last Night, CompuServe Turned This 

Computer Into A Travel Agent for Jennie, 

A Stock Analyst For Ralph, And Now, 

Its Sending Herbie to Another Galaxy. 



NO MATTER WHICH COMPUTER 

YOU OWN, WE'LL HELP YOU GET 

THE MOST OUT OF IT. 

If you've got places to go, 
CompuServe can save you time and 
money getting there. Just access the 
Official Airline Guide Electronic 
Edition— for current flight schedules and 
fares. Make reservations through our 
on-line travel service. Even charter 
a yacht through "Worldwide Exchange." 

If your money's in the market, 
CompuServe offers a wealth of 



prestigious financial data bases. 
Access Value Line, or Standard and 
Poor's. Get the latest information on 
40,000 stocks, bonds or commodities. 
Then, consult experts like IDS 
or Heinold Commodities. All on line 
with CompuServe. 

Or if, like Herbie, intergalactic 
gamesmanship is your thing, enjoy the 
best in fantasy, adventure, and space 
games. Like MegaWars, the ultimate 
computer conflict. 

To get all this and more, you'll 



need a computer, a modem and 
CompuServe. CompuServe connects with 
almost any personal computer, terminal, 
or communicating word processor. 
To receive an illustrated guide to 
CompuServe and learn how you can 
subscribe, contact or call: 

CompuServe 

Consumer Information Service, P. O. Box 20212 
5000 Arlington Centre Blvd., Columbus, OH 43220 

800-848-8199 

In Ohio call 614-457-0802. 



An H&R Block Company 



Circle 84 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 163 



Type of memory card 


Low volume 


High volume 


Memory capacity 


f in characters (bytes) 


Cost per character 


Monochip 


$16.00 


$4.50 






4K 


3.9C 


Multichip 


50.00 


8.00 






16K 


3.05C 


Optical stripe 


4.00 


.50 






2M 


.0002C 


Magnetic stripe 


3.00 


.60 






212 


13. 6<D 


Optical/magnetic dual stripe 


8.00 


1.10 






2M 


.0004(1 


Table 2: A comparison of card costs at low- and 


high-volume production, 


and the cost 


per character stored for 


the various 


memory-card technologies. 















For instance, a memory card that con- 
tains information regarding your 
bank accounts would warrant more 
protection than a memory card used 
as a ski-lift token. Security of infor- 
mation is a matter of personal judg- 
ment depending on how "private" 
that information is to the individual 
"owning" it. Most card systems in use 
today (e.g., paper and magnetic- 
stripe cards) offer little or no privacy, 
whereas memory cards would offer 
several avenues for privacy and for 
protection of sensitive information. 

Memory-card security is achieved 
by limiting the number of people 
who have access to the information 
stored on the card. Furthermore, 
granting someone access to informa- 
tion on the memory card should not 
mean he has permission to update, 
modify, or add information to the 
memory card. To protect information 
on the card, data encryption is used. 
The "key" to the code is jointly held 
by the card and the owner. However, 
just knowing the key should not con- 
stitute ownership; positive identifica- 
tion of the rightful owner is un- 
doubtedly a requirement for a secure 
memory-card system. Finally, the 
memory card must keep a list of peo- 
ple who attempt to query or change 
information on the card. 

Personal identification is possible 
using any of four different methods. 
Identification based on possession of 
an object (a card, for example) is not 
a positive means of identification 
because an object might be lost or 
stolen. Identification based on what 
a person knows (number or pass- 
word) is not much better because it, 
too, can be lost or stolen. This 
method is currently employed by 
automatic tellers using magnetic- 



stripe cards. An automatic-teller card 
can be used by anyone if he knows 
the personal identification number 
that goes with the card. Both of these 
methods are easy to implement and 
inexpensive to produce. 

The next two methods provide a 
much better means of positive iden- 
tification. The first is based on some 
unchangeable biological feature, such 
as a fingerprint, voiceprint, or elec- 



Positive identification 

of the rightful 

owner is required for 

a secure memory-card 

system. 

trocardiogram pattern, that would 
provide virtually perfect identifica- 
tion. Its largest drawback is the ex- 
pense of implementing the devices. 
The second method involves a 
learned trait or habit; the sound of a 
person's footsteps or a signature are 
distinctive learned traits. Learned 
traits are unique enough to be almost 
forge-proof and have the additional 
advantage of being generally inex- 
pensive to measure. With these 
positive-identification techniques you 
can audit all accesses and attempted 
accesses to a memory card and iden- 
tify those who made the requests. 
Memory cards suffer from the 
same type of external threats as do 
credit cards— illegal use of a valid 
card, modification of a valid card, 
and production of counterfeit cards. 
These three threats are compared for 
both memory cards and current mag- 
netic-stripe credit cards in tables 3a 
and 3b. Although the probability of 



misuse and potential loss is compar- 
able, the countermeasures available 
to protect memory cards make them 
preferable to magnetic-stripe cards. 
Proponents of the technology are 
claiming that the memory card is un- 
conditionally secure, but there is no 
solid evidence to support this claim. 
Experts in the field of security, cryp- 
tography, and microelectronics doubt 
these claims because of the rapid in- 
crease of computer crime in the past 
few years. Memory-card systems are 
more secure than the current mag- : 
netic-stripe technology, but their level 
of security in field-usable systems 
has yet to be determined. Currently 
there are field tests underway in the 
United States and in France that may 
prove to some degree the security of 
memory cards. However, the ultimate 
test of memory-card systems comes 
when they have been released on a 
very large scale. None of the existing 
field tests will be able to answer the 
question of security absolutely. 

The Human Factor 

The importance of human factors 
in computer applications is receiving 
increased attention, which is well 
deserved because most computer 
systems have not been designed with 
the user in mind. They have been de- 
signed instead from the standpoint of 
ease of implementation for the design 
engineers. Because memory cards are 
small portable computing devices, it 
is important that the proper human 
factors be considered in order to en- 
sure the acceptance of memory cards 
in particular applications. 

Nearly all the applications of mem- 
ory cards involve financial institu- 
tions, which are moving over from 
standard credit cards. Their greatest 



164 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



WAIT REDUCTION MADE EAST. 



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(213) 991-8200 • TWX 910-336-5431 

©1983 PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS 



Circle 289 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 165 



(3a) 












Probability 


Potential loss 


Countermeasures 


Skill level required 


Illegal use of a valid card 
Modification of a valid card 
Production of counterfeit cards 


high 

moderate to high 

high 


moderate 

serious 

enormous 


moderate to poor 

poor 

poor to none 


none 
medium 
medium to low 


(3b) 












Probability 


Potential loss 


Countermeasures 


Skill level required 


Illegal use of a valid card 
Modification of a valid card 
Production of counterfeit cards 


high 

medium to low 

low 


moderate 

serious 

enormous 


good 

moderate to poor 

poor to none 


low 

high 

high 


Table 3: Probable abuses of a 


magnetic-stripe card (3a) 


compared with the same 


factors for a memory card (3b). 





motivation for shifting to memory 
cards is to minimize fraud, theft, and 
misuse of credit cards. 

Conventional credit cards have 
several advantages that have put 
them into widespread use today. 
They are easy to use, they don't re- 
quire any special knowledge by the 
user, and they are cheap to manufac- 
ture (and therefore are generally pro- 
vided for free). Their biggest fault is 
that they are very difficult to track if 
stolen. Another major disadvantage 
to credit cards is that they are easily 
counterfeited. Memory cards, on the 
other hand, can provide all of the ad- 
vantageous features of a credit card 
while reducing, or eliminating, these 
disadvantages. The memory card 
could also provide a unified method 
of interaction with a financial institu- 
tion, such as a bank; the memory 
card could serve as a credit card, a 
savings passbook, a checkbook, and 
an automatic-teller access card all in 
one. Other information could be car- 
ried as well: information on out- 
standing retirement accounts, auto 
loans, and savings bonds. 

In order for this type of memory 
card to be readily accepted by new 
users, the card and the system must 
be as functional as the system they 
replace and should offer additional 
features (e.g., updated interest re- 
porting for passbook savings 
accounts). 

The memory card itself must have 
certain physical characteristics in 
order to be acceptable to a large 



group of users. It must be small, 
lightweight, and durable. Also, it 
should utilize a surface or shape that 
would let you identify the front, 
back, right, and left side of the card 
so it could be used in poor light or 
by a person who is visually impaired. 



Memory cards can 

provide all of the 

advantages of a credit 

card, while reducing or 

eliminating the 

disadvantages. 



Attention should be paid to the 
user's access to information within 
the memory card. This would require 
a small, portable terminal analogous 
to the calculators carried in some 
checkbook cases. A similar read-only 
device for active memory cards could 
be made by modifying such a cal- 
culator. 

Nonfinancial Applications 

Two examples of nonfinancial ap- 
plications are memory-card software 
packages and memory cards used for 
on-board diagnostics of a personal 
computer. 

Like any other machine, personal 
computers can need repair. Unlike 
other machines, computers cleverly 
disguise their problems, making 
them difficult to troubleshoot and 



repair. It would be beneficial to have 
an on-board "tattletale" memory card 
that could monitor the computer's 
operation so as to enable rapid detec- 
tion and correction of problems. This 
device could keep track of such 
things as memory faults, bus errors, 
power-line surges, system glitches, 
and air temperature and relative 
humidity inside the computer 
chassis. The memory card might also 
perform a type of logic-analyzer 
function. 

A diagnostic card could decrease 
maintenance costs because it could 
periodically be removed from the 
personal computer and its informa- 
tion displayed to determine the num- 
ber of memory faults that had oc- 
curred, or the number of times the 
critical temperature was reached in- 
side the chassis, thus signaling the 
necessity of maintenance. Therefore, 
memory cards for on-board diag- 
nostics could decrease the life cycle 
costs because repairs would be easier 
to isolate and fix. Only the memory 
card would have to be taken to the 
appropriate service department for 
playback and inspection to diagnose 
the problem. This could save the 
owner of a personal computer a great 
deal of time, effort, and money. 

Figure 6 shows a memory card 
used as a diagnostician. The "panic" 
button could be activated by the user 
if a potential problem is suspected. 
The button would alert the memory 
card to a situation in which an error 
may occur. The memory card could 



166 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



CHAMELEON 11995 Complete 

by SEEQUA 

The IBM® Compatible Computer 



BOTH WORLDS OF 
PROCESSING 

Using a unique dual processor 
technology, the Chameleon by 
SEEQUA is both IBM-PC com- 
patible and CP/M-80™ compat- 
ible providing the largest soft- 
ware support available. 

TWICE THE MEMORY 

128K bytes RAM are standard, 
internally expandable to 256K. 
And 320K formatted disk stor- 
age is included. 

SOFTWARE INCLUDED 

Your computer is delivered 
with SEEQUAs MS-DOS, 
compatible with the IBM 



rrjBDiSE 



standard 16 bit PC-DOS oper- 
ating system. It includes Per- 
fect Writer for word processing 
and Perfect Calc for financial 
analysis. And it has MBasic to 
let you write your own routines. 
Chameleon comes standard 
with 640x200 resolution black 
and white graphics and 320 x 
200 resolution color graphics. 

EXPANDABLE 

Chameleon has both serial and 
parallel ports standard. You 
can add an additional serial 
port or the IEEE-488 port. You 
can even use IBM PC com- 
patible add-on boards in our 
optional expansion interface 
package. 



FITS IN YOUR 
ENVIRONMENT 

Chameleon is at home in your 
office. But its compact pack- 
aging makes it easy to carry 
elsewhere. 

To learn more about 
Chameleon's power, call us 
at 800-638-6066. Well 
put you in touch with our 
closest dealer. 



SEEQUA 

COMPUTER 

CORPORATION 



8305 Telegraph Road 
Odenton,MD 21113 
(301) 672-3600 or 
(800) 638-6066 

The following are registered trademarks: 

CP/M-80— Digital Research Inc. 

MS-DOS— Microsoft^ 

PC-DOS— IBM 

Perfect Writer — Perfect Software 

Perfect Calc — Perfect Software 

MBasic — Microsoft* 

IBM — International Business Machines 



PERSONAL COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICIAN 



PERSONAL COMPUTER 



MEMORY-CARD INTERFACE 



RECORDED 

DIAGNOSTIC 

INFORMATION 



MEMORY 
CARD 



SERVICE DEPARTMENT 
DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER 



"PANIC" 
"° ° BUTTON 



Figure 6: A block diagram of an active memory card used as an on-board diagnostics device within a microcomputer. 



then record all the various logic and 
physical states of the system. This 
type of diagnostic capability will be- 
come more useful, and almost a ne- 
cessity, as personal computers 
become more complex. 

Eliminating Disks and Pirates 

Distribution of personal-computer 
software has its problems, most of 
which fall into two main categories: 
media reliability and piracy. Almost 
all personal-computer software is dis- 
tributed on floppy disks, a magnetic 
recording medium. The data-transfer 
head reads and writes information as 
the disk revolves. The data-transfer 
head must make physical contact 
with the floppy disk in order to work 
properly. This contact causes friction 
that eventually wears out the floppy 
disk. Dirt, dust, oily fingerprints, and 
other types of contamination can ac- 
celerate this deterioration. Because 
memory cards have no moving parts, 
they are very resistant to the con- 
taminants that can ruin a floppy disk. 
Therefore, memory cards are a more 
reliable distribution medium than 
floppy disks. 

Memory cards also offer protection 
against software piracy. Currently, a 
personal-computer user needs to 
keep several copies of a program on 
separate disks to ensure a working 
copy in case of an operator error or 



media failure. Because copies are 
easy and necessary for legitimate 
users to make, they are also easy for 
illegitimate users to copy. This is a 
major problem in the industry today 
and one that can be easily combated 
with memory cards, which cannot be 
erased by the user or be easily 
damaged. 

Memory cards are more 
reliable than floppy 

disks and offer 

protection against 

software piracy. 

Chip-based memory cards can 
store approximately 5 percent of the 
information of a single-sided, single- 
density 5V4-inch floppy disk (8K 
bytes versus 160K bytes). Tech- 
nological advances may help to over- 
come this drawback. 

Alternately, a multiple-card reader 
could be constructed for virtually the 
same cost as a floppy-disk drive (ap- 
proximately $400). A card reader 
would enable many programs to be 
on line simultaneously with im- 
proved access time and enhanced re- 
liability. 

Chip-based memory cards are not 
the only type of memory cards that 
can be used to store information. 
Optical-stripe memory cards can 



store about 4 million bytes per card. 
This lets a large program or a multi- 
tude of smaller programs be stored 
on the memory card, which greatly 
increases the applications for per- 
sonal computers. By using an optical- 
stripe memory card, books, dic- 
tionaries, thesauruses, encyclopedias, 
and reference books could be bought 
in machine-readable form inexpen- 
sively. Imagine a spelling checker 
based on a 4-million-byte memory 
card. A reader for an optical-stripe 
memory card would be more expen- 
sive than one based on chip tech- 
nology, but if manufactured in large 
quantities, its cost would probably 
range from $400 to $800. The reader 
would be about the same size as the 
current 5V4-inch floppy-disk drive. 

Although the technology is yet in 
its infancy, memory cards may even- 
tually be used by the majority of the 
population. Applications include 
security, financial tasks, data storage, 
and diagnostic capabilities for per- 
sonal computers. As yet, it is not 
clear whether active or passive cards 
will prevail, but memory cards will be 
part of your life very soon.H 



Mark Mills is facility manager of the Microcom- 
puter Application and Technology Center at Bat- 
telle Columbus Laboratories in Columbus, Ohio. He 
can be contacted at 3118 Essington Dr., Dublin, OH 
43017. 



168 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 






THE WY300 TERMINAL 

GREAT COLOR 

FOR UNDER $1000 







I 




IF COLOR IS A LUXURY YOU THINK 
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The WY300's high-resolution 8-color 
display adds vivid relief to any text edit- 
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significantly to the price you'd pay for 
monochrome. 

Economically designed with a swivel 
and tilt CRT and a detachable keyboard, 
the compact WY300 fits into the work- 
place as comfortably as it does into your 
budget. 

On top of that, the W Y300 gives you a 
host of features like a soft downloadable 




monochrome oriented, off-the-shelf 
software. 

Best of all, the WY300 is plug compatible 
with our monochromatic WYlOO's and 
most ASCII terminals. So, using color is 
as easy as it is inexpensive. 

Need more information? Call or write us 
today. We'd like to convince you our 
smart color terminal is your wisest buy. 



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UndoWindows* 

New Microsoft® Word It makes your IBM 
Personal Computer think its better than a $10,000 
word processor 

With Microsoft Word, what you see on the screen is 
what you get on the paper So its easy to spot mistakes. 
Boldface, underline , and italics look like this, 
not this: A Bboldface A B, A Sunderline A S, AlitalicsAL 

And, when you make changes, paragraphs are 
automatically reformatted. Flush right, flush left, 
centered or justified It even gives you several columns 
on a page, like a newspaper 

Word forgives and doesn't forget 

There's an "uh-oh" command called Undo. Make 
a mistake? Or just want to experiment? Hit Undo. 




Microsoft is a registered trademark and 

MS is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation 



Mouse*Finally 

Word undoes your last change and remembers things 
the way they were 

Word does windows. Up to eight, to be exact 
So you can transfer or edit between eight different 
documents. Or between eight different pieces of 
the same document 

Word travels fast 

Word has a Mouse, a handy little critter that lets 
you move copy, select commands and edit faster 

than you can say "cheese!' 

^ w J ^^^^^^^L Word also lets you create 

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■i^^^you can standardize your documents, 

memos, files and letters. 

Its not surprising that Microsoft has a way with 
Word We designed the MS™ DOS operating system that 
tells the IBM® PC how to think And we pioneered 
the first microcomputer BASIC, the language spoken 
by nine out of ten micros worldwide. 

For a few final words, call 1-800426-9400 
(in Washington State call 206-828-8088) for a free 

Word brochure and the name MICROSOFT 
of your nearest Microsoft dealer The High Performance software m 



Computer-aided Design 

Significant CAD power is coming for desktop microcomputers 



Computer-aided design (CAD), 
drawing and designing with the aid 
of a computer, promises to change 
our lives dramatically. Not so long 
ago, we stumbled into air-condi- 
tioned computer centers with boxes 
of keypunch cards and a desire to 
"see " what would happen. Now all 
that power sits on our desktops, and 
as a result pencils, erasers, and 
perhaps even paper face the prospect 
of obsolescence. 

Today, word processors conquer 
mountains of text, electronic spread- 
sheets master number manipulation, 
and business graphics translate the 
results into charts, graphs, and slide 
shows worth a thousand words. And 
the increasing number of electronic 
pictures in turn creates the need for 
a graphics editor— a picture processor 
similar to a word processor. That way, 
we can create and edit graphics 
images, cutting and pasting our way 
through letters, numbers, and 
pictures. 

The age of computer graphics is 
finally here. A hardware/software 
configuration exists for everything 
from painting illustrations with a col- 
or brush to designing and automat- 
ing the production of a pipe valve. 
Software tools can manipulate both 
two-dimensional and three-dimen- 
sional images, tools that enable us to 
create geometric models worth a 
thousand pictures. 



by Rik Jadrnicek 

But increased capability and falling 
prices raise serious questions. What 
hardware and software do you need? 
What is available? How do you com- 
pare packages? What do the terms 
mean? Whom do you contact? 
Should you wait to buy? Unfortu- 
nately, the pattern is far too familiar. 

This article charts a path through 
the jungle of hardware and software 
considerations you face when choos- 
ing a CAD package. In it I focus on 
some of the software and hardware 
available for your desktop computer. 

What Is Computer-aided Design? 

Computer-aided design has many 
potential applications, among them 
graphics design, illustration, flow- 
charts, block diagrams, forms design, 
mapping, printed-circuit board/elec- 
trical design, space planning, archi- 
tectural design, mechanical drafting, 
and product design. A discussion of 
solids modeling with shading, ani- 
mation, and image synthesis on 
microcomputers is a little premature, 
but several powerful wire-frame-type 
three-dimensional modeling pack- 
ages are available along with some 
exciting painting software (see photos 
1 and 2). 

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) 
ties together such diverse interests as 
pictures (schematics, assembly and 
maintenance drawings), cost analy- 
ses, structural analyses, production 



process plans, material specifications, 
tool design, and quality control. Dur- 
ing this process, CAD graphics inter- 
face with a variety of analysis pack- 
ages through compatible data files. 

Computer-aided manufacturing 
(CAM) uses CAD and CAE criteria to 
produce a product such as a valve, a 
tool, or another item. Soon we'll be 
able to design, analyze, document, 
and organize the actual manufacture 
of a product from the original draw- 
ing. Both CAE and CAM operations 
are in their infancy on desktop 
micros. 

With CAD, you draw or edit by 
entering data through a keyboard or 
a variety of input devices such as 
digitizers, mice, light pens, touch 
pens, trackballs, and image digi- 
tizers. The graphics software records 
the drawing within a world coor- 
dinate system and saves its database 
description. You edit the database 
and view the results on a monitor, 
which sends the image you create to 
a variety of hard-copy output devices 
including printers and plotters. You 
can network the database and send 
it out via modem or create an inter- 
face with such programs as Bill of 
Materials, Stress Analysis, or a varie- 
ty of CAE/CAM applications. 

What Is Available? 

Historically, computer graphics 
started with the early Teletype and 



172 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




Photo 1: A paintbrush drawn with the pixel-based Easel painting software. 



line-printer hard-copy devices of the 
1940s. Computer-driven CRTs (cath- 
ode-ray tubes) began to display out- 
put in the early 1950s. In 1962, Ivan 
E. Southerland, a young Ph.D. from 
MIT, formally described a computer 
system that enabled users to draw. 
Significant developments in output- 
device technology and software in 
the 1970s have made Southerland's 
dream economically feasible. Cur- 
rently, more than a dozen software 
developers are well along the path to 
creating significant CAD power for 
desktop computers. These are not ex- 
pensive dedicated systems or 
bundled hardware and software con- 
figurations that are device depen- 
dent; they run on stock microcom- 
puters with few exceptions. 

Hardware Requirements 

The costs of the hardware and soft- 
ware necessary to configure a CAD 
system run from $5000 for a very fun- 
damental floppy-disk system up to 




Photo 2: A sample three-dimensional video image produced by Energraphics software. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 173 



Processor Support 


PC-Draw 


CADdraft 


Benchmark 


Vector 
Sketch 


Drawing 
Processor 


CADplan 


AutoCAD 


VersaCAD 


IBM PC 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 




IBM PC XT 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 




Columbia 


• 


• 




• 


• 


• 


• 




Compaq- 
Corona 


• 


• 


• 


• 
• 


• 
12/83 


• 


• 




Eagle PC 
Eagle 1630 
Tl PC 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 
• 


• 


• 

12/83 

• 


6/84 


NEC APC 






• 




1/84 




• 




Zenith Z-100 










1/84 




• 




Compupro 
Televideo 














• 
12/83 




Victor 9000 




• 


• 




1/84 


• 


• 




Digital Microsystems 
DEC Rainbow 






1/84 








• 
12/83 




DEC 350 
















6/84 


Apple II 
















• 


CP/M 










• 




• 




HP-200 Series 
















• 


Price 


$250 


$495 


$595 


$900 


$995 


$1295 


$1000/ 

/$1500 


$1995 


Table 1: A comparison of computers. 










• = existing feature 

date = expected release date 



Input Devices 


PC-Draw 


CADdraft 


Benchmark 


Vector 
Sketch 


Drawing 
Processor 


CADplan 


AutoCAD 


VersaCAD 


Sunflex Touch Pen 
Sunflex Touch Pad 




• 








• 


• 
• 




Light Pen 


• 
















Joystick 
















• 


Houston Instrument Hipad 




• 


1/84 




• 


• 


• 


• 


Hitachi Tiger Tablet 














• 


4/84 


GTCO 




• 




• 


• 


• 




• 


Summagraphics 






1/84 




• 




• 


• 


Kurta 






• 










4/84 


Mouse Systems Mouse 




• 








• 


• 




USI Optomouse 














• 




Table 2: A comparison of input devices. 










• = existing feature 

date = expected release date 



$50,000 for a dual 68000-based micro- 
processor with a 20-megabyte hard 
disk and 1 megabyte of RAM (ran- 
dom-access read/write memory). The 
latter system is capable of very good 
two-dimensional and three-dimen- 
sional commercial animation graph- 
ics. 

Ideally, the CAD software you 
choose will support a variety of com- 
puters (table 1), input devices (table 
2), graphics processors, and output 
devices (table 3). 

Computers 

A wide variety of desktop micro- 



computers can be configured for 
computer graphics work. This added 
capability usually doesn't interfere 
with the word processor, the spread- 
sheet, or any other software in your 
library. 

These computers fall into four gen- 
eral categories: 

1. Atari, Apple, and other computers 
with proprietary operating sys- 
tems using the 6502 micropro- 
cessor chip. Accelerator boards 
provide 8088 and 68000 chips for 
some of these. 

2. S-100, STD, Multibus, and other 



systems like the Victor 9000 using 
the Z80 or 8086, 8087, and/or 8088 
microprocessors. 

3. IBM PC XT and the growing num- 
ber of PC look-alikes using the 
8086/8088 microprocessor and op- 
tionally the 8087 numerical data 
coprocessor. 

4. Unix systems using the Motorola 
68000 microprocessor. 

The Intel 8088 microprocessor is 
faster and more powerful than the 
Z80 but less powerful than the 
Motorola 68000. Some systems, such 
as the Victor 9000, come from the f ac- 



174 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



TEK 



2213/2215/2235 

DUAL TRACE OSCILLOSCOPES 



THE ANSWER 
BY ANY MEASURE 



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Tek has expanded its 
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it all as close as your 
phone. Tek's revolutionary, 
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ture brings unprecedented 
quality, reliability and afford- 
ability to the 60 MHz 2213 
and 2215, and now, the 
100 MHz 2235. 

All three of these lightweight 
(13.5 lb.) scopes feature 2 mV/ 
div vertical sensitivity and 
5 ns/divsweep speeds, plus a 
complete trigger system for 
stable triggering on digital, 
analog or video waveforms. 

Scopes with a compre- 
hensive 3-year warranty* . . . 
probes. . .and expert advice. 
Onefree call gets it all! You 
can order, or obtain literature, 
through the Tek National 





2213 


2215 


2235 


Bandwidth 


60 MHz 


60 MHz 


100 MHz 


No. of Channels 


2 


2 


2 + Trigger View 


Alternate Sweep 


— 


Yes 


Yes 


Vert/Trig B/W Limit 


— 


— 


Yes— 20 MHz 


Single Sweep 


— 


— 


Yes 


Accuracy: Vert/Horz 


3% 


3% 


2% 


Delay Jitter 


1:5,000 


1:10,000 


1 :20,000 


Trigger'g Sensitivity 


0.4 div at 2 MHz 


0.4 div at 2 MHz 


0.3 div at 10 MHz 


Input R-C 


1MH-30pf 


1Mfl-30pf 


1Mn-20pf 


Variable Holdoff 


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Price 


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Marketing Center. Technical 
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Order toll free: 
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tPrice F.O.B. Beaverton. OR. 
'3-year warranty includes CRT and applies to 2000 
family oscilloscopes purchased after 1/1/83. 
Scopes are UL Listed. CSA and VDE approved. 



Tektronix 

COMMnTEDTO EXCELLENCE 

Circle 350 on inquiry card. 



Copyright ©1983, Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved. TTA-407-1 



Output Devices 


PC-Draw 


CADdraft 


Benchmark 


Vector 
Sketch 


Drawing 
Processor 


CADplan 


AutoCAD 


VersaCAD 


Graphics Boards 

IBM Graphics Board-Color 
IBM Graphics Board-B&W 
Single-Screen Version 


• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 


• 


• 


• 


• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 


• 
6/84 


Hercules 

Scion 

Techmar 

Control Systems Artist 

Color + Plantronics 

Vectrix 384 


3/84 
3/84 


12/83 

12/83 

• 


1/84 


1/84 


• 


12/83 

12/83 

• 


• 
12/83 
12/83 

• 


2/84 

2/84 
2/84 

• 


Pen Plotters 


















Houston Instrument: 

DMP-7 

DMP-8 

DMP-29 

DMP-40 

DMP-41 

DMP-42 


• 
1/84 
3/84 
3/84 


• 
• 
• 
• 


• 


• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 


Hewlett-Packard: 
HP-7470A 
HP-7580 
HP-7585 


• 
• 
• 


• 
12/83 
12/83 




• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 


• 
12/83 
12/83 


• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 


IBM XY749 
IBM XY750 


1/84 
1/84 


• 
• 




• 
• 




• 
• 






Calcomp 




• 








• 


11/83 




Sweet-P 






• 








• 


4/84 


Strobe 100 
Strobe 8-pen 








• 
• 






• 
• 




Graphics Printers 

Epson MX-80 
Epson MX-100 
Epson FX-80/100 




• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 




• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 


2/84 
2/84 
2/84 


Citoh 1550 


















IBM Graphics 




• 


• 






• 


• 


2/84 


Okidata 84/92 
Okidata 93 


















NEC 8023 
NEC PI 






• 
• 












Mannesmann Tally 
Gemini-10/15 
IDS Prism 
Versatec 




1/84 


• - 




• 


1/84 






Table 3: A comparison oft 


utput devices. 










• = ( 
date = 


existing feature 
expected release date 



tory equipped with full graphics 
capability. They are the easiest to con- 
figure and generally the least costly. 
If you do need to configure a system 
for graphics capability, in a price/per- 
formance evaluation the IBM PC and 
its look-alikes come out on top, fol- 
lowed by selected S-100 systems (see 
photos 3 and 4). 



Input Devices 

Although you can use the key- 
board as a primary input device, a 



specialized device is much easier and 
more efficient. 

With manual drafting methods and 
a conventional drawing board, you 
physically draw a line from one point 
to another. You do the same thing 
with a digitizer or digitizing tablet 
(electronic drawing board), but rather 
than use a pencil or pen you use a 
puck, cursor device, or stylus. You can 
trace a library of drawing parts you 
have created over the years for use in 
assembling your current drawings. 
You can also work with drawings 



created manually by your co-workers. 

Touch pens and light pens enter 
data points directly onto the monitor 
screen— if you don't mind holding 
your hand in the air— but they don't 
trace manually created drawings. 

Similar to digitizing tablets but 
without the expense or the accuracy, 
mice keep your hand in a restful posi- 
tion on a table or grid plate. Track- 
balls, which use a revolving ball like 
some video games, video-camera in- 
put, and even joysticks are available. 
It's a good idea to combine the key- 



176 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Text continued on page 180 



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Software Features to Look For 



On-line Status 

On-screen status items, such as layer 
number', grid status, lines of type, the cur- 
sor's x-y coordinate position, and various 
interactive prompts, are helpful. The ability 
to get information about your drawing or 
entities within it is also helpful. For ex- 
ample, if you want to know the size of your 
coordinate system, the exact location of a 
particular item, or the default status of 
various program parameters, the on-line 
status feature gives you access to this 
information. 

Menus 

While it is cumbersome and frustrating 
in the long run to choose program func- 
tions from an A, B, C type of menu, com- 
mand menus that you point to on the 
screen area desirable feature. In addition, 
if you have the freedom to design your own 
menu, you can develop a custom applica- 
tion using only those selections that apply 
to your drawing needs. For example, you 
may want to use only 10 of the 40 menu 
commands and organize them conveniently 
for your own frequency of use. The pro- 
gram may let you put predefined shapes 
(icons) in the menu for easy selection and 
placement in your drawings. 

Macros and Command Files 

Macros and command files are groups 
of program instructions and other data- 
entry items that can be executed with a 
single keyboard sequence. For example, if 
it takes you five steps to merge a disk file 
into your current drawing, you can place 
the necessary instructions in a macro/com- 
mand file and execute it with a single com- 
mand. You can even place these macros as 
selections on your menu. 

Further custom flexibility exists if the 
software lets you stop during macro execu- 
tion and issue a prompt for data entry. For 
example, you can develop a menu item that 
creates a shape; goes to a particular loca- 
tion; enters text mode; sets the font, size, 
and direction; and prompts you to enter the 
text string. The more powerful the macro 
capability, the more you can develop 
custom or turnkey applications. 

Ideally, you can enter the program and 
execute the first command by making one 
entry at the A> prompt. This allows you 
to enter the program frvm a batch file, draw 
for a while, perform some other macro 
functions, exit cleanly, and then reenter 



the original batch file. Turnkey CAD, 
CAE, and CAM operations then become 
feasible. 

Grid 

The world coordinate system and the 
coordinate system you define within it 
break down into grid points that serve as 
reference points while you are drawing. 
Look for the ability to specify the distance 
between grid points and to choose a dif- 
ferent scale for the x and y axes. You don't 
want the grid points to become part of the 
database or to appear on the printer or the 
plotter. Ideally, they turn inverse when 
they appear in a solid fill. 

When you activate grid lock or grid snap, 
another desirable feature, the data points 
you enter "snap" to the nearest grid point 
no matter where you enter them. This per- 
mits a degree of error when entering data 
points. Notice in the figure opposite how 
the actual figure (solid line) differs from 
the digitized line (dotted). This is especially 
helpful when you are trying to align dif- 
ferent drawing layers, close irregular 
shapes, or enter data points quickly and 
accurately. 

The ability to vary the distance between 
grid points becomes important with grid 
lock/snap. It allows you to change the 
coarseness of your drawing resolution as 
you fine-tune. You can, for example, zoom 
in on one square inch, snap to the nearest 
hundredth-inch for detail drawing, then 
zoom back out, snapping to the nearest 
quarter-inch. 

With the incremental snap feature, your 
cursor stops only on grid points or resolu- 
tion points as it moves across the screen. 

Aspect Ratio 

// "what you see is what you get" is im- 
portant to you, make sure the program cor- 
rects for the aspect ratio of your display 
devices. Aspect ratio is a design engineer- 
ing term that refers to the ratio of display 
width to height. For example, a 320 by 200 
monitor presents a circle as an ellipse and 
a square as a rectangle unless the software 
makes the right adjustments. This is quite 
important if proportion matters during 
data entry or if you are using the display 
for a final presentation. 

Data Entry 

Shapes, blocks, groups, com- 
ponents, and dictionary items. These 



are all different names for similar drawing 
elements. You want to be able to create 
drawing elements, store them in a parts 
library, and merge them into your current 
drawing, resettling and rotating them as 
desired. The ability to automate repetitive 
drawing tasks is one of the more impor- 
tant features of a CAD program. For ex- 
ample, if you are an architect and want to 
call one of a variety of drainage systems into 
a foundation/ site plan, you can retrieve the 
right one from your drawing library on 
disk rather than redraw it from scratch. 

Tablet or tracing mode. This can be 
extremely important for merging existing 
manual drawings into your library. Look 
for the ability to enter a drawing that is 
larger than the surface of your input 
device, For example, you may want to enter 
a 24- by 36-inch drawing you did 10 years 
ago through your 11- by 11-inch digitizer 
tablet and make it part of your drawing 
library on disk. 

Keyboard entry. The ability to enter 
data from both a keyboard and an optional 
input device is desirable. Positioning the 
cursor, entering relative or absolute coor- 
dinates, and keying formulas that result 
in appropriate curves are all important. 
Absolute coordinate entry is essential. 

Freehand draw or sketch mode. 
Drawing from vector point to vector point 
and snapping to grid points has its advan- 
tages, but so does sketching a freeform line. 
Different programs handle this capability 
quite differently. Sometimes the sketched 
line becomes one database item; other times 
the software stores it as a user-defined col- 
lection of data points. If this capability is 
important to you, look at the method of up- 
dating the database, the amount of storage 
used, and the flexibility available for ma- 
nipulating your sketches. 

Drawing primitives. Become familiar 
with the primitives (lines, arcs, circles, rec- 
tangles, etc.) and attributes (line type, 
width, color', etc.) available in a particular 
program. Also check the number of ways 
you can define an object. For example, you 
may want to define a circle as a center and 
radius, two points determining a diameter 
or three points on the circumference. 

Many other primitive capabilities are 
shown on the accompanying tables. They 
include cross-hatching or filling an area 
(with or without user-definable patterns), 
fillets and Bezier curves (see glossary on 
page 208), and built-in math calculations. 



178 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




Grid snap permits the perfect alignment of data points by forcing them to snap to predefined grid points. Note the solid-line shape 
you create even when you enter points in the dotted-line shape. This becomes important when registering one layer of a drawing with 
another. 



If you need autodimensioning, be sure 
it suits your needs. Some things to look 
for are angular, radial, and autostacking 
features and the ability to customize 
dimension elements. 

The primitive features available in CAD 
software vary widely. The more flexibility 
you have to customize the primitives, the 
happier you will be in the long run. 

Layers. If the CAD software provides 
multiple layers, your drawing power 
magnifies. Layers are like pieces of tracing 
paper stacked one on top of the other that 
you turn on and off individually for display 
and hard-copy output. For example, if you 
are designing a house, you can develop a 
site plan on layer one, a foundation plan 
on layer two, a floor plan on layer three, 
an electrical plan on layer four, a plumb- 
ing plan on layer five, and a roof plan on 
layer six. This enables you to see the 
overall house with all its details integrated 
while you have the freedom to see and draw 
each individual plan independently. If you 
turn off all the layers except the electrical 
plan, you can send that plan to a hard-copy 
device. If you turn on the floor plan, you 



can conveniently work on your electrical 
drawing against the appropriate back- 
ground. 

Rubber banding. A visual aid when 
drawing, the line stretches like a rubber 
band while you pull it to the next data 
point. Rubber banding helps in trying to 
conceptualize the drawing process. 

Editing Features 

The ease and power of the editing capa- 
bility are important considerations with 
CAD software. You must be able to manip- 
ulate the images you create while resettl- 
ing, rotating, and moving them around. 
This allows you to correct mistakes and 
freely modify your drawings. 

If, in the example of the house plan, you 
previously completed a drawing of a house 
in a completely different scale from the site 
plan, the ability to load the old house plan 
and merge it with the new site plan while 
resettling it and rotating it for proper sun 
exposure would be extremely helpful. 

Partial delete. A feature quite often ab- 
sent in lower-priced CAD systems is the 
ability to delete part of a previously drawn 



image without having to erase and recon- 
struct the whole thing. For example, if you 
break a house wall and put in a window, 
you change the number of entities and data 
points updating the database. This feature, 
which is quite important in editing draw- 
ings, allows you tremendous flexibility. 
Without it, you need to preplan, resulting 
in a rigid drawing lacking in spontaneity. 
Windowing. This is the process of 
defining an area you wish to manipulate 
by setting up two opposite corners of a rec- 
tangle that contains it. For example, you 
can window an area in order to delete, 
move, copy, save, or zoom in on it. With 
the rubber-banding feature, the window 
dynamically expands and contracts after 
you define one corner, so you can shape the 
window and see the area defined. 

Others 

The list continues (tables 5, 6, and 7), 
but you can readily see that CAD is very 
powerful. The best test is an actual test; 
take a drawing in, try out the software, and 
make sure the features you need are there. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 179 




Photo 3: The hardware elements of a CAD system drawn using vector-based AutoCAD soft- 
ware and displayed by a 640 by 400 Vectrix Graphics processor and high-resolution Vectrix 
color monitor. Note that much of the configuration is optional. 



Text continued from page 176: 
board, function keys, and an input 
device determined by the design 
work you do. Look for software that 
supports a variety of input devices in 
case your preferences change. 

Output Devices 

If you desire a copy of your work, 
you will be using a hard-copy device. 
Choose CAD software that gives you 
output options— the more the better. 
A mature program supports a variety 
of devices that output drawings to 
dot-matrix printers, ink-jet printers, 
pen plotters, electrostatic plotters, or 
microfilm recorders. 

For applications requiring accurate 
representation of colors and high- 
quality hard copy, such as painting 
packages, you can photograph the 
monitor. A variety of photographic 
and video interfaces are available. 

Graphics Processors 

The graphics processor and the 
graphics monitor determine the 
quality of the video-display image 
you view during editing. The pro- 
cessor translates the database image 
in RAM for display on the monitor. 
If either of these devices has poor 
resolution, the image is less than rep- 
resentative. 

The area of video feedback during 
CAD work needs improvement and 



is getting it. The price of a high- 
resolution color processor/monitor 
combination dropped from $5000 to 
less than $2500 in one year. Many 
high-resolution graphics processor 
boards now available (Scion, Cono- 
graphics, Techmar) are reasonably 
priced. Very high quality color graph- 
ics monitors range between $1500 and 
$10,000 at this time, but prices are ap- 
proaching the economic means of the 
desktop computer user. 

Drawing Resolution 

The concept of resolution is impor- 



tant to understand if you wish to be- 
come aware of current and future 
trends in computer-aided design. 
The number of dots or elements used 
to represent an image determines its 
resolution. Consider drawing a 
straight line. Take a pencil and begin 
placing dots in a line from left to right 
on a piece of paper. Make the dots 
about V4 inch apart. You are creating 
a low-resolution representation of a 
straight line. The finer your pencil 
point and the more dots you place 
within the line, the higher the resolu- 
tion of your drawing is. If you place 
enough dots along the line, it appears 
to be a solid line. The same concept 
applies to circles, solids, text, and 
other shapes. 

In general, the higher the resolu- 
tion, the smoother and more accurate 
the image. Obviously, you want the 
highest resolution possible. 

World Coordinate System 

Each piece of CAD software has its 
own method of mapping a coor- 
dinate system, usually called the 
world coordinate system. 

In a pixel-based system, the soft- 
ware maps out a coordinate system 
in RAM relative to the number of pix- 
els available within the graphics pro- 
cessor/monitor. Each pixel becomes a 
coordinate point within the world 
coordinate system. You represent an 
image by the lit or unlit status of each 
pixel location (data point) in the 
image database. This method is corn- 




Photo 4: One example of a CAD system, an IBM PC with a Houston Instrument Hipad 
11 by 11 digitizer and DMP-40 plotter. 



180 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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System Specs 


PC-Draw 


CADdraft 


Benchmark 


Vector 
Sketch 


Drawing 
Processor 


CADplan 


AutoCAD 


VersaCAD 


Color output 


• 


• 


1/84 


1/84 




• 


• 


• 


Program load-time to draw 
Minimum RAM required 
Maximum addressable RAM 
Disk I/O frequency 


27 sec 
128K 
192K 
Med 


36 sec 
320K 
320K 
Med 


10 sec 
256K 
640K 
Med 


28 sec 
256K 

Med 


14 sec 
256K 

Med 


45 sec 
320K 
640K 
Med 


33 sec 
256K 
640K 
Med 


81 sec 

64/128K 

128K 

High 


Drawing entity bound 
Drawing RAM bound 
Drawing disk bound 


• 
• 
• 


• 
• 
• 


• 
• 


• 
• 
• 


• 
• 


• 
• 
• 


• 


• 
• 


Copy/multiuse protection 


Disk 


RS-232 




PROM 




RS-232 




Key/Card 


Configuration utility 




• 


• 






* 


* 


• 


Z80 support 

8086 support 

8087 support 

8088 support 
80000 series support 


• 
• 


• 
• 


• 

6/84 

• 


11/83 

• 


• 
• 


• 
• 


• 
• 
• 
• 
• 


• 
• 


Machine/assembly 

BASIC 

C 

Pascal 

FORTRAN 


• 
• 


• 
• 
• 


• 
• 


• 


• 
• 


• 
• 
• 


• 
• 


• 


World grid resolution 


1280 
by 400 


65,000 
by 65,000 


65,000 
by 65,000 


0.002 


1 X1015 

by 1 x10 15 


65,000 
by 65,000 


1 X1015 

by 1 x 10 15 


1X1015 

by 1 x10 1 s 


Floating-point 
Integer 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 
• 


Vector base 

Maximum vertices/entities 


• 
1400 


• 
5000 




• 
5000 


• 
10,000 pts. 
8000 lines 


• 
65,000 


• 


• 
50,000 


Drawing file type 
Alternate file type 


ASCII 


ASCII 


ASCII 
DIF 


ASCII 


Pascal 
DIF 


ASCII 


Binary 
ASCII 


Pascal 
ASCII 


Autocorrect for aspect 
ratio of graphics monitor 






• 




• 




• 


• 


Intelligent plot utility 




• 






• 


• 


• 


• 


Table 4: A comparison of s 


ystem specifications. 








• = existing feature 

* = outstanding feature 
date = expected release date 



mon in painting software where you 
paint shapes by lighting up pixels 
within a fixed matrix. For hard copy, 
you dump the image pixel by pixel to 
an output device. 

In a vector-based system, the size 
of the world coordinate system 
doesn't necessarily correspond to the 
processor/monitor resolution. If the 
software uses integer mathematics, 
the coordinate system may consist of 
approximately 65,000 by 65,000 data 
points. With floating-point math, the 
software may generate a world coor- 
dinate system with limits of 1 x 10 15 
by 1 x 10 15 data points. 

The number of data points the 
CAD software makes available within 
the world coordinate system deter- 
mines the degree of resolution it can 
achieve. The more there are, the 
greater the potential for detail, and, 

182 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



in general, the slower and more 
memory-hungry the program (see 
table 4). 

To set the scale for your drawing, 
you map out your own user-defined 
coordinate system or grid on the soft- 
ware world coordinate system. Say, 
for example, that you want to map 
out an area of 24 by 36 database units 
corresponding to a D-size sheet of ar- 
chitectural drafting paper. You want 
each database unit to be one inch, 
and you want to be able to break that 
down into divisions of 0.001 inch. 
Once you define your coordinate sys- 
tem, the system develops a database 
to record location and other attributes 
ascribed to the data points. In a 
vector-based system, a data point 
could be the center of a circle and the 
beginning of a line segment on layer 
5 in the color green. The circle might 



be a predefined shape (or primitive) 
defined by a center point and a radius 
of 2 database units rather than a circle 
of data points. 

Physical Resolution 

To record an image electronically, 
you enter it into the world coordinate 
system through a keyboard, digitizer, 
mouse, or light/touch pen. To manip- 
ulate the image, you display it on an 
output device such as a monitor. If 
you want to produce a hard copy, you 
send the database to printers and 
plotters. Each of these I/O (input/out- 
put) devices has its own resolution 
(called physical resolution) indepen- 
dent of that of the coordinate system 
or the image. 

Differences in Resolution 

In figure 1, see how the same circle 

Text continued on page 190 




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BYTE January 1984 183 



CAD Software Surveyed 



Two-dimensional Software 

AutoCAD 

Autodesk Inc. 

150 Shoreline Hwy., Bldg.'B 
Mill Valley, CA 94941 
(415) 331-0356 

AutoCAD is a powerful program capable 
of drawing anything from simple flow- 
charts to large, complex architectural draw- 
ings. Its strong points include a rich set 
of primitive commands, floating-point ac- 
curacy, little limitation on drawing size, 
good memory management, excellent pe- 
ripheral support, and good editing features, 
including partial deletion of drawing ele- 
ments. By means of user-definable menus, 
macros, and command files, AutoCAD can 
be customized without programming 
knowledge (a very powerful feature). A 
drawback, however, is that zooming, pan- 
ning, and editing become slower as your 
drawing grows larger. This is typical for 
floating-point packages. If possible, use the 
faster 8087 numerical coprocessor with this 
program. You can zoom in from a view of 
the solar system to a desktop in a San Fran- 
cisco office, but if you have a large number 
of elements in your drawing, the process 
may be slow. Aggressively updated and 
waiting only for a faster processor environ- 
ment to complement its accuracy, Auto- 
CAD has tremendous potential. 

Benchmark 

Metasoft Corporation 
6509 West Frye Rd., Suite 12 
Chandler, AZ 85224 
(602) 961-0003 
(800) 621-1908 

A surprisingly capable CAD package, 
Benchmark uses macro command files to 
add flexibility, get around the limited 
number of standard features, and allow 
program customization. Written in ma- 
chine and C languages, the program loads 
in a fast 13 seconds and executes commands 
just as quickly. Documentation is sparse, 
but the on-screen user interface is well 
designed and well written. Peripheral sup- 
port is limited, however; Benchmark needs 
to support input devices other than the 



keyboard. More a graphics editor than a 
CAD system designed for detailed draw- 
ing, this program even contains business- 
graphics primitives. Keep an eye on Bench- 
mark; it has a lot of potential. 

CADplan 
CADdraft 

Personal CAD Systems Inc. 
15425 Los Gatos Blvd. 
Los Gatos, CA 95030 
(408) 356-3183 

A fast and friendly program with a lot 
of potential, CADplan's rich primitive fea- 
tures coupled with powerful editing fea- 
tures make it well worth considering. This 
is the only package reviewed that contains 
a user-definable database-extraction provi- 
sion, allowing you to create written reports 
based on elements you place in your draw- 
ing. Its powerful configuration module 
supports a variety of peripherals. On the 
negative side, CADplan's integer math 
limits drawing size and resolution. There- 
fore, make sure this package handles the 
detail you require. Also, digitizer input is 
slow, and the system doesn't remap the 
device when you zoom in for more detail, 
i.e., you draw in a smaller area on the 
digitizer. Aggressively updated, CADplan 
is sure to become a popular entry-level 
package. 

A scaled-down version of CADplan de- 
signed as a beginning package, CADdraft 
is rich in primitive and editing features and 
saves as an excellent introduction to CAD. 
Although the drawing size is limited, it 
may not hamper basic day-to-day drawing 
applications. Be sure the drawing resolu- 
tion can provide the detail you desire since 
it is based on integer math. This program 
is fast, easy to use, aggressively updated, 
and supports a variety of peripherals. 
CADdraft is a good first step in CAD, 
especially if the more advanced CADplan 
suits your future needs. 



Drawing Processor 

BG Graphics Systems Inc. 
824 Stetson Ave. 
Kent, WA 98031 
(206) 852-2736 



Written in Pascal, Drawing Processor 
provides rich primitive features with a spe- 
cial curve-fitting provision not found else- 
where. This powerful program has strong 
editing features, sophisticated manipula- 
tion of predefined shapes, and floating- 
point precision. This precise but somewhat 
slow program requires an 8087 coprocessor 
chip. A well-illustrated manual describes 
how to map out an area on the digitizer 
and customize it for data entry. The pro- 
gram requires two monitor's to run in some 
cases and doesn't support color yet. It needs 
to support a few more peripherals and pro- 
vide more dimensioning and layered data- 
entry power. Drawing Processor is likely 
to be a top contender among CAD pro- 
grams for micros. 

PC-Draw 

Micrografx 

1701 North Greenville, Suite 703 

Richardson, TX 75081 

(214) 234-1769 

PC-Draw provides a surprising amount 
of graphics editing power in an inexpen- 
sive package. You can create symbols, place 
them in a menu within the graphics editor, 
then pick these elements and place them 
within the drawing area. You can create 
and edit images from complex block dia- 
grams to simple architectural drawings in 
color or black and white. Currently, the 
program supports only light-pen and key- 
board entry input with a variety of out- 
put devices. Well documented, but not a 
full CAD system, PC-Draw provides the 
basic tools for a variety of drawing needs. 

Vector Sketch 
GTCO Tablet 

G1CO Corporation 
1055 First St. 
Rockville, MD 20850 
(301) 279-9550 

Written in FORTRAN, Vector Sketch 
provides some powerful CAD capabilities. 
A certain number of data points spill out 
each second as you draw in sketch mode. 
Line types, commands from an on-screen 
menu, and creation of a symbol library are 
available. The program limits the number 



184 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



of data points you can enter and the size 


vendors have systems ranging from 


a three-dimensional stick-modeling pack- 


of drawing you can create. When zooming 


$15,000 to $40,000 and are considering in- 


age that constructs images as a collection 


into the drawing for more detail, however; 


troducing device-independent programs for 


of polygons and includes hidden-line 


it doesn't remap the digitizer. This means 


micros. 


removal and colored surface shading. Ag- 


that a quarter-inch move on the digitizer 


Currently, a variety of interesting, in- 


gressively updated, this is an excellent 


can send the cursor completely across the 


expensive, and aggressively updated pack- 


entry-level package. 


screen, making detailed drawing difficult. 


ages provide limited two-dimensional cap- 




While it currently supports a limited num- 


ability along with three-dimensional 


Painting 


ber of peripherals, Vector Sketch is being 


modeling features. Some of these follow. 


Painting software refers to pixel-based 


updated. 




programs oriented toward graphics artists 




Energraphics/PC 


and illustrators, including the manipula- 


VersaCAD 


Enertronics Research 


tion of images from a video camera. You 


CADapple 


150 North Meramec, Suite 207 


can paint pictures on the monitor with a 


T & W Systems Inc. 


St. Louis, MO 63105 


keyboard or digitizer. These packages will 


7372 Prince Dr., Suite 106 


(314) 725-5566 


get more publicity as higher-resolution 


Huntington Beach, CA 92647 


(800) 325-0174 


graphics processor's and monitors become 


(714) 847-9960 




more economical. Descriptions of two pro- 




Chock full of features for less than $300, 


grams follow. 


VersaCAD and CADapple are different 


Energraphics includes business graphics, 




versions of a powerful floating-point pro- 


two-dimensional drawing with shapes li- 


Easel 


gram written in Pascal. The ability to 


braries, and three-dimensional drawing 


Time Arts Inc. 


overflow your drawing to disk eliminates 


with formula surface generation. It needs 


4425 Cavedale Rd. 


the threat of being RAM bound. In fact, 


digitizer input. With excellent, well-illus- 


Glen Ellen, CA 95442 


since Pascal limits the RAM used, the pro- 


trated documentation including its own 


(707) 996-4856 


gram is constantly accessing the disk, mak- 


software and many tools, this is an ex- 




ing a hard-disk system preferable. It can 


cellent entry-level package for learning 


A phenomenal package, Easel lets you 


automatically set up the balance of available 


about CAD. 


paint on the monitor with a digitizer using 


RAM as a RAM disk. Rich primitives, in- 




different brush widths and even airbrush 


cluding a Bezier curve-fitting provision, 


MCS Software 


simulation. A palette of colors appears on 


strong editing features, the ability to save 


3-D Space Tablet 


the screen ready to touch and paint. Al- 


views, a screen-dump provision, and par- 


Micro Control Systems Inc. 


though most of the package is written in 


tial deletion of drawing entities make this 


143 Tunnel Rd. 


FORTH, many machine-language primi- 


program powerful. Floating-point precision 


Vernon, CT 06066 


tives are available. You will hear more 


results in slower execution even with an 


(203) 872-0602 


about Easel. 


8087 coprocessor. The program can require 






two monitors and supports a variety of pe- 


MCS is a three-dimensional modeling 


4 Point 


ripherals. With an optional three-dimen- 


package complete with a special digitizer 


International Microcomputer 


sional interface now available and tremen- 


for three-dimensional data entry. You can 


Software Inc. 


dous potential, VersaCAD /CAD apple 


digitize a small three-dimensional stick 


633 5th Ave. 


promises to become a popular package for 


figure and then rotate, edit, and rescale it 


San Rafael, CA 94901 


micros. 


on the monitor. This package also allows 
two-dimensional digitizer input that you 


(415) 454-7101 


Three-dimensional Software 


can then transform into a three-dimension- 


With 4 Point, you can paint pictures on 


The potential of three-dimensional soft- 


al image with a high degree of accuracy. 


the screen and manipulate them, making 


ware becomes desirable the more you work 




copies of parts, changing background col- 


with CAD. Think how much time you 


3Design 


ors, and even switching images between 


could save by drawing house plans and 


3Design 


buffers to create simple animation. You can 


then taking a three-dimensional look at the 


POB C-56789 


turn off all status prompts to photograph 


results from the neighbors' second-story 


4710 University Way NE, Suite 1512 


the monitor image, or you can output your 


window. Certainly, we anxiously await 


Seattle, WA 98105 


drawing to a plotter: Although you can use 


economical and usable three-dimensional 


(206) 525-7820 


a mouse for data entry, this package needs 


CAD on desktop micros. 


(800) 392-9210 


more input devices to create more detailed 


Many three-dimensional programs are 




and accurate drawings. Keep an eye on 4 


available, but they are expensive. Several 


Available for less than $300, 3Design is 


Point. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 185 



Looking For 
Hardware And 
Software Bargains? 

ComputerFest/USA is the high-energy, no-frills computer show where you can 
really get into it — lots of action and great deals. 

This is the show where manufacturers and commercial vendors sell discounted 
personal computing hardware and software. And, individuals sell their used equipment 
and software at incredibly low prices. 

At ComputerFest/USA, you'll find great bargains on everything from complete systems 
to integrated circuits, diskettes to disk drives, furniture, consumer electronics, 
business/recreation/application software, supplies, books, magazines, and more! 

BUYER INFORMATION: 

Technical Professionals: This is the show for engineers, programmers, technicians and other 
hardware and software professionals who know what they're looking for. 

Non-Technical Buyers: ComputerFest/USA is also an opportunity for the non-technical buyer 
to purchase new and used equipment at mail order prices! And, there's a Free Consulting 
Booth at the show, so you can get technical questions answered before you buy. 

SELLER INFORMATION: 

Selling Booths: $225 

("Contract Booths" are also available for individuals selling items acquired for their own 
personal use. $45) 

To request a selling package, call toll-free: (800) 872-3378 or call (415) 327-7810 

ComputerFest/USA is coming to your area. During January, February and March of 1984, 
ComputerFest/USA will be in the following cities: 




• 



. 






Date 


Area 


Location 


JANUARY 






28th 


Northern California 


SC County Fairgrounds 
344 Tully Road 
San Jose, California 


FEBRUARY 






4th 


Detroit 


Michigan State Fair 

1120 W. State Fair Ave., Detroit, Michigan 


4th 


Dallas/Ft. Worth 


State Fair of Texas 
Dallas, Texas 


11th 


NorthEastern United States 


Exhibition Hall 




(Boston Area) 


50 Foster Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 


25th 


Northwestern United States 


Western Washington Fair 




(Seattle/Tacoma) 


Highways 512 & 161 , Puyallup, Washington 


25th 


Chicago/Milwaukee 


Grayslake County Fairgrounds 
Highways 45 & 120, Grayslake, Illinois 


MARCH 






10th 


SouthEastern United States 


Marriott Hotel 




(Atlanta) 


Courtland & International, Atlanta, Georgia 


10th 


Southern California 


Orange County Fairgrounds 

88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California 


TO BE ANNOl 






Minneapolis, MN Washington 


, DC Houston, TX 



This is COMPUTERFEST/USA ! 

■ Auctions □ Dancing Girls □ Door Prizes □ Free Consulting □ Consignment Table 

■ Printers □ CRT's □ Portables □ Terminals □ Furniture □ Test Equipment D Books D Magazines D Miscellaneous 
Components □ Consumer Electronics □ EPROMs and Programmers D ICs D Robots □ Modems □ Hard and Floppy Disk 
Drives D Enclosures □ Keyboards □ Synthesizers □ A-D Converters □ Add-on PC Cards □ Buffers □ Cables D Mainframes D 
Connectors □ Computer Paper □ Ribbons □ MULTIBUS Boards D Power Supplies □ Catalogs □ Games □ Computer Cases □ 
Extender Boards □ Real-time Clocks □ Joy Sticks □ Diskettes D Video Games D Video Equipment □ Communications □ 
Educational Software □ Expansion Memory D Disks □ Interface Boards □ And More 

■ Apple □ IBM □ Microsoft □ S-100 □ CP/Mt □ Cromemco □ Morrow □ Kaypro □ Osborne □ Corona □ Commodore □ 
TRS-80J □ TI □ Epson D Zenith □ Shugart □ Altair D Zentec D Imsai D Atari □ Centronics D Processor Tech □ Diablo □ 
TeleVideo □ Oki-Data D USI □ Peachtree D VisiCorp D Ashton Tate □ Heath D And Many More 




fCP/M is a trademark of Digital Research, Inc. JTRS-80 is a trademark of Tandy Corporation 



Circle 99 on inquiry card. 



COMPUTEHFEST 

••••••• jj *g *^\******* 






/ 



John Craig 

Producer of ComputerFest/USA 
The founding publisher of Info- 
World, founding editor of Kilobaud 
Microcomputing, co-editor of the 
first computer hobbyist newsletter in 
1974 and the former editor of 
Creative Computing. 




ComputerFest/USA, 140 University Avenue, Suite 16, Palo Alto, CA 94301 



$ 1 00 Discount $ 1 00 Discount 

ONE DOLLAR 

DISCOUNT COUPON 

Admission only $5.00 with this coupon 



Show Hours 
10-6:00 



Tickets on Sale 
at 9 am 



COMPUTEHFEST 

" J 'U*S*A*** , " 



$ 1 00 DiSCOUnt 140 Univeristy Avenue, Suite 16, Palo Alto, CA 94301 $ 1°° DlSCOUH t 



Please send more information on 
ComputerFest/USA 

I'm a: □ Buyer D Seller 

Name 

(Company) 

Address 

City 

State 



.Zip. 



Phone . 



Other CAD 

Business Graphics 

6FS Business Graphics 

Business & Professional 

Software Inc. 
143 Binney St. 
Cambridge, MA 02142 
(617) 491-3377 
(800) DIAL BPS 

Chart-Master 

Decision Resources 
25 Sylvan Rd. S 
Westport, CT 06880 
(203) 222-W4 

Cheetah 

Centec 

11260 Roger Bacon Dr. 
Reston, VA 22090 
(703) 471-6300 

Executive Briefing System 

Lotus Development 

Corporation 
161 First St. 
Cambridge, MA 02142 
(617) 492-7171 

Flexigraf 

Computer Associates 
International Inc. 
125 Jericho Turnpike 
Jericho, NY 11753 
(516) 645-3003 

Graftalk 

Redding Group Inc. 
609 Main St. 
Ridgefield, CT 06877 
(203) 431-4661 



Software Packages 

Graphwriter 

Cypher Smartware 

121 Second St. 

San Francisco, CA 94105 

(415) 974-5297 

(800) SMARTWARE 

SAS/Graph 

SAS Institute Inc. 
Box 8000, SAS Circle 
Cary, NC 27511 
(919) 467-8000 

Tellagraf 
Disspla 

ISSCO Graphics 
10505 Sorrento Valley Rd. 
San Diego, CA 92121 
(619) 452-0170 

CAD 

CADcal 

CADcal Products Inc. 
9311 Eton Ave. 
Chatsworth, CA 91311 
(213) 700-7888 

Cascade 12.5 Designer 

Cascade Graphics 

Development 
1000 South Grand Ave. 
Santa Ana, CA 92705 
(714) 558-3316 

Design Graphix 

Engineering Systems 

Corporation 
POB 80318 

Baton Rouge, LA 70898 
(504) 769-2226 



MGI 

Microcomputer Graphics Inc. 

POB 10819 

Marina Del Rey, CA 

90295 
(213) 822-5258 

Summadraft 

Summagraphics Corporation 
35 Brentwood Ave. 
Fairfield, CT 06430 
(203) 384-1344 



CAD Circuit Routing 

Dasoft 

Dasoft Design Systems Inc. 
2550 Ninth St., Suite 113 
Berkeley, CA 94710 
(415) 486-0822 

Futurenet Dash-1 

Futurenet 
21018 Osborne St. 
Canoga Park, CA 91304 
(213) 700-0691 



CAE 

Images-2D 

Celestial Software Inc. 
125 University Ave. 
Berkeley, CA 94710 
(415) 841-7175 

Tutsim 

Applied i 

200 California Ave., Suite 214 
Palo Alto, CA 94306 
(415) 325-4800 



Graphics Utilities 

Digiware 
Panelfill 
Map ware 

Computer Mathware 
POB 1327 

Princeton, NJ 08542 
(609) 924-6582 

Grafmaker 
DI-3000 

Precision Visuals Inc. 
6260 Lookout Rd. 
Boulder, CO 80301 
(303) 530-9000 

Painting 

Creative Graphics 

Accupipe Corporation 
222 West Lancaster Ave. 
Paoli, PA 19301 
(215) 296-7340 

Painting, Business 
Graphics, Graphics 
Utility 

PC Business Graphics 

Autograf 

Data Digitizing System 

C-J Sales 

One First St. 

Los Altos, CA 94022 

(415) 941-6892 



s 




ULTRA-RES M GRAPHICS 

IEEE-696 S-100 IBM-PC 

-1X512X512 $495 -1X512X512 $495 

- 3 X 512 X 512 $1250 - 1 X 1024 X 1024 $995 

- 1 X 1024 X 1024 $995 







FEATURES 



Starting Prices 



CONSOLE EMULATOR $50 
■ 2D DRAFTING SOFTWARE $200 
- PLOT 10 $150 

Software drivers. Hardware zoom, Programmable Display 
Resolution, Windowing. Multi-Controller Capability, 
NEC UPD7220 Graphic Controller 



ULTRA-RES Trademark CSD Inc. 
IBM-PC Trademark IBM 



C.S.D. Incorporated 
P.O. BOX 253 Sudbury, MA 01776 
(617) 443-2750 



188 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 55 on inquiry card. 



THE COLUMBIA 

IBM-PC COMPATIBLES. 

THEYREWARDTWO 

BUSINESS VIRTUES: 
FORESIGHT AND CUNNING 




Trust your instincts. 

While others rushed out to buy an IBMTC, you waited and watched. 
You knew prices would come down and software would get better. 

Now we have a reward for your patience: the Columbia family of IBM-PC 
compatible computers. It's a choice of systems and software no one else 
can match. 

The Columbia line includes the VP Portable which lets you work any- 
place, any time. There's also the MPC, our desktop model, available in dual 
floppy disk or 10MB hard disk drive. Compatible with each other and the 
IBM-PC, as well. 
Foresight led you to our IBM-PC compatibility. 

We start you with more operating systems than IBM, even more than 
other IBM-PC compatibles (MS-DOS*and CP/M^86). Which means you 
have immediate access to all the latest business and financial software. 



Free software that's a steal. 

Thousands of dollars worth of free software come with every Columbia 
computer. Columbia Tutor gives you a fast, comfortable start. Perfect 
Software™ covers your word processing, spreadsheeting, and filing needs. 
Fast Graphs* turns facts and figures into graphs and charts. And asyn- 
chronous communications lets you share information with other computers. 

For your sense of self, we give you Home Accountant Plus^games, and 
two programming languages so you'll feel like an eleven year old genius. 
Responsive service. Above and beyond. 

175 local Bell & Howell service centers stand ready to maintain your 
Columbia computer at a moment's notice. 
Prices start at $2995. The phone call is free. 

Now, while you're feeling shrewd, call toll free for the Columbia dealer 
nearest you. Then, see for yourself how the Columbia Compatibles can 
reward your business virtues. 
800-638-7866 



COLUMBIA 



DATA PRODUCTS, INC. 



Columbia Data Products, Inc. 

9150 Rumsey Road, Columbia, MD 21045 
(301) 992-3400, TWX 710-862-1891. 



Trademarks: IBM -Intemaiional Business Machines Corp.; MS-D»S- Microsoft, Inc.; CP/M-86- Digital Research, Inc.; Perfect Software- 1'erfect Software. Inc.; Past Graphs- Innovative Sof t\v 
Software on screens not included. 



e: Home Accountant Pius— Continental Software Company. 



Circle 67 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 189 




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Graphics Processor 
(Frane Buffer) 



Monochrome Monitor 




































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Pixel Based 



■■■■■■■■• • • ■■• ••■■■■• •■■ 
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Vector Based 



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Software Coordinate 
System in RAM 





Dot Matrix Printer 



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Hl-RES plotter 



Input Device 
(Digitizer/Mouse) Actual Image 

Figure 1: Even when the monitor represents the drawing poorly, you can record an accurate database and produce a very high resolution hard copy. 

Text continued from page 182: 
and line appear when represented 
by a variety of coordinate systems. 
Each system has a different number 
of data points to represent the image. 
Fewer data points provide lower res- 
olution and cruder representation, 
resulting in jagged lines called stair- 
stepping or aliasing. 

Consider an input device capable 
of recording data points with a reso- 
lution of 0.001 inch and a coordinate 
system capable of 1000 data points 
per inch. 

If you map the coordinate system 
created by the CAD software to the 
available pixels on the graphics 
monitor (see figure 2), an input res- 
olution of 0.001 inch is too detailed for 
a world coordinate system of 320 by 
200 pixels or even 2400 by 2400. This 
resolution is adequate, however, for 
a painting program where you either 
take a photograph of the monitor or 
do a pixel-by-pixel dump onto a hard- 
copy device. 




Figure 2: An image of the Golden Gate Bridge drawn with the 4 Point painting package and 
plotted on a Sweet-P plotter. Note the series of short lines that represents the image on a pixel- 
based system. 



190 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 336 on inquiry card. • 



Be confident because your 
PowerType Daisywheel 



corres 



When you can't personally be there, only the 
clearest typed correspondence should be your substi- 
tute. With a PowerType Daisywheel printer your docu- 
ments look highly professional. And so do you! 

PowerType. It's "typewriter friendly." Using a 
simple drop-in ribbon cassette, it bi-directionally 
types executive quality correspondence at 18 cps 
with a print wheel that holds 96 flawless characters. 

Designed for personal or business applica- 

werType's carriage accepts paper that ranges 



from letter to legal size, from fanfold to roll to cut 
sheet. Yqu can set right and left margins, vertical and 
horizontal tabs. 

Plus, of course, PowerType has both serial 
and parallel interfaces to enable it to connect to just 
about any personal or business computer. 

So the next time you're going face to face 
through the mail, rely on PowerType. It will help you 
make a professional impression. And that's always 
very becdmina. 





Figure 3: An image of the Golden Gate Bridge drawn with high-resolution, floating-point, vector-based AutoCAD software and plotted on 
a high-resolution Houston Instrument DMP-42 plotter. 



In an integer-based program with 
a world coordinate system of 65,000 
by 65,000 data points and a scale of 
1000 data points per inch, you create 
a 65- by 65-inch coordinate system to 
an accuracy of 0.001 inch. The input 
resolution matches that of the soft- 
ware coordinate system. 

With a floating-point-based pro- 
gram (see figure 3), a potential reso- 
lution of 1 x 10 15 by 1 x 10 15 data 
points more than accommodates the 
capability of the 0.001-inch input 
device. Zooming and viewing allow 
you to take advantage of this dif- 
ference. 

Although the software database ac- 
curately records the image received 
from the input device in these last 
two examples, when you send the 
image through the graphics pro- 
cessor and onto the monitor, the 
results are often less than satisfactory. 
The physical resolution of the display 
device has nowhere near the resolu- 
tion capability of either the input or 
software world coordinate systems. 
The software records the image accu- 
rately, but the best available video 
representation is not all that good. 

Now consider an output device, 
such as a plotter, with a physical res- 
olution of 0.002 inch (determined by 



the step size of its motor). An output 
resolution of 0.001 inch provides an 
image whose jaggedness is barely 
perceptible. On the other hand, if the 
database resolution is less than the 
plotter's, a circle looks like a many- 
sided polygon. If it is intelligent 
enough to draw a circle using a center 
and a radius, the plotter defines the 
resolution of the circle. With the 
pixel-based system, however, each 
pixel shows on the plotter as a line 
or dot, and the resolution is as crude 
as the one on the monitor. 

A floating-point system permits a 
decimal rescale of virtually any pro- 
portion, while an integer-based sys- 
tem often permits rescaling the data- 
base image only in fractions of the 
database unit, such as %, V4, or V2. 
This potential limitation is a problem 
only if it hinders the drawing task at 
hand. 

Zooming, Panning, 
Windows, and Views 

Zooming in and out (see figure 4) 
fills the monitor screen with various 
views of the world coordinate system, 
both near and far— a very desirable 
software feature. 

Zooming in creates a window that 
fills the monitor screen with a close- 



up of part of your drawing. The 
drawing resolution is coarser because 
an image that normally occupies %<> 
of the screen now occupies Vi of it 
with the same number of data points. 
The scale of the monitor image is dif- 
ferent, but the world coordinate and 
grid systems remain the same. You 
can add more detail, and the input 
device appears capable of a higher 
resolution. 

In an integer-based system where 
the input resolution matches the soft- 
ware coordinate system's resolution, 
if you zoom in on a 1- by 1-inch por- 
tion of the drawing, the resolution is 
1000 by 1000 data points. There is no 
point in zooming in any further 
because you have already used the 
maximum resolution available. 

To give you an idea of the magnifi- 
cation possible in a floating-point 
coordinate system with 1 x 10 15 by 
1 x 10 15 resolution, you can zoom in 
from a view of a football field to an 
8V2- by 11-inch sheet of paper on the 
50-yard line, read the writing on it, 
and then zoom further inside one of 
the letters on the page to do some 
detailed drawing. 

Zooming out is the reverse of 
zooming in. After you zoom in on an 
area to do some detailed drawing, 



192 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




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BASIC Statements 
& Commands 



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BY -184 



BYTE January 1984 193 




Drawing 



Digitizer 



ZDDM IN 




21 



ZDDMING 



RAM / DATABASE 



■ • • — r*-^ ■ 

• . • • 
. x .• • 

■> ^J 



ZDDM DUT 





■"••. 


/ 




p 


: 


« . • • 

t ■ * * 


• • • * 


* 





» * • 

I T • 

\o \ o - 





Plotter 



y\ \ 







Figure 4: Zooming, enlarging small parts of an image, changes the scale of the drawing in relation to the monitor. 



you zoom out to see the entire draw- 
ing again. With some software, you 
save these zooms, windows, or views 
to disk and call them back at any 
time. 

Panning scrolls the zoomed-in win- 
dow over the world coordinate sys- 
tem—wandering around the draw- 
ing. When you are doing detail work, 
it is easier to move to a new area than 
to zoom out and back in again. 

194 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



How RAM and Disk 
Storage Are Used 

The way a program utilizes RAM 
and disk storage is important. Figure 
5 shows a block diagram of the inter- 
play between RAM and storage. 

Typically, the CAD software loads 
only the necessary program code in- 
to RAM, leaving Help files and a 
number of program overlays on disk 
until needed. These overhead items 



determine the workspace left to ma- 
nipulate the world coordinate system 
and the resulting database. In gener- 
al, the less RAM you have, the more 
overlays and disk I/O you need. In a 
CP/M system with 64K bytes, many 
overlays are needed to run such a 
large and powerful program. 

What determines the maximum 

size of your drawing? A drawing is 

"RAM bound" if its size or the num- 

Text continued on page 198 



© 



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BYTE January 1984 195 



Your troubles 
There's a NewWord 



TP- 



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In non-document mode, indentation is automatic at your com- 
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receive a return authorization number from us 

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is a registered trademark of MicroPro International, Inc. • CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research, Inc. • NewWord and NewStar are trademarks of NewStar, Inc. 

BYTE January 1984 197 











Synbols/shapes/f onts 
nenus stored In RAM 












Drivers/Utilities 












Program Overlays 












Program Overhead 












Operating System 






OVERHEAD 





Expandable to Hard Disk? 
(How large are drawings?) 




\Lqacj^ /_ Sav 



Load 



<^ ~Load I 
< Loaoi I 



Load 



RAM 



Drawing Database 

File In Proprietary 

File Format (?) 



Interchange Format 



Library of 

Drawings and Shapes 

Available 



Symbols/shapes/fonts 
menus stored in RAM 



Drivers/Utilities 



Program Overlays 



Program Overhead 



Dperatlng System 



Dther 
Programs 



<Load__/__S_end> 



Network 
or Modem 



DISK STDRAGE 



Figure 5: The interplay between RAM and 
Text continued from page 194: 

ber of drawing entities you can place 
in it are limited by the RAM available 
or addressable. Some software pack- 
ages (e.g., a pixel-based painting 
package) have a fixed coordinate sys- 
tem mapped out. Some software and 
hardware limit the amount of avail- 
able RAM or determine the max- 
imum amount of addressable RAM. 
Expandability and addressability are 
important features to consider. 

When the size of your drawing 
reaches the hardware or software 
capacity, the system should give you 
a warning message rather than kick 
you out to the A> prompt. At the 
very least, you want an opportunity 
to save your work. Some software 
overflows the drawing database to 
disk (called paging), the same as a 
good word processor does. This 
allows your drawing to exceed the 
capacity of RAM. 

If the software limits your drawing 
to a certain number of drawing ele- 
ments, you are "element bound." For 
example, you might be limited to 

198 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



disk storage. 

3000 data points, vectors, vertices, or 
polygons or to 10,000 shapes, com- 
ponents, blocks, groups, or dic- 
tionary items. 

If the software limits your drawing 
by the amount of disk storage avail- 
able, you are "disk bound." 

As attractive as a software package 
is, you must match the requirements 
of your typical drawings with these 
CAD limitations. 

A truly powerful CAD configura- 
tion is capable of paging, uses a large 
number of drawing elements, and in- 
cludes a large amount of hard-disk 
storage to minimize the risk of being 
disk bound. If you anticipate a 
significant amount of disk I/O, con- 
sider a hard-disk system. If your time 
is valuable and you expect to use 
your system a lot, make sure it is big 
enough to meet your drawing needs 
in terms of speed and capacity. 

A Buyer's Guide 

The list of features described in the 
table comparisons (tables 5, 6, and 7) 



is food for thought but is certainly not 
complete. When you go to buy your 
CAD package, ask pertinent ques- 
tions and expect answers. At the very 
least, you will be referred to a more 
informed individual. This way, you 
begin the journey to a wise decision. 
Many vendors and program devel- 
opers give demonstrations. Attend 
some if possible. If you can't take the 
time for all this, hire a good consul- 
tant. Here are some questions and 
features to consider. 

The vendor's update policy is ex- 
tremely important. This industry is 
changing so rapidly that products are 
in a constant state of evolution. How 
will the vendor notify you of program 
improvements or revisions? If you're 
a licensed owner, do you receive a 
newsletter or revision/update notifi- 
cation? Check it out. 

What training or support does the 
vendor offer? Do you get support 
through an "800" number? Is the 
software portable? If you want to use 
your drawings on a variety of com- 
Text continued on page 202 



X-NEF Local Area Network 
Broadens The Horizons Of All IBM PC's; 




Breakthrough! X-NET and the industry's 

leading accounting package have been linked 

to broaden the capabilities of all IBM PC's. 



Here are the benefits of this breakthrough and what they 
mean to you. 

1 . READY ACCESS TO ALL 

INFORMATION. With X-NET, any computer can get 
information from any other computer on the network. This 
means more than one operator can be entering orders, 
invoicing, changing inventory. . . all at the same time! But 
where security is needed, you can keep any file private while 
still within the network. 

2. YOU CAN START SMALL. . . Even if you 

have as few as two PC's, you'll have a system that is easily 
expandable and will grow with your company. 

3. • • • OR GET BIGGER. X-NET grows as you grow, 
and networks up to 255 PC's, and best of all, expansion is so 
simple, you can do it yourself. 

4. SUPERIOR ACCOUNTING 

SOFTWARE. X-NETs software includes Accounts 
Receivable, General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Order Entry, 
Inventory Control and Payroll. You can still use your Spread 
Sheet and Word Processing software, but now much more 
effectively because your computer power is tied together. 

5. ELECTRONIC MAIL. Send, receive and record 
inter-office communications without ever leaving your desk or 
interrupting an important business meeting. 



6. AFFORDABI LITY. X-NET is truly affordable to any 
company doing computing on any level. And the software is 
priced comparably to what others are charging for no-growth 
single-user software. 

7. NO COSTLY CENTRAL FILE SERVER. 

X-NET eliminates the need of having an expensive 
computer to act as a Central File Server, something other 
networks require. 

8. SHARE YOUR PERIPHERALS. No longer 
does each of your computers need its own set of peripherals. 
Any computer on X-NET is linked to your printers, plotters, 
disk-drives, etc. A huge money-saver! 

Get the best of both worlds. The X-NET Local Area Network 
with superior software packages, and XCOMP's other 
hardware accessories. Call your local dealer or XCOMP today. 

*X-NET also operates on IBM PC compatibles. 

XCOMP, Inc. 

3554 Ruffin Road South 

San Diego, CA 92123-2502 

619-573-0077 

TELEX: 182786 




XCOMP 



IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. 

X-NET is a trademark of XCOMP, INC. 

©1983 XCOMP, INC. Circle 385 on inquiry card. 











Vector 


Drawing 








Primitive Features 


PC-Draw 


CADdraft 


Benchmark 


Sketch 


Processor 


CADplan 


AutoCAD 


VersaCAD 


Keyboard Data Entry 


















All entries 


• 








• 










Coordinate entry 










• 










Absolute coordinates 










• 










Relative coordinates 




















Polar coordinates 




















Color 


12/83 




1/84 


1/84 












Freehand draw 


• 




• 










i 




Lines 


• 




• 














Line types 






• 














Line weights/widths 






• 














Rubber-band lines 






• 














Arcs (2 pt. and center) 






• 














Arcs (3 pts.) 






• 














Arcs (angle specification) 






• 














Arc line weight 




















Circle (radius and center) 


• 




• 


• 


• 










Circle (diameter) 






• 














Circle (3 pts.) 










• 










Circle line weight 


















Ellipse 






• 




• 








Bezier curves 






cubic spline 












Curve smoothing 






1/84 




* 






• 


Fillets 




















Fill irregular shape 


• 


• 


• 




11/84 


• 








Fill w/color 


• 


• 


• 




11/84 


• 








Crosshatch 










11/84 










Fill/hatch user-definable 






• 




11/84 










Fill/hatch part of database 


• 




• 




11/84 










Text 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 








Fonts supplied 


• 




• 














Fonts user-definable 


• 




• 




3/84 










Height scaling 


• 




1/84 




• 


• 








Width scaling 


• 




1/84 




• 


• 








Weight 


• 


















Rotation 


• 


• 


1/84 




• 


• 








Left justification 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 








Right justification 










1/84 


• 






4/84 


Center justification 










1/84 


• 






4/84 


Word-processor mode 


• 




1/84 






• 






3/84 


Table 5: A comparison of pr 


imitive features. 








• = existing feature 

* = outstanding feature 
date = expected release date 




Through the Trap Door 
March 1979— $35 



Breaking the Sound Barrier 

September 1977— $35 



BYTECOVERS 

The prints shown at left are beautiful Collector Edition Byte Covers, 
strictly limited to 750 prints each, and signed and numbered by the 
artist, Robert Tinney, Each print is 18 in. x 22 in., and is accompanied 
by its own Certificate of Authenticity. To order, use the coupon below. 
Visa and MasterCard orders may call 1-504-272-7266. 



| Please send . 



Trap Door prints ($35),- 



Through the 



□ Visa 

Card No. . 

Breaking the Sound Barrier Expires: . 

prints ($35), or sets of both prints N am e: 

($55). I have included $3 per order shipping Address: 

and handling ($8 overseas) . Q ty . 

□ I have enclosed check or money order State: 



□ MasterCard 



_Zip: 



Robert Tinney Graphics • 1864 N. Pamela Dr. ■ Baton Rouge, LA 70815 



200 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 500 on inquiry card. 



FREE dBASE II SALESMAN 




At SoftwareBanc Dealer 
Services, we'll do anything 
to help you sell dBASE 117 

We even tried sending the 
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authority, Adam B. Green, 
to all of our dealers. After 
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Instead, we videotaped 
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Make us your dBASE II™ 

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Location courtesy of Tech Computer Store, Cambridge, Massachusetts 





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Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-8PM EST; Sat, 9AM-5PM EST 

To order call: (800) 451-2502 or (617) 641-1241 in Massachusetts. 

For technical support call: (617) 641-1235. 

Call us today and join the thousands of smart dealers who enjoy great 



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Circle 330 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 201 











Vector 


Drawing 








Editing Features 


PC-Draw 


CADdraft 


Benchmark 


Sketch 


Processor 


CADplan 


AutoCAD 


VersaCAD 


Edit Control 


















Cursor style change 










• 












Coordinate dial 


• 






• 














Status on screen 


• 






• 














Status of item 






















Status report 






















Pan 


• 




• 
















Zoom by scaling 








• 














Zoom by window 






• 
















Refresh (raster redraw) 


' • 




• 


• 














Move item 


• 


• ' 


• 


• 














Move group of items 


• 




• 
















Move by window 






















Move between layers 






• 
















Move and rotate 


• 




1/84 
















Move and scale 


• 




• 
















Copy item/group of items 


• 




• 


• 














Copy from disk 






• 


• 


• 












Copy by window 




















Copy window to disk 






• 














Copy between layers 






• 












Copy and rotate 


• 




• 














Copy and scale 


• 




• 














Identify an item 






• 
















Erase item/group of items 


• 




• 


• 














Erase by window 


• 




• 
















Erase a layer 






• 
















Erase a shape 


• 




• 


• 














Erase previous/beyond previous 






• 


• 














Restore last 








• 












Restore beyond last 








• 












Partial Delete of: 




















Lines 




• 








• 


• 






Arcs 














• 






Circles 














• 






Ellipses 




















Solids 




















Rubber-banding windows 












• 


• 






Naming of items 














• 






Shapes/groups/blocks 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 






Multiple colors/ 


• 


• 








• 








multiple layers 












• 








Explode 














• 






Nesting 


• 












• 






Save to disk 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 






Drawing libraries on disk 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 






Merge with current drawing 




• 




• 


• 


• 


• | 






Merge exploded 














• 






Merge and rotate/scale 














• 






Modify base point 












• 


• 






Directory of disk files 


















while in drawing editor 


• 


• 




• 




• 


• 


• 


Table 6: A comparison of editing features. 


• = existing feature 




* = outstanding feature 




date = expected release date 



Text continued from page 198: 
puters, the software needs to support 
them. If someone borrows your plot- 
ter and you want to attach a different 
one, is the software flexible enough 
to reconfigure on the fly? 



Is the software language used by 
the package upwardly mobile? Does 
it have a file-structure option other 
than the drawing file format? In other 
words, can you communicate with 



other programs, or are you locked in- 
to this particular vendor? Do you 
receive a detailed description of the 
drawing file structure? 
Good documentation helps im- 



202 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



computers 
wholesale 



315-472 3055 

Box 150 Brewerton,N.Y. 13020 



Reader Service # 106 



We 



♦»7 



We pay UPS shipping charges 



on prepaid orders. 



-TERMIIMALS- 

ESPRIT 

Esprit 


$469 


Esprit II 


. 499 


Esprit III 


.649 


LEAR SEIGLER 

ADM3A 


. 529 


ADM II 


. 539 


ADM 36 


.979 


QUME 

102 


■ 549 


102A (Amber) 

108 


. 569 
. 715 


TELEVIDEO 

910 


. 439 


914 


. 579 


924 


. 695 


925 


. 699 


950 


. 865 


970 


. 929 


TEXAS INSTRUNMENTS 

Tl 703 Printing Terminal 

Tl 707 Print Term, w/modem. . 

WYSE 

50 


. Call 
.Call 

. Call 


300 (Color) 


. Call 


ZENITH 

Z-29 


. . 649 


ZT-10 


. 399 


ZT-11 


. 459 


-MODEMS- 
HAYES 

Micro Modem 100 

Micro Modem II 

Smartmodem 300 

Smartmodem 1200 

Smartmodem 1200B 

NOVATION 

D-Cat 


. 269 
. 239 
. 199 
.498 
. Call 

. 149 


J-Cat 


. 105 


Apple Cat II 


. 259 


103 Smart Cat 

212 Auto Cat 

Access 1-2-3 


• 179 

.399 

. 549 

. . 449 


SIGNALMAN 

Mkl $79 MkVII... 

Mklll 99 Mkll 

MkV 89 MkVI.... 

U.S. ROBOTICS 

Auto Dial 212A 

Password 


$109 
. 79 
. Call 

. 439 
. 339 



-SYSTEMS- 
ALTOS 

ACS 8000-10 $5889 

ACS-8000-12 6995 

ACS-8000-14 8789 

Series 5-5D 3990 

Series 5-15D 2199 

580-10 3995 

586-10 5995 

586-40 8795 

MTU-4 2395 

Altos II Terminal 849 

COLUMBIA 

VP Portable Call 

MPC Call 

MPCw/HardDisk Call 

CROMEMCO 

C-10 Super Pak 1429 

C 10 MP w/MicroPro software 1819 

CS-1 3195 

CS-2 3755 

CS-3 5595 

64 FDC 475 

TUART 255 

EAGLE 

II E Series 
IIE-1 II E 2 

II E-3 II E-4 

1600 Series 
1620 1630 



Advertised prices reflect a cash discount on 
prepaid orders only. Most items are in stock 
for immediate delivery in factory sealed cart- 
oons with full factory warrantees. 



PC Series 
PC-E PC-1 

PC-2 PC-XL 

SPIRIT 
Portable 
— Callus today for the best prices— 

INTERTEC CALL 

MORROW 

Micro Decision 

MD-2 w/2 drives & software . . . 929 
MD-3 w/DS drives & software 1199 
MD-11 w/HD & software 1949 

NEC 

PC-8201 Call 

PC-8801A Computer Call 

PC-8831A Dual5%"disk drive. . Call 

NORTHSTAR 

Advantage 2Q Call 

Advantage 1Q HD5 Call 

HD 18 Mb. hard disk 3879 

SANYO 

MBC1100 $1399 

MBC1200 1599 

MBC4000 Call 

MBC550 Call 

TELEVIDEO 

TS-803 1989 

Portable Cali 

ZENITH 

ZF-100-21 2319 

ZF-120-22 2869 

ZF-120-32 4479 



-PRIIMTERS- 

ANADEX 

DP-9501 $1099 

DP-9620 1199 

DP 9625 1299 

DP-6500 2399 

WP-6000 2159 

CENTRONICS 

730-1 Parallel 199 

739-3 Serial 449 

COEX 80 FT parallel 239 

C.ITOH 

Prowriter 8510A Par 369 

Prowriter8510A Ser 569 

Prowriter II Par 669 

Prowriter II Ser 739 

DIABLO 

620RO25CPS 919 

630RO40CPS 1769 

EPSON 

RX-80 Call 

RX-80FT Call 

FX-80 Call 

FX-100 Call 

GEMINI 

10X 

15X 



295 

435 

MANNESMAN TALLEY 

MT-160 1 529 

MT-160L 599 

MT-180 L 859 

SPIRIT Call 

NEC NEW NEC 2000 Call 

3510 $1445 3530 $1490 

3550 .1845 7710 1949 

7715 1949 8023 399 

OKI DATA 

ML-82A 299 

ML-83A 569 

ML-92Par 449 

ML-92Ser 529 

ML-93Par 709 

Pacemark 2350 Call 

Pacemark 2410 Call 

PANASONIC 

KX-P1090 319 

QUME 

Sprint 11/40 1299 

Sprint 11/55 1499 

SILVER REED 

EXP 500 Par 459 

EXP 550 Par 659 

EXP 550 Ser 689 

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS 

Tl 810 Basic 1199 

TI810LQ 1919 

TI850Par 499 

Tl 855 Call 



-MONITORS- 

AMDEK 

Color I $275 

Color 1+ 319 

Color II (RGB) 399 

Color III (RGB) 349 

300 G (12"green) 135 

300 A (12"amber) 145 

310 A (IBM PC) 169 

BMC 

15 MHZ (12"green) 79 

NEC 

JB-1260 (12" amber) 109 

JB-1201 (12" green) 135 

JC-1212 (12"color) 339 

JC-1203(12"RGB) 549 

PANASONIC 

12" Green Monochrome 169 

12" Amber Monochrome 179 

13" RGB 389 

TEXAN 

KG12N(12"gr.) 129 

RGB Vision I (12'color) 299 

ZENITH 

Z-122(12"green) 109 

Z-123(12"amber) 139 

Z-131 (13"color + gr.) 299 

Z-135(RGB) 519 

-HARD DISKS- 

CORVUS 

Model 6 1869 

Model11 2549 

Model 20 3399 

Omninet6 1695 

Omninet 11 2375 

Omninet 20 3225 

Miror Back-up 670 

-DISKETTES- 



3M/ Scotch 
5 1 /4". ..$21. 95 

(Single Sided, Double Density) 

5 1 /4". . . $30. 95 

(Double Sided, Double Density) 



if you can't find what you 
need fisted here J us t call for 
the best prices on the items 
you require. 



N.Y. residents, add appropriate sales tax. 
We accept VISA and Master Card. Personal 
and company checks, allow2weeks to clear. 
C.O.D.'s require a 25% deposit. All prices 
and offers may be withdrawn without notice 

















Vector 


Drawing 








Miscellaneous Features 


PC-Draw 


CADdraft 


Benchmark 


Sketch 


Processor 


CADplan 


AutoCAD 


VersaCAD 


Math Calculations 


















Distance 




• 


1/84 




• 




• 


• 


Area 






1/84 




• 




• 


• 


Area— irregular 






1/84 




• 




• 


• 


Volume 


















Angle 






• 




• 






• 


Feet and inches 




• 






• 




• 


• 


Dimensioning 


















Autodimensioning 






1/84 








• 


• 


Angular dimensioning 
















• 


Associative dimensioning 


















Miscellaneous 


















Grid/user-definable grid 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 




• 




Different x and y scales 




• 


• 












Grid snap 


• 


• 




• 


• 








Multiple definitions 


• 


• 


• 


• 


• 








Auto change with rescale/zoom 


















Tolerance/incremental snap 


• 


• 




• 


• 








Layers 




• 


• 












Mixed color on one layer 




• 


• 












Define attributes of layer 


















Move between layers 




• 


■ 












Regenerate only active layers 






■ 












Plot only active layers 




• 


• 












Save only active layers 






• 












Rectangular arrays 


















Radial arrays 














^ • 




Menu on screen in editor 


• 


• 




• 








12/84 


Menu on input device 






• 




• 






12/83 


Menu user-definable 


• 




• 




■ 






4/84 


Command (macro) files in 


















menu 
















6/84 


Other command file use 






• 






• 




• 


Symbols on digitizer 










• 






• 


Symbols (icons) on screen 


• 
















CAE utilities 






• 




• 


• 






CAM utilities 
















• 


Three-dimensional interface 
















• 


Table 7: A comparison of miscellaneous features. 


• = existing feature 




* = outstanding feature 




date = expected release date 



mensely in taking you through the 
learning process. You want a well- 
organized manual, a good table of 
contents, a setup and hardware con- 
figuration section, a strong tutorial 
section, a full discussion of features 
with examples, a quick reference sec- 
tion, a section on error messages, a 
good index, and a glossary of terms. 
It is important to have a manual with 
illustrations from the CAD program 
itself. 

Look for sample drawings or an in- 
teractive tutorial on disk and Help 
files accessible without having to 
leave the drawing editor. See that 



prompts are helpful and don't stand 
in the way of your drawing. It is con- 
venient to have a directory of the files 

The cost of hardware 

is falling, while 

quality and capability 

are on the increase. 

on the disk available from within the 
graphics editor as well. 

Summary 

I hope this whets your appetite for 



graphics. Graphics image processing 
offers an electronic frontier every bit 
as exciting to explore as it once was 
to migrate west to mine for gold. 

CAD software is becoming more 
powerful and reasonably priced. The 
cost of hardware is falling dramatical- 
ly, while quality and capability are on 
the increase. More power and capa- 
bility are coming, but is all the work 
we do now translatable into the 
future? 

It is difficult to draw conclusions 
about whether one software package 
is better than another. That decision 
is largely determined by your per- 



204 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




NEW YEAR 
SPECIALS 

LOTUS 123 SCall 

Transtar 315 Color Printer $489 

64K RAM for IBM $55 

Smartmodem 300 $205 

CABLES 

4FT PARALLEL $35 

4FT SERIAL $40 

Microsoft Premium pack $489 

NEC Spinwriters ALL Models SCall 

OTRONA ATTACHE $2595 

BASIS 108 128KCP/M 3.0 $1999 

PROWRITER I $389 

PROWRITER II $659 

EPSON FX-100 $725 

RANA ELITE I $245 

RANA ELITE II $380 

RANA 1000 (FOR ATARI) $309 

BUFFERED 6RAPPLER 

16K $179 

32K $199 

64K $239 

MULTIPLAN IBM, Apple ll/lle $169 

IBM PC DSDD Drive 

TANDON DRIVE $239 

RANA $299 

QUENTIN $275 

FOURTH DIMENSION $275 



CUSTOMER SERVICE & TECH. SUPPORT 



401-273-2420 



ORDERS ONLY 



800-843-4302 

150 Broadway, Suite 2212, N.Y. NY 10038 

Money Order, Cashier Ck. Add 3% MC/VISA Charge 
Add 2% on COO Orders. Minimum Shipping Charge $5 
APO Orders Add 10%. Add 5% for Net Terms. 
All Returned Non Defective Merchandise are Subject to 
20% Restocking Charge. 




GenTech 



COMPUTERS 



FRANKLIN 

ACE 1000w/color $799 

ACE PRO PLUS Systems. ACE 1000 
w/color,ACE 10 Drive, 80-Column Card, 
ACE Writer II, ACE Calc. Monitor, Data 
Perfect, Personal Financier SCall 

ACE 1200 (128K, Dual Processor, 
1 Drive. 80-Col. CBASIC. 

CP/M &DOS. SCall 

ACE Office Management System 
ACE 1200 w/2 Drives, l/D Card, 
WordStar, MailMerge. ACE Calc SCall 




COLUMBIA 

128K Ram, Dual DSDD (640K) Drives. 
Fully IBM Compatible 

w/Superpack SCall 

128K RAM. 10 MB Hard disk 

w/Superpack $3950 

Portable VP w/Superpack $Call 

COMPUPRO SCall 

ALTOS 586 SERIES/8000 SERIES .... SCall 
CORONA PC (Hard or Floppy) 

Portable PC $Call 

EAGLE 

PC-2 128K RAM w/2 Drives 

(640K) SCall 

PC-XL 128K RAM 1 Floppy. 

10 MB Hard SCall 

KAYPRO CO-POWER BOARD 

IBM Compatible 128K OR 256K 

w/MS-OOS & CP/M 86 SCall 

MORROW DESIGNS 

MD2 64K. 2 SSOO Drives, WordStar. 

LogiCalc, Correct-It, Personal Pearl . . . SCall 
MD3 64K. 2 OSOO Drives. Above 
Software PLUS QUEST Accounting 

Package SCall 

MD11 128K. 400K OR. 2 Serial. 

1 Parallel SCall 

DECISION Series D200. D210. D220 '. [ $Call 

Multi User Decision Series SCall 

PIED PIPER $995 

SANYO MBC 550 SCall 

AMDEK Amplot SCall 

COMREX Comscriber SCall 

SWEET-P Plotter SCall 

MANNESMANN Pixy-3 SCall 

BAUSCH & LOMB 

OMP 40 $879 

OMP 29 (8 COLOR 11 x 17 PAPER) . . $1995 

OMP 41 (SINGLE PEN 22 x 17 INCH) . $2599 

Fourth Dimension Super Drive $219 

80-Col. W/64K (lie Only) $189 

16KRAM . . $49 

ALS CP/M Card $299 

ALS Dispatcher $89 

Microsoft SoftCard $239 

Grappler+ $119 

Graphitti $95 

Pkaso card $129 

IS Pipeline , SCall 

Microtek Dumpling GX $99 

Microtek Dumpling 16(16K) $169 

EPO Surge Protectors SCall 



PLOTTERS 



FOR IBM PC 



AST RESEARCH INC. 

MEGA PLUS 

64K w/Serial & Clock/Cal 

128KS379, 192K $449. 256K $489 



$279 



64K w/Ser. Par & Clock $399 

128KS459. 192KS579, 256KS599 

MEGA PAK256K Module $289 

SIX PACK PLUS SCall 

COMBO PLUS 

64K w/Serial & Parallel $279 

128KS369, 192K $419, 256K $499 

I/O PLUS $129 

Serial $39, Parallel $39, Game port $39 

QUADRAM 

QUARDBOARD 

64K $279 

256K $419 

512+ EXPANSION BOARD 

Quad512+(64K) $239 

Quad 512+(256K) $399 

Quad 512+(512K) $639 

QUAOLINK $489 

MICROFAZER 

P/P (Parallel/Parallel) 

8K $125, 64K $199. 128KS309 

256K $589. 512K $899 

S/P, P/S, S/S 

8K $145. 16K $165. 32K $195. 64K $229 

9VPowerSupply $16.99 



HARD DISK 




COMREX 

COMFILER 10 MB FOR QX-10 $1995 

CORVUS DAVONG (Internal) 

6MB. . . . $1695 5MB SCall 

10MB. . . $2350 10MB. . . $1650 

20 MB . . . $3150 21 MB . . . $2495 

XCOMP QCS 

10 MB. . . $1795 10 MB. .. . SCall 

16MB. . . $1995 Tall Grass. . $Call 



DOT MATRIX PRINTERS 




EPSON 

RX-80 $299 

RX-80 F/T SCall 

MX-100 $599 

FX-80 $569 

STAR MICRONICS 

GEMINI 10X $299 

GEMINI 15/15X SCall 

OKIDATA 

MICROLINE 92 $449 

MICROLINE 93 $729 

MICROLINE 84 P $979 

MANNESMANN TALLY 

MT160L (160 CPS) $615 

MT180L (15" Carriage) $875 

INFO RUNNER RITEMAN SCall 

TOSHIBA P1350 SCall 



LETTER-QUALITY PRINTERS 




C-ITOH 

F-10 STARWRITER . . 
F-10 PRINTMASTER . 



$1169 
$1589 



COMREX 

COMRITER I (PorS) $699 

COMRITER II Parallel $479 

COMRITER II Ser (5K) $509 

DAISYWRITER 

2000 EXP (48K BUFFER) $1019 

JUKI (18 CPS 15") $525 

NEC SPINWRITER SCall 

OUME SPRINT 11/40 $1345 

SILVER REED 

EXP550P . . $639 EXP550S . . $679 

EXP 500P . . $439 EXP 500S . . $469 

TRANSTAR T315. T120.T130 &T140. . SCall 



MONITORS 




AMDEK 

300G SCall 300A. .... SCall 

COLOR I . . . SCall COLOR III . . $359 

COMREX color, green, amber SCall 

PRINCETON GRAPHICS HX-12 $499 

OUADSCREEN SCall 

TAXAN 

RGB VISION I $275 

WITH APPLE II+ CABLE & INTERFACE . $345 

RGB INTERFACE for Apple He SCall 

RGB VISION III $519 

KG 12N-UY (12" amber) $135 

USIPI-1 (9" green) $79 



TERMINALS 




Freedom 100 (11 FTN Key green). . . . $499 

Visual 50 Detachable KYBD $589 

Televideo 910+ $565 

Televideo 925 $725 

Televideo 950 $945 



MODEMS 



ANCHOR 

MARK I (300 baud). MARK XII (IBM) . . SCall 

HAYES 

MICROMOOEMII $275 

SMARTMOOEM (1200 BAUD) $509 

SMARTMOOEM 1200B for IBM $439 

SMARTCOM II (TERMINAL PROG) $89 

NOVATION 

ACCESS 1-2-3 SCall 

CAT 300 BAUD Acoustic $144 

O-CAT 300 BAUD Direct $155 

J-CAT300 $109 

APPLE CAT II $269 

212 APPLE CAT II $575 

103 SMART CAT $179 

103/212 SMART CAT $419 

SSM 

300 BAUD MODEM CARD $239 

1200 BAUD MODEM CARD $529 

TRANSEND 1/2/3 $69/$109/$209 

US ROBOTICS 

PASSWORD SCall 

VEN-TEL SCall 

3M SSDO Diskette $24 

3M OSOD Diskette. $Ca11 

OYSAN SSDO $37 

OYSAN OSOO SCall 

Verbatim SSOO $25 

Verbatim OSOO $34 



Circle 168 on inquiry card. 



sonal preference and application. 
Take the time to make sure the soft- 
ware/hardware configuration you 
purchase is, or will be, equal to your 
drawing needs (see figure 6). Above 
all, ask the right questions and get 
satisfactory answers. ■ 



Rik Jadrnicek is president of Micro Flow (POB 
1147, Mill Valley, CA 94942), a microcomputer con- 
sulting firm. When he isn't writing or playing with 
micros, Rik likes sailing and traveling. 



For Further 
Information 



Newsletters 

The Anderson Report 

Anderson Publishing Company 
4505 East Industrial St., Suite 2] 
Simi Valley, CA 93063 
(805) 581-1184: Published monthly 

CAD/CAM Alert 

The Management Roundtable Inc. 
822Boylston St. 
Chestnut Hill, MA 02167 

Published monthly 

The S. Klein Newsletter on 
Computer Graphics 

Technology & Business Communications 

Inc. 
POB 89, 730 Boston Post Rd. 
Sudbury, MA 01776 
(617) 443-4671 Published twice monthly 

Directories 

1983 Publications Catalog 

IEEE Computer Society 
Administrative Offices 
POB 639 
Silver Spring, MD 20901 

Source of books on graphics 

The S. Klein Directory of 
Computer Graphics Suppliers 

Technology & Business Communications 

Inc. 
POB 392, 730 Boston Post Rd. 
Sudbury, MA 01776 
Hardware, software, systems, and services 

Periodicals 

Computer Design 

119 Russell St. 
Littleton, MA 01460 



PREPARE A DEFINITION 
OF YOUR GRAPHICS NEEDS 



RESEARCH STATE-OF-THE-ART 
GRAPHICS SOFTWARE 
AND HARDWARE 



REVIEW THE FEATURES 
OF SEVERAL GRAPHICS 
SOFTWARE PACKAGES 




DECIDE ON SEVERAL 

POTENTIAL PACKAGES 

AND PREPARE A LIST 

OF HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS 

FOR EACH PACKAGE 



RESEARCH AND SELECT 
A COMPUTER (CPU) 




■J 



YES 



RESEARCH AND SELECT 
AN INPUT DEVICE 




RESEARCH AND SELECT 
A GRAPHICS PROCESSOR 
(FRAME BUFFER) 




YES 



RESEARCH AND SELECT 
A HIGH-RESOLUTION 
MONITOR (CRT) 




YES 



RESEARCH AND SELECT 
HARD COPY 
OUTPUT DEVICE 
(PLOTTER/PRINTER) 




CONFIGURE THE HARDWARE 
PREPARE CABLES 
SETUP PROPER PORTS 
INSTALL PROPER RAM 
SET PROTOCOLS BURN-IN 




Figure 6: How to buy a CAD system. 



Computer Graphics and Applications 

IEEE Computer Society 
10662 Los Vaqueros Circle 
LosAlamitos, CA 90720 
(714) 821-8380 



Computer Graphics World 

Computer Graphics World 
Publishing Company Inc. 
POB 122 
Tulsa, OK 74101 
(800) 331-5959 



Cray Channels 

Cray Research Inc. 
POB 154 

Minneapolis, MN 55440 
(612) 333-5889 

Digital Design 

Morgan-Grampian Publishing Company 
1050 Commonwealth Ave. 
Boston, MA 02215 

Electronic Imaging 

Berkshire Common 
Pittsfield, MA 01201 



206 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 268 on inquiry card. « 



With the p-System from 



For: IBM PC & XT CORONA COLUMBIA EAGLE COMPAQ COLBY DOT HYPERION 



Do you feel stifled by your operating 
system? The p-System from NCI will • 
release you. It is the complete program 
development environment for the IBM 
Personal Computer and compatibles. This 
is the fast p-System with the special 
p-machine emulator developed by NCI. 

The p-System from NCI gives you 
everything you need in one system at far 
less than the cost to add similar utilities 
to any other OS. It includes a powerful 
screen editor, a multi-function file 
manager and RAMdisk support for fast 
access to files. Dynamic memory 
allocation lets you create programs larger 
than 64K and a print buffer frees your 



computer to perform other tasks while 
printing. 

This operating system is stable; friendly 
and easy to use. Command options are 
presented on a menu requiring only a 
single keystroke. The 8087 Numeric 
Coprocessor Support allows extremely fast 
floating point calculations and the 
asynchronous I/O lets you use serial 
printer and communications routines. 

With the p-System you can choose either 
UCSD Pascal, Fortran 77 or Basic as your 
programming language. NCI also offers 
hard disk support for the IBM XT, 
Corona, Columbia, Corvus, Tallgrass, 
Davong, Genie 5+5, QCS, Datamac, 

SPEED. PORTABILITY. RELIABILITY. 



OMNINET support can easily be added 
as well as memory cards from AST 
Research and Tall Tree Systems, the 
Colorplus card and the Hercules graphics 
card. 

When you buy the p-System from NCI you 
get technical support and complete 
documentation. 

For full details call or write: 

Network Consulting Inc. 
Discovery Park, 
Suite 110- 3700 Gilmore Way 
Bumaby, B.C. Canada V5G 4M1 

(604) 430-3466 



sonal Computer XT are trade marks of International Bu 
ty of California. OMNINET is a trade mark of Corvus Sy 



iss Machines Corporation. The p-System™ is a trade mark of Softech Microsystems. Inc. UCSD Pascal i 
ms Inc. 5+5 is a trade mark of Genie Computer Corporation. Colorplus is a trade mark of Frederick Elec 



Glossary of CAD Terms 



absolute coordinates: the location of a 
point in terms of x, y, or z distance from 
the predefined origin. 
absolute vector: a line segment with an 
endpoint expressed in x, y, and z co- 
ordinates. 

aliasing: the stairstep effect on a raster dis- 
play lacking the resolution to reproduce 
diagonals or circles as smooth images. 
antialiasing: the software adjustment of 
raster -pixel addressing to make diagonal or 
curved lines appear smooth and continu- 
ous. 

aspect ratio: a design engineering term 
meaning the ratio of display width to dis- 
play height. 

associative dimensioning: updating di- 
mensions of individual CAD/CAM display 
elements as display dimensions change. 
attribute: any characteristic of a display 
item (color, line style, character font) or as- 
sociated descriptor (style, shape, tolerance, 
part type or number). 
beam-penetration CRT: this produces 
color by varying the electron-beam penetra- 
tion of a multilayer phosphor display 
surface. 

Bezier curve: a method of curve fitting 
(smoothing) by manipulating two line 
segments and the curves that are tangent 
to their surfaces. 

bit map: the digital representation of an 
image in which bits are mapped to pixels. 
In color graphics, a different bit map is 
used for each red, green, and blue value. 
bit plane: hardware used as a storage 
medium for a bit map. 
CAD: computer-aided design, drawing 
with the aid of your computer. 
CAE: computer-aided engineering, an in- 
terface with mathematical analysis and 
drawing capability. 

CAI: computer-aided instruction, using 
computers for individual and classroom in- 
struction. 

CAM: computer-aided manufacturing, 
automated production. 
clipping, windowing, and viewing: 
the process of setting graphics-display 
boundaries. 

composite color: color information en- 
coded in a single video signal. 
computer animation: the use of com- 
puter graphics to simulate or generate 
images for motion pictures. 
control dial: a graphics input device that 
produces a continuous range of display 
values. 

coordinates: a number of x, y, and z units 
that give the location of a point in a coor- 
dinate system. 



cross hairs: the cursor or two intersecting 
perpendicular lines on display to indicate 
coordinate location. 

device coordinate system: the coor- 
dinate system and axis length recognized 
by the display device. 
device-independent CAD: CAD soft- 
ware capable of running on more than one 
type of computer or input /output device. 
digitize: to register a visual image or real 
object in a format that can be processed by 
the computer; data is read into the system 
with a puck, cursor pad, or stylus. 
dimensioning: setting measurements on 
a CAD/CAM display; placement of dimen- 
sion lines and arrowheads; calculation and 
placement of dimension distances. 
display: a collection of graphics elements 
visible on the monitor. 
dot matrix: a pattern of dots in a two-di- 
mensional array. 

dot-matrix plotter: a hard-copy device 
that reproduces the display as a pattern of 
dots. 

dragging: leading an item, such as a user- 
defined cursor, across the display with a 
graphics input device. 
draw: to generate a visible vector by mov- 
ing a pen or by illuminating pixels between 
the current position and an endpoint spec- 
ified in coordinates (absolute draw) or in 
displacements (relative draw). 
echo: a graphics display, such as a text 
string or cursor, that provides visual feed- 
back to the operator. 

electroacoustic tablet: a data tablet with 
a writing surface of magnetostrictive 
material capable of tracking a stylus. 
electrostatic plotter: a raster hard-copy 
device that produces images on paper sen- 
sitized to electrostatic charges. 
endpoint: the end of a line segment ex- 
pressed in terms ofx, y, and z coordinates. 
fill: solid coloring or shading of display 
surface made by a pattern of line segments. 
fillet: a design engineering term meaning 
the concave transition surface between two 
otherwise intersecting surfaces. 
flatbed plotter: a plotter with a flat dis- 
play surface that you move across, up, 
down, and diagonally, with the plotting 
head. 

frame buffer: local raster memory that 
stores the bit patterns mapped to pixels. 
function key: the key on a function pad 
that triggers a programmable operation 
such as rotation or scaling. 
geometric model: quantitative represen- 
tation of a two- or three-dimensional ob- 
ject created by referring to the Cartesian 
coordinate grid. 



grid: uniformly spaced intersecting lines 
in two or three dimensions, which provide 
addresses for graphics objects. 
hatching: filling an area of the display 
surface with a regular pattern of line seg- 
ments. 

icon: a graphics symbol representing a 
menu item. 

image digitizer: a video camera with an 
electron-beam scanner that senses light and 
transforms it into a video signal. 
imaging: computer processing of graph- 
ics data to produce a display. 
incremental plotter: a hard-copy output 
device that repeats a display at discrete 
intervals. 

incremental vector: a repeated vector de- 
fined by a regularly increased or decreased 
component and an absolute component. 
ink-jet plotter: a hard-copy plotter that 
uses electrostatics first to atomize ink, then 
to place droplets on the plotting medium. 
joystick: a graphics input device that posi- 
tions a cursor, locator, or pick or initiates 
a program change with a control lever. 
laser plotter: this plotter uses a laser to 
produce images on photographic film in 
raster or vector format. 
layer: logical two-dimensional CAD/CAM 
data divisions that can be viewed in- 
dividually or as overlays. 
light pen: the graphics input device used 
as a pick to identify a detectable display 
element. 

line style or type: a primitive attribute 
that defines a line as solid or dashed and 
gives the dash pattern and terminators. 
line width or weight: this primitive at- 
tribute defines a line's thickness. 
mapping: transforming an image from 
one coordinate system to another. 
matrix: an array ofx, y, and z coefficients 
for calculating a geometric transformation. 
mirror: to create the reverse image of a dis- 
play item. 

mouse: a hand-held input device used to 
position the cursor on the display surface. 
numerical control: computer instruc- 
tions that automate machine and drafting 
tools. 

origin: the zero intersection of x, y, and 
z axes from which all points are calculated. 
orthographic projection: graphics rep- 
resentation of a three-dimensional object 
lacking the perspective suggested by the 
convergence of parallel lines. It permits 
only vertical and horizontal line segments 
in a two-dimensional drawing. 
overlay: the plane of a graphics display 
that can be superimposed on another plane. 
paging: overflowing the drawing database 
to disk. 



208 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 471 on inquiry card. 



painting: a raster design technique based 
on illuminating pixels on a graphics dis- 
play device. 

pan: movement across the x and y grid. 
parallax: apparent image translation from 
its initial location to the point indicated by 
a light pen. 

perspective projection: simulation of 
depth and distance by representing parallel 
lines merging at a vanishing point. 
pixel: the minimum raster display element 
represented as a point with a specified color 
or intensity level. 

pixel replication: scaling by increasing 
the number of pixels excited, but without 
the increased detail of true magnification. 
plotter: a computer-controlled pen device 
that produces a hard copy of the display 
on paper or an electrostatic surface. 
polar coordinates: location of a point in 
terms of the distance and angle from 
another point. 

polygon fill: coloring or cross-hatching 
of a closed, multisided, program-defined 
surface. 

primitive: the basic display element: 
point, segment, alphanumeric character, or 
marker. 

primitive attribute: a visual character- 
istic of an output primitive, such as char- 
acter size, line style, or blink rate. 
puck: a hand-held device with cross hairs 
used to input coordinate data. 
RGB color: a color described in terms of 
its red, green, and blue intensity levels. 
RS-232: this serial interface permits link- 
age of a host computer and graphics ter- 
minals) or other peripherals over long 
distances. 

raster: a rectangular pixel matrix permit- 
ting dynamic color displays. 
raster display: a CRT display generated 
by an electron beam that illuminates. 
raster plotter: this plotter reproduces dis- 
plays in dot -matrix patterns. 
relative coordinates: location of a point 
relative to another data point. 
relative draw: movement of the electron 
beam in terms of x, y, and z distances for 
the purpose of drawing a visible vector on 
the display surface. 

relative move: electron-beam movement 
in terms of x, y, and z distances without 
leaving a visible trace on the display. 
relative vector: a vector with an endpoint 
specified in terms of the distance from the 
current position rather than in tenns of ab- 
solute x, !/, and z coordinates. 
rotate: to transform a display or display 
item by revolving it around a specified axis 
or center point. 
rubber banding: attaching the cursor to 



a fixed display point with a line that ap- 
pears to stretch and contract like a rubber 
band as you move the cursor. 
SIGGRAPH: Special Interest Group on 
Computer Graphics. 

scale: a size change made by multiplying 
or dividing the coordinate dimensions. 
scale factor: the value by which you 
divide or multiply the display dimensions 
in a scaling operation. 
screen coordinate system: the coor- 
dinate system of the display device; nor- 
mally, the address limits of the axis length 
it recognizes. 

scrolling: moving text strings or graphics 
vertically. 

stairstepping: jagged raster representa- 
tion of diagonals or curves; corrected by 
antialiasing. 

static attribute: an unchangeable display 
characteristic of the input device. 
tablet: a data tablet or digitizer; a graphics 
input device that generates coordinate data 
from visual data input through a puck or 
stylus. 

touch-sensitive display: a display sur- 
face that receives data through physical 
contact. 

trace: a line of the graphics display. 
trackball: this mounted rotatable ball 
controls the position of the cursor and pro- 
duces coordinate data. 
transformation: geometric alteration of a 
graphics display, such as scaling, transla- 
tion, or rotation. 

translate: to shift a display item across the 
display surface to a new location. 
turnkey: a computer system sold complete 
and ready to use for a specific application; 
requires no additional hardware modifica- 
tion or planning. 

viewport: the specified window on the 
display surface that marks the limits of a 
display. 

virtual coordinate system: coordinate 
system created by mapping a portion of the 
world coordinate system to the space avail- 
able on your device. 

virtual space: space referenced with the 
coordinates defined by the application. 
window: a specified rectangular area of 
virtual space shown on the display. 
window clipping: blanking line seg- 
ments at window boundaries. 
wire frame: a three-dimensional image 
displayed as a series of line segments out- 
lining its surface. 

world coordinate system: a device-in- 
dependent coordinate system used to define 
display objects. 

zoom: to scale a display or display item 
so it is magnified or reduced on the screen. 




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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 209 



:^,..:.^ ! 



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minimum for SI&H. UPS ground is standard so add 3% more lor UPS Blue with $1 minimum for S l&H. Add 12% total for SI&H lor US Postal APO or FPOwith S 1 5 minimum for SI&H. For Hawaii, Alaska and Canada, UPS 
is insome areas only, all others are Postal socall, wnte. or specify Postal. Foreign orders except Canada for S.I&H add i8%or S25 minimumlor SI&H except for monitors add30%or $50 minimum for SI&H. Prices subject 
lo change and typo errors, so call lo verify. All goods are new, include warranty and are guaranleed lo work. Due to our low prices, ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Call before returning goods lor repair or replacement. Orders 
received wtth insullicient S.I&H charges will be refunded. ORDER DESK HOURS 6 A M. lo 6 P.M. PST, Monday through Friday and 10 to 4 Saturday. 6 AM. here is 9 AM in New York. 

OURRErERENCES'We have been in computers and electronics since 1958. a computerdealer since 1978 and incompulermail ordersince 1980. Banks: 1st Interstate Bank,(503) 643-4678. We belong to 
the Chamber of Commerce (503) 644-0123. Better Business Bureau and Direct Marketing Association, or call Dunn and Bradslreel if you are a subscriber. Fastrak" and Generik'" are Irademarksol ComX Corpoialion. 
WordStar. MailMerge. Slarlndex, InfoStar, are trademarks of MicroPro. 



CASH & CARRY OUTLETS: 

Over-the-counter sales only. Open Monday through Saturday 

10:00 until 5:00. 

PORTLAND, OREGON, 11507-D S.W. Pacrftc Hwy, Terrace 

Shopping Center. Tigard. On 99W between 217 and 1-5. Call 

245-1020. 

SEATTLE, WASH., 3540 128th Ave. SE. Beltevue, WA 98006. 

Tele : 641-4736, in Loehmann s Plaza near Factor ia Square, SE 

of Hwy. 405 & 90 and al SE 38th & Richards. 






Circle 73 for IBM Peripherals. Circle 74 for Apple. Circle 75 for all others. 



LOW PRICES TO PROFESSIONALS WHO KNOW WHA T THEY WANT AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT! 

THE IBM-PC SUPPLY CENTER 





IBM is a trademark o/IBM Corporation. 

256K 
IBM-PC 

System Includes 

Two 320K Disk Drives by CDC 

90DayWarrantyByUs 

Call For Details And 

Configurations 



LIST OUR 
PRICE PRICE 



MEMORY CHIP KITS ESX. 

motherboard. 100% tested. With 90 day warranty. 



• 64KKit.200NS.9chips.4164 

16KKrt.200NS.9chips.4116 
(lorPC-lmotnetoard) 



AMDEK 



4-IN-1 MullipleBoard, Color 
Graphics.Mono,128K 
ComboPlus,64KS/P/C 
ComboPlus,256K,S/P/C 
MegaPlusll. 64K.2-S/P/C 
MegaPlusll.256K.2-S/PyC 
256KMegaPlusll Expander 
SixPakPlus.64K.SrPC 
SixPakPlus. 256K, S/P/C 
SixPakPlus, 384K, S'P/C 
l/OPIusll,2SRCG 
PCnef .LANKil 



S 150 $ 45 



S 599 $ 519 

$ 395 $ 279 

S 695 $ 475 

S 495 S 345 

S 795 S 495 

S395 S295 

S 395 $ 295 

S 695 $ 495 

S 895 $ 595 

S 315 S 195 

$1490 $1290 



Supervision, monochrome board S 850 
Z/Plus 64, fast Z80B.64K para port $ 875 



$ 680 
$ 695 



CCS 



t PomY 256K RAM Card wttl Faslrak " 

^ ^ RAM disk emulator and 

spooter software. S 695 $ 256 

CURTIS. PC Pedestal'" forDisplay S 80 

3to 9 fool keyboard cable s 50 

Vertical CPU "System Stand'' S 25 

Monochrome Ext. Cable Pair S 40 

HERCULES. Monochrome Board 5 499 

Key TrOniC, KB5150, Sid keytoard S 269 

hnPllPI KoalaPad'" 

I lUaid Programmer's Guide S 15 

MAYNARD.(XSc 



$ 65 

$ 35 

$ 19 

$ 30 



$ 150 $ 109 
S 12 



S 79 

Call 



Modulestorabovecard 
SandSlar.noRAMcard S 199 $ 169 
SandStar,256KCard S 499 $ 395 



MrUfiWT RAMCard256K 
MIOKW^-PTI S yslemCard256K 

SystemCard64K 

Mouse 

MOUSESYSTEMS, PCMousew software 

ODPUin PCnel'", LOCAL AREA NET S1490 
UnV/nlU, Moncchrcme Graphics Card 

PLANTRONICS 

ColorPlus , 1 6 colorbrd.w/ParaPort 

OJLIADRAM 

*■ Quadlink, Apple II Emulator 

Quadboard, no RAM, expandable lo256K 

Quadboard 64K. expandab!eto256K 
*■ Quadboard256K,6 function 

Quadboard ll.noRAM, expand to256K 

Quadboard II.64K. expandablelo256K 

Quadboard II, 256K, 6 function 

Quad 512 + ,64Kplusserialpon 

Quad 512 + , 256K plus serial port 

Quad 5 1 2 + , 5 1 2Kplusserial port 

Quadcolorl, board, 16 colors 

Quadcolor II, board, use with Quadcolor I 

Quadchrome, 12" RGB Monitor 

Quadscreen, 17", 968 x 5 1 2 Monitor 

Microfazer.w/Copy, P/P.8K, #MP8w/P.S. 

Microtazer, wCopy, P P, 64K, #MP64w PS. 

Microfazer,wCopv.PP.128K, 
#MP128wPS. 

Microfazer, Snap-ori. 8K. P. P, 

Epson. #ME8,w/P.S. 

Microfazer. Snap-on. 64K.P/P, 

Epson, #ME64,w/P.S. 
All Microfazers are expandable, (w/copy to 512K) (Snap-onto 64K) 

Tormar 1stMATE,64K 
ICV.II1C1I 1st MATE, 256K 
GraphtcsMaster 

TGPRODUCTS.joysix* 

WICO, IBM-PC Mouse 





-v _jr *L, 


L6T OUR 


% XHIP & MEMORY \J|> 


PRICE PRICE 


VA SPECIAL J£^ 


S 550 $ 385 




$ 395 S 275 


\A j^fxl/^^ 


S 625 $ 435 


\ jA /%L v 


S 195 S 145 




S 295 S 195 




S1490 51190 




S 499 $ 379 




Aa^^vN? 1 |=:^S 


S 475 S 379 


JV_ r \ (5*"*^3 


S 680 $ 465 


^JImsi 


m 


S 295 S 215 




S 395 $ 279 


^®f I 


a 


S 595 $ 395 


1 


Call Call 






S 395 $ 279 




S 595 $ 395 




S 325 S 265 


, r"-JSj55?^ 


$ 550 S 420 
S 895 $ 625 
$ 295 $ 225 


«P f w $40 Ten or more. 


S 275 S 209 


64K CHIP KIT 


S 795 $ 499 


9 Each 4164,200 ns. MEMORY EXPANSION. 


S1995 $1595 
S 189 $ 129 


90Day Warranty byus. 


S 319 S 219 


$£00 S239Twoormore. 


S 465 $ 295 


256K RAM BOARD 


S 179 S 145 


Fully Compatible. 2 Year Limited Warranty byComX. 




With Fastrak RAM Disk Emulator and Spooler Software. 


S 319 S 235 


Works on DOS 1.1 or 2.0. 


Snap-otilo 64K) 




$ 389 $ 295 
$ 589 $ 439 


• Means a BEST buy. 


Call 
S 65 $ 49 


AD #986 


S 100 $ 61 





IBM-PC UKlVEw ACCESSORY 


S 


SOFTWARE for the IBM-PC or XT 








O^^^^v 


BUSINESS 


BUSINESS 






UTILITY & SYSTEM 






LIST 


OUR 


LIST OUR 








LIST 


OUR 






!i^Hi 




ASHTON-TATE 


PRICE 


PRICE 


PRICE PRICE 




PRICE 


PRICE 






• dBase II. requires PC-DOS&128K 


S 700 


5 385 


MONOGRAM, Dollars* Sense S 165 $ 110 


DIGITAL RESEARCH 










dBase II User sGuide 


S 30 


S 20 


NORTH AMERICAN BUS, The Answer $ 250 $ 169 


ConcurrentCPM-86" 


S 350 


S 225 






Everyman's DB Primer(Book) 


S 15 


$ 12 


•OSBORNE/COMX. (Book & Business, 


CBASIC86' 


S 200 


$ 135 


f 


UV\v«^%^554J™ 


vS!KiSSsM 


The Financial Planner 


S700 


$ 395 


Statistics & Math Programs on DS/DD Disks) 


CPM-86" 


S 60 


$ 40 


\^\\JS&**SHB 




Friday 


S 295 


$ 199 


Some Common Basic Prog. (70 each) $100 $ 69 


Pascal MT-(CPM-86) 


$ 400 


S 169 


\\ vi yS^^^f^^ 




APPLIED SOFT. TECH.. Versaform 


S389 


S 265 


Practical Basic Programs (40 each) $ 100 $ 69 


Pascal MT- (MSDOS) 


S 600 


S 399 


\J\J8 




s&sa 


• CONTINENTAL.i-lome Accountant * 


S 150 


$ 89 


PBL CORPORATION, Personal Investor 5 145 $ 94 


PL 1 (MSDOS) 


S 750 


S 499 


\ \ \^ ( 






FCM (Filing. Cataloging. Mailing) 


S 125 


$ 89 


PEACHTREE,PeachPak3(GL,AR&AP) 5 595 $ 239 


Access Manager (MSDQS) 


S400 


$ 179 




1 i -affilgip* 




PropertyManagemenl 


S 495 


S 329 


Peach Text 5000 s 395 $ 239 


Display Manager (MSDQS) 


S 500 


$ 339 




Hi*^ r L><*^s .Hi 




DATAMOST, Wrile-On (Word Processor) 


S 130 


$ 89 


PEARLSOFT, Personal Peai1(0BMS&MIS) $ 295 S 195 


Speed Prog. Pkg.(CPM-86) 


S 200 


S 135 


<§§^ 






DOW JONES, Market Analyzer 


S 350 


$279 


• PERFECT, PerfectWriler"* $ 389 $ 149 


CISCQBOL-86 


S 850 


S 525 






Market Manager 


S300 


S 239 


Per1ectSpeHer w orPerfedCalc".each S 295 $ 99 


DR LQGO-86 


S 150 


S 90 


:> ^^^"^ 




Market Microscope 


S 700 


$ 525 


Writer + Speller. 2 Pak S 695 $ 199 


CBASIC Compiler (86 or MSDQS, each) 


S 600 


S 365 


CONTRpLW^ 




EAGLE SOFTWARE, Money Decisions 

•X.CIIJCTCIM M/n.tnr MOA 


S 150 


$ 129 
S 199 
S 55 


Perfect Filer" S 595 $ 199 
SOFTWARE ARTS.TK! Solver $299 $219 
SOFTWAREPUBUSHING.PFSFite S 140 $ 94 


HAYES. SmancomlHDataComm ) 
MICROCOM. Microtermmal (Data Comm 
MICROSTUF, Crosstalk XVI {Hayes& IBM) 


S 119 

S 100 


S 89 
S 65 
$ 129 


DATA OR land 


an 


* tlNb I tIN, Wmier NtW: o ouu 
Memory Trainer NEW! S 80 


S 195 


320K/360KDSDD DISK DRIVES 


Speller NEW! S 150 
Mailer NEW! S 80 


$ 95 
$ 55 


PFS:Repor1 S 125 $84 
PFS:Write NEW! S 140 $ 95 


MICROSOFT muMalhmuStmp 

Business BASIC Compiler 


S 300 
S 600 


S 225 
$ 450 


With Detailed Installation Instructions 




Letter Scenes NEW 


S 300 


$ 195 


PFS:Graph NEW! 5 140 $ 95 


PascalCompiler 


S 350 


S 255 


60 Day Warranty by Factory Authorized Dislnbutor 


FOX & GELLER, Quickcode (MSDOS) 


S 295 


$ 179 


SORCIM.SuperCalcll $ 295 $ 195 


C Compiler 


S 350 


$ 225 


Same as now COOQ 

installed by IBM. $££3 S239 




dGraph (MSDOS) 


S 295 


$ 179 


SuperWriler S 295 $ 199 


BASIC Compiler 


S 395 


S 285 


■or One 


dUtilforlBMPCDOS 


S 99 


S 59 


SSI/SATELLITE, WordPerfect $ 495 $ 375 


FortranCompiler 


S 350 


$ 255 




HAYDEN. IBM Pie Writer 


S200 


S 135 


PersonaiWofdPerfect $ 195 $ 149 


COBOL Compiler 


S 750 


S 559 






Pie: Speller 


S 100 


S 69 


STC/SOFTEC.TheCreator $ 300 $ 195 


BASIC Interpreter 


S 350 


$ 255 






HOWARDSOFT, ReatEslate Analyzer li 


S250 


$ 169 


STONEWARE, D.B.Masler(a DBMS) $ 596 $ 396 


NORTON, Norton Utilities. 14 programs 


S 80 


S 65 


$199 

HALF HEIGHT 




INFOR, UNLIMITED, Easy Writer II (WP) 
EasySpeller II 
EasyFiler(aDBMS) 


S 350 
S 225 
S 400 


$259 
S 149 
S 299 


SYNAPSE. File Manager $100 $ 67 
SYNERGISTIC. Data Reporter $250 $169 














HOME & EDUCATIONAL 




T/MAKER.T/Makerlll $ 275 $ 169 














Inventory Control 


S 595 


S395 


VIStCORP,VisiCalC256KorVtsidex,each $ 250 $ 179 


EPYX, Auto. Si m.. Templeof Apshai 


S 40 


$ 29 


LIST 


OUR 


• INSOFT, DalaOesign (easy touseDBMS) 


S 225 


$ 169 


VisiRleorVisiSchedule 5 300 $ 219 


QilBarons 


S 100 


S 75 


PRICE 


PRICE 


Data Base Made Easy (Book) 


S 17 


$ 12 


DesktopPlanl S 300 $ 219 


• ARMONK, Executive Suite 


S 40 


$ 27 






LIFETREE.Volkswriler 


S 285 


5 195 


VisWordwilhVisiSpell(128K) $ 375 $ 269 


BLUECHIP.MillionaireorTycoon.each 


S 60 


$ 39 


MAYNARD 




• LOTUS. 1-2-3 
MICROCRAFT, Verdict or Billkeeper.each 


S495 
S 995 


$ 329 
$ 469 




BPI SYSTEMS, PersonalAccountmg 
• BRODERBUND. Apple PanicfCo'or) 


S 195 
S 30 


S 139 
S 19 


Floppy DriveConlrotBrd.forupto4 drives S 195 
same win Paraltel Port S 275 

DA MA 2.5 Megs'Drwe System (Jan) S1550 
nM IMM, 25 M egHard Disk System 


5 165 
S 205 

$1195 


MICRO LAB. Miner2049 
MICROPRO.WordStar* 
Mail Merge" 
SpellStar" 


S 40 
S495 
S 250 
S250 


S 29 

S 239 
S 129 
$ 129 




COMPREHENSIVE PC Tutor (DOS 1.1) 
CONTINENTAL. Home Accountant - 
DATAMOST, PigPenor Space Slrike.ea 
DAVIDSON TheSpeedReaderll 


S 60 


$ 40 


UTILITY & SYSTEM 




S 150 
S 30 
S 75 


S 89 
S 22 
S 49 






Call 


• WordStar Professional, 4 Pak 


S895 


$429 


1983 CL SOFTWARE AWARD: 


INFOCOM, Deadline 


S 50 


S 33 


QUADISK,6Meg, Removable $2295 


$1795 


Starlndex ' 
InfoStar"" 


S 195 
S 495 


$ 109 
S 259 


Copy II PC by Cenlral Point Sollware is still Ihe best s ftware 
buy of 1983 and 1984. It will copy more copy protected software 


ZorklorZorkllorZorklll.ea. S 40 
• INSOFT, WordTriixorQuolrix. each NEW! S 35 


$ 27 
S 29 


CALLON 6Meg,Fixed $1995 


$1595 


ReportStar '". 


S350 


5 199 


and faster than any other backup system. Unlike other copiers 


MICRO LAB. Miner 2049 


S 40 


S 29 


AVAILABILITY 12 Meg, Fixed $2250 


$1750 


Datalndex" 


S 295 


$ 195 


it makes an exact duplicate of your original and it does 100% 


MICROSOFT, FlighlSimulator 


S 50 


S 33 


20Meg, Fixed $2650 


$2050 


SlarBursf 


S 195 


S 115 


venlicalionof copy. Documentationis excellent" 


MONOGRAM. Dollars* Sense 


S 165 


$ 110 


27 Meg, Fixed $2895 


$2295 


• MICROSOFT, Molfjplan 


S275 


$ 175 




PBICORP. . Personal Investor 


S 145 


$ 99 


72Meg, Fixed 56500 


$4950 


Word 


S 375 


$ 275 


•CENTRAL POINT, Copy IIPC. Backup S 40 $ 35 
•COMX, Fastrak *. RAWDisk emulator and printer 


SPINNAKER. SnooperTroops(1or2| 


S 45 


S 35 


VISTA, IBM-PC XT6MB Backup 




WordwifhMouse 


S475 


$339 


StoryMachtneorFace Maker S 35 


S 24 




Financial Statement 


S 100 


$ 69 


spooler program. Works on any PC DOS version or RAM 


STRATEGIC, the Warp Factor 


S 40 


S 30 


forHardDisk,V1200 $1549 


$1049 


Budget 


S 150 


$ 109 


Card.MenuDnven. NEW 1 S 100 S 59 


SUBLOGIC. Might Mission Pinball 


S 40 


$ 27 



THE WORLD'S LARGEST COMPUTER MAIL ORDER FIRM 

CONROY-LA POINTE 



TM 




SHOWROOMS AT: PORTLAND, OR. or 

SEATTLE, WA. BOTH OPEN M-SAT 10-5 
ALL MAIL: P.O. BOX 23068, Portland, Or. 97223 



Formerly 



Computer Exchange 



orderdesk TOLL FREE 
(800)547-1289 

Order Desk Hours: 6AM to 6PM PST 



Oregon TOLL FREE 

[8001451-5151 
Portland: 245-6200 



Hot Line For Information 
On Your Order 
[503)245-1030 



NEW! NATIONWIDE LEASINl 



■W! NATIONWIDE LEj 



Q U QT- NEUADA ( 800 > 845-5555% 

■LJ ^^^ III CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: NOW YOU CAN CALL US ON INTERSTATE TOLL-FREE LINE 



PC-COMPATIBILITY FOR YOUR... 
KAYPRO. OSBORNE, XEROX, ZORBA 

8088 Co-Processor board installs in a lew minutes. MS-DOS & CP/M-86 
incl.. reads/writes PC diskettes. RAM doubles as RAM DISC. 

1Z8K Board LIST S749 . . ONLY $495 

Z56K Board LIST $999 . . ONLY $695 

PC-COMPATIBLE BOARDS 

PASOCOM 64K. 1S+1 P. Clock ONLY $279 

AST Mega-Plus w/RAM Superdrive $ CALL 

AST PC-NET S CALL 



SPECIAL BUY: 
BMC 80/20 by 
Okidata 

This hottest-selling computer 
in Japan can now be yours 
at an unbelievably low price!!! 
Computer with built-in 
address graphics, 
(incl. CP/M, BASIC 
MailMerge. CalcStar) 

Monochrome 
LIST $1995 




TERMINALS 

Hazeltine ESPRIT II . . $539 
Hazeltine ESPRIT III ..$619 
QUME QVT-108 ..... $729 

WYSE100 ....... SCALL 

WYSE 50 $ CALL 

MONITORS 

Dynax12" Amber $135 

Taxan RGB-1 $315 

Taxan RGB-Ill hi-res. . . $514 

Zenith RGB hi-res $524 

Princeton PGS hi-res. . . $495 
NEC 1203 RGB $610 



FLOPPY DISKETTES 

First quality, individual envelopes, original factory boxes of 10, 
5 1 A diskettes have reinforced hubs. LIFETIME WARRANTY! 



DISKETTE TYPE 



SCOTCH 3-M 



NASHUA 
SPECIAL 

SI. 49 

1.84 

2.15 

1.84 

2.25 

2.69 

Minimum Order 5 boxes. Prices above reflect 5% cash discount. Credit cards or purchase 
orders (approved organizations ONLY) add 5%. 



5V4" s.s., s.d. 
5V«" ss.. d.d. 
5V 4 " d.s , d.d. 
8" s.d.. s.d. 
8" s.s., d.d. 
8" d.s.. d.d. 



LIST 

$3.55 
4.10 
4.90 
4.00 
5.25 
6.50 



LIST 

4.20 
6.00 

5.55 

7.10 



SPECIAL 

l.gg 
2.99 

2.79 
3.49 



NEC PC-8201 Another Immediate hit! 

Weighsonly 38 lbs. yet has integral 40 char, x 8 line display, 32K ROM - 

Interfaces printers, bar-code reader, cassette & Floppies. 

List $799 * 



16KRAM. 

$629 



printer, direct- 
optional light-pen.; 
WordStar, SpellStar, 



$1699 



Color 

LIST $2995 . 



Only $2349 



SHARP PC-5000 

Revolutionary 
Portable Computer 
LIST. .. $1995 
$ CALL 




MicroDecision II. Hard Disk 

LIST $2795 $ CALL 

Intertec Superbrain QD $2145 

Pied Piper Portable $989 



.^VvMr.^'V-J-yV* 



LASER 3000 

APPLE compatibility, 

fully legal. BASIC in ROM, hi-res. color. 

(560 x 192), 4 channel sound, parallel interface. 40/80 column, 

8 function keys, cassette input opt. Floppy run APPLE software. 

LIST S699 $ CALL 



JIB-BIT COMPUTERS 

COLUMBIA 1600 BEST BUY: 
I $3000 plus Free Software 
I Nationwide Service by Bell 

& Howell. 




NEC 
SPECIAL 




NEC PC-8800 SYSTEM: 2 Floppies, 
monitor, graphics. SI 700 



PRINTERS 



$ CALL 



LIST $3495 

Columbia 1600-4 10 MB Winchester 

LIST $5095 $ CALL 

MP/M-86 Multi-user operating system $595 

Columbia VP Portable LIST $2995 $ CALL 



NOW YOU CAN LEASE A COLUMBIA 1600-1 FOR ONLY S83/M0.I 



CORONA-PC: Exceptional high-res. LIST $2995 $ CALL 

EAGLE Spirit XL— 128K. Hard Disk LIST $4795 SCALL 

ZENITH Z-100 (Hard Disk Optional) 

FREE Lotus 1-2-3 $ CALL 

SANYO M8C-550 & 555 1st IBM-Compatible under $1000 



NEC-APC: 8086 8" Floppies, Hard Disk Option 

SPECIAL OFFER: CP/M-86 WordStar. SpellStar. MailMerge. 

SuperCalc. dBASE-ll. Millionaire game included FREE. 

HO Monochrome H03 Color 

LIST S3448 . . . $2749 LIST $4198 $3249 



Mannesman-Talley MT-160L: HOT SELLER! . . .$559 

MT-180L NEW up to 264 columns $779 

GEMINI-10X List $499 ONLY $ CALL!!! 

GEMINI 15X List $649 $ CALL 

Gemini Delta 10. 160 CPS $ CALL 

Epson FX-80. . SCALL Epson RX-80 . . $ CALL 

Okidata 92 $439 

Daisy-Wheel Printers: 

DAISYWRITER 2000, 48K buffer $1095 

TRANSTAR 130, emulates Diablo $679 

BROTHER HR-25 $ CALL 

DYNAX HR-15, best buy LIST $599 $449 

DYNAX KEYBOARD S 1 89 

QUME SPRINT II $ CALL 

JUKI 6100 low cost/hi perfor . . LIST $699 $489 

Silver-Reed EXP 550 $ CALL 

Mannesmann-Tally Sprint LIST $399 $339 



MODEMS 



Hayes Smartmodem w/SmartCom $484 

SmartCom II $79 

Hayes 1200 B (F/IBM-PC) $449 

Signalman MK12 Auto Send/Rec. 300/1200 
BEST BUY $299 

SPECIAL! 

DYMAC ClipStrip. Only UL-Approved Surge 

Protector. Protect your Investment! 

LIST $149 ONLY $109 



P BHRT- NEVADA 



Bank Reference: lsl Internals Bank, Sunsal Eastern Branch. Las Vegas. NV 891 14 

Mon. Fri. 7:00 AM -5:30 PM PST 




SOFTWARE 

Compare our Prices. . Like our Service and Support they are su- 
perior beyond comparison. 

WORDSTAR PROPAK (W/S SpellStar. MailMerge. Starindex . . . S479 

FRIDAY $189 

BOTTOM LINE STRATEGIST $288 

PFS:FILE $99 

CONDOR III w/ReportWriter $299 



WORO PROCESSING 
Benchmark (Metasoft) 
Final Word (Unicom) 
Footnote (Dig. Mrkt ) 
PeachPak (Peachtree) 
Perfect Writer/Speller 
Punct. & Style (Oasis) 
Spellbinder (Lexisolt) 
Superwriter(Sorcim) 
The Word Plus (Oasis) 
WordStar (MicroPro) 



LIST 
499 

300 
125 
500 
695 
125 
495 
295 
150 
495 



YOUR 
PRICE 
354 
226 
85 
330 
266 
90 
264 
195 
105 
259 



SPREAD SHEET/FINANCIAL PLANNING 



MultiPlan (Microsofl) 
Multi-Tool Budget 
Multi-Tool Financial St. 
ProfitPlan (Chang Labs) 
CalcStar (MicroPro) 
SuperCalc II (Sorcim) 
VisiCalc (VisiCorp) 
VisiTrend (VisiCorp) 
SuperCalc III 



275 
150 
100 
195 
145 
295 
250 
300 



DATA BASE MANAGEMENT 



1-2-3 (Lotus) 
Access Manaaer 
dBase-ll (Ashton-Tate) 
dGRAPH (Fox & Geller) 
dUTIL(Fox& Geller) 
InloStar (MicroPro) 
Notebook (Dig Mrktg ) 
PFS FILE (Solt Pub.) 

PFS GRAPH (Soft Pub.) 
PFS REPORT (Soft Pub ) 
Q-PRO-4 (Quick n' Easy) 
Quickcode (Fox & Geller) 
VisiFile (VisiCorp) 



499 
300 
700 
295 
99 
495 
150 
140 

125 
125 
395 
295 
300 



190 
103 

72 
140 

95 
194 
199 
236 
SCALL 



349 
234 
390 
199 
71 
327 
102 
101 



265 
212 
237 



TRAINING 

ATS - All 

UTILITIES 

Disk Doctor (Supersoft) 
■ Fancy Font (SoftCraft) 
Menu Master (Borland) 
Smark Key 

Super Sort (MicroPro) 
Supervyz (Epic) 

LANGUAGES 

Basic Compiler (Microsoft) 
Basic Interpreter 80 
Business Basic Compiler 

CBASIC II (D/R) 
CBASIC 86 (D/R) 
C Compiler (Microsoft) 
CB80 (D/R) 

CobolCompiler(MicroSoft) 
Fortran 80 Compiler 
Level II Cobol (D/R) 
Macro Assembler 
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Speech Recognition: An Idea 
Whose Time Is Coming 

Some theoretical and practical aspects of this emerging technology 



Someday machines that recognize 
speech will be commonplace. People 
will talk to computers, typewriters, 
toys, TV sets, household appliances, 
automobile controls, door locks, and 
wristwatches. Each of these speech- 
recognition applications is currently 
being explored; some early forms are 
already on the market, while other 
forms are proving to be beyond our 
current capabilities. In this article, I'll 
examine some of the theory and mar- 
ket prospects for this exciting and 
elusive technology. 

Having our lives filled with ma- 
chines that obey verbal commands 
can transform our views of machines. 
Mechanical devices can take on a 
subtle lifelike quality when given the 
ability to respond to speech. This 
lifelike quality is further amplified 
when coupled with the machine in- 
telligence that emanates from per- 
sonal computers, arcade games, 
robotics, and household automation 
systems. We continue to be fascinated 
by the evolution of such intelligent 
products, and we probably could not 
reverse this trend, even as visionaries 
warn that we'll lose our freedom to 
new mechanical life forms. 

Automatic speech recognition is 
generally considered to be the most 
difficult and complex problem in the 



by George M. White 

field of voice processing. Voice syn- 
thesis, compression, analysis, en- 
cryption, and transmission are all 
more narrowly defined, and all con- 
tribute to the solution of the speech- 
recognition problem. Some of the 
world's largest companies (AT&T, 
IBM, Exxon), the U.S. Department of 
Defense, and several universities 
have been developing speech-recog- 
nition technology for years without 
the hoped-for degree of success. But 
despite difficulties, steady progress is 
being made. 

In the past 10 years, at least a dozen 
start-up companies have been 
founded explicitly to develop and 
market speech-recognition products. 
Although several have gone out of 
business, about a dozen companies 
plan to be in the market with new 
products in 1984. 

Philosophical Issues 

The specter of Big Brother may not 
be of concern in Western society to- 
day, but the evolution of distributed 
intelligence among machines with 
speech-recognition capability certain- 
ly provides the technical base for 
monitoring our activities. In fact, the 
U.S. National Security Agency has 
developed what may be the world's 
most advanced speech-recognition 



algorithms. This system spots key- 
words in intercepted verbal transmis- 
sions from "unfriendly" nations. 
Currently, it is not likely that such 
techniques would be used for 
domestic surveillance. But speech 
technologists as well as the public 
must be aware of the potential loss of 
privacy. 

Speech recognition is not a typical 
engineering problem. It is a scientific 
Gordian knot. It draws on LSI (large- 
scale integration) and VLSI (very 
large-scale integration) chip design, 
signal processing, acoustic- 
phonetics, natural-language theory, 
linguistics, mathematics of stochastic 
(probability) processes, and com- 
puter science techniques. Because of 
its multidisciplinary nature and be- 
cause many competent minds have 
pondered the problem for years, we 
should not expect a breakthrough in 
speech-recognition capability. Pro- 
gress will be made, but it will be 
evolutionary, not revolutionary. 
Naive enthusiasm from novices in 
the field sometimes leads to pro- 
clamations that dramatic progress is 
imminent. Such views fail to consider 
the interdependence of disciplines re- 
quired to produce a commercially 
viable product. 

Nearly 15 years ago, a number of 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 213 



companies and engineering organi- 
zations predicted near-term success 
in speech recognition. This prompted 
a prominent scientific leader, John 
Pierce, to say that automatic speech 
recognition was the domain of "un- 
trustworthy engineers" (see reference 
8) and that we would not have 
speech recognition until we had true 
artificial intelligence (AI). 

Pierce based his critique on the 
observation that normal speech con- 
tains many words that are acoustical- 
ly ambiguous, and it is only through 
contextual information and knowl- 
edge of linguistic constraints that we 
are able to remove the ambiguity. 
Because only humans have demon- 
strated sufficient understanding of 
the language constructs of spoken 
sentences to use them in a way that 
is unambiguous, Pierce's conclusion 
that fluent speech recognition re- 
quires human-like intelligence is 
understandable. 

Today we do have elemental 
speech-recognition systems that 
recognize short utterances. However, 
this does not nullify Pierce's argu- 
ment; it is a matter of the type of 
speech to be recognized. When 
fluent conversational speech is in- 
volved, a "model of the domain of 
discourse" must be employed, and 
the recognition process is called 
"understanding." This is, by defini- 
tion, in the domain of AI. Recogni- 
tion of short utterances using only 
template pattern-matching tech- 
niques is, in current vernacular, "pat- 
tern recognition," not "understand- 
ing. 

In a broader sense, even the sim- 
plest forms of speech recognition are 
a part of AI, and AI is spread out in 
the technologies that make up 
modern society. The maturation of 
speech recognition and AI has not 
been by intellectual tour de force but 
by a broad-based industrial/technical 
evolution. Key events in this evolu- 
tion include the appearance of the 
mass market for home computers, 
VLSI, mass-production techniques, 
and, perhaps, even Pac-Man. Al- 
though these are not usually thought 
of in the same context as machine in- 
telligence and speech recognition, 
they play a significant role in the 



development of such capabilities, and 
they cannot be ignored by forecasters 
and planners who hope to tell us 
what products will materialize in the 
next few years. 

Success is slowly materializing. To- 
day we have adequate machine intel- 
ligence to achieve elemental auto- 
matic speech recognition (ASR), but 
we are a long way from conversa- 
tional speech understanding. 

Definition of Terms 

Automatic speech recognition 
means different things in different 
contexts. Speech-recognition prod- 
ucts have been on the market for 
nearly 15 years for isolated ut- 
terances. "Isolated utterances" refers 
to words or short phrases spoken 
with pauses between them. "Con- 
tinuous speech" refers to normal 
speech without pauses between in- 

Automatic speech 

recognition is the most 

difficult step in the 

voice-processing field. 

dividual words. ASR systems differ 
vastly in technical content, depend- 
ing on the type of speech input 
expected. 

For isolated-utterance input, a vari- 
ety of signal-processing algorithms 
and classification schemes have been 
applied with success. In general, the 
more care and control exercised on 
speech input, the greater the number 
of algorithms that work, because 
there is greater redundancy in the 
acoustic input. To reduce costs, some 
speech-recognition device manufac- 
turers specify that speech input is ex- 
pected to be carefully enunciated, 
isolated utterances, in a noise-free en- 
vironment, from a limited vocabu- 
lary, and from a "known" talker. A 
known talker is one whose voice 
characteristics have been previously 
analyzed and recorded. Of the many 
techniques employed, few have 
achieved a useful trade-off in cost 
versus resilience to imperfect speech 
input. 

The technology required for trans- 
cription of general conversational 



speech far exceeds our current capa- 
bilities. Cost-effective, voice-con- 
trolled typewriters that accept normal 
speech will almost certainly not be on 
the market this decade. 

The striking difference in technical 
content in speech-recognition sys- 
tems has to do with contextual pro- 
perties of speech that at first seem 
paradoxical. For example, typically 20 
to 30 percent of the words from tape- 
recorded conversations cannot be 
understood when the words are 
played back individually in random 
order even though every word was 
perfectly understood in the original 
conversation (see reference 9). Thus, 
a word pronounced in conversation 
does not really carry the information 
we normally think it does. The infor- 
mation is spread out over several 
words rather than being encoded in 
individual phonemes (a member of 
the set of smallest units of speech), 
syllables, or words. The critical infor- 
mation needed to interpret a spoken 
word is not found in the word itself 
perhaps 30 percent of the time. 

The information required to recog- 
nize a word in the context of normal 
speech floats on the "ether" of an en- 
tire phrase or sentence. Until we have 
intelligent machines that successfully 
extract semantic, syntactic, prosodic 
(stress), and perhaps pragmatic infor- 
mation from acoustic waveforms, we 
will not have conversational speech 
recognition by machines. It is safe to 
assume that this will not occur for 
several more decades. But there are 
other forms of speech that are easier 
for machines to recognize. 

Carefully pronounced isolated- 
word utterances contain all the infor- 
mation needed for a machine to cor- 
rectly recognize them without resort- 
ing to AI techniques. The technical 
barriers are more computational than 
theoretical, and, in fact, the more 
carefully pronounced the word, the 
less the computational power re- 
quired. For a careful, cooperative 
talker in a low-noise environment, 
the computational power of the 
microprocessors in many personal 
computers is sufficient. But more 
computational power is required for 
multiple talkers, telephone input, 
larger vocabularies, word spotting, or 



214 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



connected speech recognition. 

For example, speaker-independent 
recognition over telephone lines is 
difficult because telephones distort 
speech spectra in a variety of ways. 
The voices of unknown talkers will 
probably have a variety of different 
spectral shapes for the same speech 
sound. Techniques for solving these 
technical problems are known, but 
they are expensive: Verbex, a sub- 
sidiary of Exxon, has offered com- 
mercial equipment containing spe- 
cial-purpose, high-speed computers 
that sell for more than $65,000 to 
recognize digits and a few command 
words over dial-up telephones for ar- 
bitrary talkers. 

The Cost Barrier 

Widespread use of Verbex-type 
speech-recognition systems awaits 
dramatic cost reductions. In fact, the 
single greatest problem facing the en- 
tire field is the high cost of robust 
recognition capability. 

Significant cost reductions can be 
achieved in at least four ways: 
through large-volume manufacturing 



(economies of scale), faster com- 
puters, advances in LSI and custom 
LSI, and algorithm enhancements. 
Activities of many leading firms can 
be characterized by their relative em- 
phasis on these approaches. These 
firms will be covered in more detail 
later. 

Only low-cost systems can current- 
ly reap the benefits of large-volume 
manufacturing; they can exploit the 
installed base of telephones, personal 
computers, and toys. Milton Bradley 
has pioneered a computer peripheral 
compatible with the TI-99/4A home 
computer that allows you to play 
games using oral commands. Inter- 
state Electronics has developed a 
single-chip recognizer that could 
become widely used in a mass- 
produced vechicle, e.g., a toy. Verbex 
has developed a bit-slice machine ar- 
chitecture to carry out signal process- 
ing and pattern matching in its 
speech systems. Nippon Electric, In- 
terstate Electronics, Threshold Tech- 
nology, and Votan have developed 
special LSI chips for speech recogni- 
tion. Several others, including Intel, 



Harris, American Micro Systems, 
and General Instruments, have 
developed general voice-processing 
chips. Every firm in ASR has em- 
phasis on algorithms, but Dragon 
Systems of West Newton, Massachu- 
setts, stands out for extraordinary 
achievement and focus on algo- 
rithms. 

Algorithms Cut Costs 

Algorithm improvements aimed 
specifically at cost reduction typical- 
ly involve search strategies to reduce 
the number of paths that must be 
searched in decision networks. This 
results in an apparent increase in the 
execution speed of the computer. 
Execution-speed enhancements may 
be obtained not only by efficient 
search strategies but also by "precom- 
puting" relationship networks that 
might otherwise require random, or 
"exhaustive," search techniques. 

Dragon Systems has made pro- 
gress in reducing computation 
through algorithm improvements. 
Dragon's speech-recognition system 
executes on an Apple computer and 



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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 215 



achieves recognition accuracies com- 
parable to those executing- on $15,000 
machines, without Dragon algo- 
rithms. The Dragon system basically 
consists of an 8-bit A/D (analog-to- 
digital) converter board and software. 

How Speech Recognizers Work 

Automatic speech recognizers are 
composed of sound analyzers fol- 
lowed by word classifiers. Sound 
analyzers may be nothing more than 
microphones followed by A/D con- 
verters (as in the Dragon system). 
More likely, the sound analyzer also 
performs bandpass filtering before 
A/D conversion. Most successful 
recognizers use bandpass filtering as 
the first step in analyzing an ut- 
terance. The most elementary and 
widely used approach to utterance 
classification is to form a two-dimen- 
sional matrix of the utterance with 
time along one axis and frequency 
energy content along the other. 
Reference matrices, which are gen- 
erated for each word during talker 
training, are compared to the matrix 
of unknown utterances. The com- 
parison is typically achieved by com- 
puting the distance (e.g., the sum of 
the square of the differences) be- 
tween corresponding matrix ele- 
ments in reference and unknown 
matrices for all elements in the 
matrices. 

Dynamic Programming 

There is an alternative to the 
matrix-comparison technique of 
classifying utterances known as 
"dynamic programming." Dynamic 
programming has been known to be 
superior for about 10 years. But con- 
sumer-oriented commercial systems 
avoid dynamic programming partial- 
ly because of the large associated 
computational requirements and par- 
tially from lack of understanding of 
the algorithm. 

Dynamic programming offers not 
only superior isolated-utterance 
recognition, but it also opens up the 
possibility of continuous-speech 
recognition. It has been more suc- 
cessful in continuous-speech recogni- 
tion than any other algorithm, and 
it is used in the world's only com- 
mercial continuous-speech recogni- 

216 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



tion systems. 

The dynamic programming pro- 
cess computes many more combina- 
tions of time alignments between ref- 
erence and unknown utterances than 
the static-matrix match just men- 
tioned. In fact, its straightforward ap- 
plication increases the computation 
burden by a factor of 100. However, 
efficient search-path pruning algo- 
rithms can potentially (on the aver- 
age) reduce the computational bur- 
den to the level required for matrix 
comparison. Recent cost reductions 
in commercial continuous-speech 
systems have cut costs by factors of 
two to five, and these cost savings are 
due directly to improved search 
strategies for dynamic programming. 

One of the first steps in classifying 
an utterance is to convert it to a string 
of "phone units" (elementary sound 
units). This can be achieved by sam- 
pling the speech at a constant rate, 
e.g., 100 times a second. Alternative- 
ly, the speech is segmented into 
syllable-sized units by monitoring 
changes in energy or spectral con- 
tent. 

The problem with these ap- 
proaches is that the number of time 
intervals or number of syllable seg- 
ments usually varies from utterance 
to utterance. Talkers do not reliably 
reproduce segment durations or pro- 
nounce all the syllables in words. 
(Even if words were pronounced 
reliably, speech systems could not 
reliably segment the speech without 
simultaneously classifying the seg- 
ment.) Therefore, the problem of 
variability in number of segments is 
inherent, and any successful classi- 
fication scheme must deal with this 
variability. Dynamic programming 
provides an approach to handling 
this variability. 

For example, suppose that the ut- 
terance "six" is segmented by a 
scheme that produces six segments: 
"ssiixs." Furthermore, suppose the 
correct reference template is "ssixxss ." 
Dynamic programming determines 
how to "time-align" the segments of 
reference and the unknown utter- 
ances. 

The first step is to measure the 
speech sound similarity between all 
segments in the unknown and all 



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Circle 221 on inquiry card. 



REFERENCE 
(TEMPLATE ) 
Q(i, j) 



1 


1 


5 


5 


6 





1 


1 


5 


5 


6 





4 


5 


4 


4 





4 


5 


6 





1 


5 


5 


5 


6 





1 


5 


5 


1 


1 


5 


6 


4 


1 


1 


1 


5 


6 


4 


1 



UNKNOWN 
12 3 4 5 



Figure 1: A speech-sound similarity matrix, 
QH,j), containing scores for comparing sounds 
in reference and unknown utterances. 





7 
6 
5 
4 
3 
2 
1 


s 
s 

X 
X 

i 

s 
s 


17 


16 


20 


20 


15 


3 




16 


16 


15 


15 


9 


^ 


REFERENCE 


15 


16 


10 


10 


3^ 


7 


(TEMPLATE) 


11 


12 


6 


6 


<* 


7 


S(i. j) 


7 


8 


A' 


-V 


8 


13 




2- 


7 2f 


7 


13 


17 


17 




U 


-2 


7 


13 


17 


18 




s 

1 


s 

I 
2 


JNKr 
3 


i 

JOW 

4 


X 

Nl 
5 


s 
6 



Figure 2: A dynamic programming matrix, 
S(i,j), containing the accumulated scows begin- 
ning at S(l,l) and ending at Sd,j). The lines con- 
necting matrix entries show the optimal path 
linking segments in unknown and reference. 



UNKNOWN s s i i x s 

IXI i/ /I i\ 

REFERENCE s s i x x s s 



Figure 3: The time alignment of unknown and 
reference utterances. 



segments in the reference utterance. 
The results are entered into a speech- 
sound similarity matrix shown in 
figure 1. 

The problem can now be restated 
as follows: what is the path from the 
lower left-hand corner to the upper 
right-hand corner that produces the 
lowest value? The allowable paths can 
be constructed from horizontal, ver- 
tical, or diagonal moves. The 
dynamic programming solution is to 
evaluate S(7,6), where 

S(i,j) = Q(i / j) + MIN [S(i-l,j), 
S(i,j-1), S(i-l,j-l)] 

Note that to evaluate S(7,6), other 
values of S must be computed first. 
So we begin with S(l,l) = Q(l,l); and 
then S(l,2) = Q(l,2) + S(l,l); S(l,3) 
= Q(l,3) + S(l,2); etc., until the first 
row of an S(i,j) matrix is computed. 
Then we move to the second row, 



S(2,l) = Q(2,l) + S(l,l). The pre- 
vious computations were simple 
because there was only one way to 
move from S(l,l). But now, for the 
first time, S(i,j) location can be 
reached from more than one precur- 
sor, namely S(2,2) can be reached 
from S(l,l) or S(2,l) or S(l,2). 
Therefore, 

S(2,2) = Q(2,2) + MIN [S(l,l), 
S(l,2), S(2,l)] 

In this example, S(2,2) = 2. The com- 
pleted matrix is shown in figure 2. 
Note that the overall score for the 
match is 3, [S(7,6) = 3]. The optimal 
time alignment is shown by the lines 
in figure 2. The lines are put in as a 
final step, backtracking from S(7,6) to 
S(l,l). 

The time alignment indicated by 
the lines is illustrated in figure 3. 

This same approach can be used in 
"word spotting/' In this application, 
the beginnings and endings of words 
are unknown. The matrices Q(i,j) 
and S(i,j) become longer, as long as 
an entire sentence. The top row of the 
matrix S(i, j) is monitored for a dip in 
scores. If a dip occurs, the word has 
been "spotted," or identified. Note 
that in figure 2 the scores along the 
top row are high until the last two en- 
tries [5(7,6)] are reached. If the matrix 
were extended to the right (because 
there were other words rather than 
silence), then the scores for the top 
row would become large again. Yet 
the matrix would reveal that "six" 
had been spotted because the scores 
would have dipped briefly from an 
average of approximately 18 to 3. 

Dynamic programming and related 
mathematical optimization tech- 
niques are of exceptional significance 
to automatic speech recognition. 
More than any other single intellec- 
tual tool, it has enabled speech 
classifiers to progress beyond short 
simple words to handle longer 
words, phrases, and sentences. 
Dynamic programming was inde- 
pendently developed with minor 
variations in at least three different 
fields: operations research, commu- 
nications theory, and in mathematics 
as a first-order Markov process (see 
references 2, 3, and 12). None of 



these original formulations was for 
speech applications. 

What's Available Now? 

Table 1 shows the product names 
and identifies the manufacturers of 
products on the market in 1983 that 
are expected to be available in 1984. 
Note that these products are not in- 
tended for consumers but, rather, for 
industrial applications. The industrial 
applications are typically "hands- 
busy" activities involving inspections 
usually associated with quality con- 
trol (for example, on an assembly line 
or in a laboratory in conjunction with 
entering data gathered using micro- 
scopes). The variety of applications 
is extraordinary, although the num- 
ber of applications appears small. 
Other examples include flight-train- 
ing simulators for entering a limited 
set of command words, baggage/ 
parcel sorting, voice control of 
machine tooling, and home-appli- 
ance control by personal computers. 
They have occasionally been used for 
educational applications. 

Connected speech recognition is 
essential for some applications such 
as zip-code reading for parcel sorting 
by the United States Postal Service. 
Note that there are only three manu- 
facturers of continuous speech sys- 
tems. 

It appears that the exciting new de- 
velopments to watch in 1984 will 
come from Nippon Electric Corpora- 
tion (NEC), Dragon Systems, Voice 
Control Systems, Interstate Elec- 
tronics, and possibly Asulab. NEC is 
exciting for two reasons: first, the 
company has an extraordinarily good 
continuous-speech recognition sys- 
tem for vocabularies of up to 120 
words for users who have trained the 
system (around $2000); and second, 
NEC's lower-performance three-chip 
set will soon be available, recogniz- 
ing 128 words of isolated utterances 
for talkers who have trained the sys- 
tem (estimated at $35 per chip set in 
large quantities). This chip set, avail- 
able on an OEM (original equipment 
manufacturer) basis to American 
manufacturers, should make speech- 
recognition technology widely avail- 
able for isolated utterances. 

Dragon Systems has developed al- 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 219 



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Circle 260 on inquiry card. 











Approximate 






Speaker 


Approximate* 


Manufacturer 






Product 


Price 


Speech Type 




Independence 


Vocabulary Size 


Dragon 






Mark II 


$500 


Isolated word 




Yes 


32-300 


Scott Instruments 






Shadow/VET 


$1000 


Isolated word 




No 


80 


1 Interstate 






VRT 300 


$1100 


Isolated word 




No 


80 


< Nippon Electric Corporation (NEC) 


SR 100 


$2000 


Continuous speech 




No 


120 


Votan 






V 5000-A 


$6000 


Isolated word 




No 


256 


Interstate 






VRT 101/3/11 


$5000 


Isolated word 




No 


80 


NEC 






DP 200 


$15,000 


Continuous speech 




No 


150 


Verbex 






3000 


$20,000 


Continuous speech 




No 


120 


NEC 






SR 1000 


$60,000 
(variable) 


Isolated word 




Yes 


20 


Table 1: The commercial 


speech-recognition products suitable 


* for industrial use. Note that continuous 


speech and speaker independence correlate 


with higher cost 


The -prices and 


vocabulary sizes of systems aw rounded to 


fall into general groupings. 







gorithms that it is prepared to license. 
The company's work represents a 
breakthrough in algorithm develop- 
ment, which has major implications 
for the entire field. These algorithms 
could enable the world's most cost- 
effective speech-recognition devices 
to be developed. They have demon- 
strated performance superior to sys- 
tems costing over $15,000. 

Voice Control Systems (VCS) has 
developed a time-domain, low-cost 
(requiring an 8-bit microprocessor 
such as a 6502), speaker-independent 
recognition scheme that it is licens- 
ing for a modest fee. This system is 
potentially less expensive than those 
of NEC or Dragon, but its vocabulary 
is limited to only 10 to 20 words at a 
time. On the other hand, the speaker 
independence of the VCS system 
makes it much more appealing as a 
consumer product, which ultimate- 
ly may open possibilities for cost 
reduction and development of addi- 
tional applications. 



Finally, Asulab, of Neuchatel, 
Switzerland, is developing a wrist- 
watch speech-recognition device. 
This will be an extraordinary tech- 
nological achievement as well as an 
interesting consumer device. The sys- 
tem will be speaker-dependent (that 
is, it must be trained before use) and 
is capable of recognizing only 15 
words spoken in isolation. It will be 
used to set the time, alarm, stop- 
watch function, and other standard 
timepiece operations. 

Interstate Electronics Corporation, 
the oldest and probably one of the 
most successful speech-recognition 
companies in the United States, has 
produced a speech-recognition chip 
that enables speaker-independent 
isolated utterances suitable for con- 
sumer products, including toys. After 
an initial tooling charge, quantities of 
100,000 or more cost $5.50 per chip. 
This system enjoys an 85 to 90 per- 
cent accuracy level and is capable of 
recognizing a 16-word vocabulary. 



Summary 

Automatic speech recognition is an 
old idea that has fascinated re- 
searchers for a quarter of a century 
and frustrated attempts at commer- 
cialization for 15 years. During these 
years, important progress has been 
made in pattern matching through 
dynamic programming, in cost 
reduction through LSI (and VLSI) 
chips, and in voice processing 
through signal-processing theory and 
VLSI. Commercial potential is final- 
ly becoming realizable. 

The concept of talking to machines 
instead of keystroking input has con- 
siderable appeal to the buying public. 
Market forces will prevail, and, I 
believe, speech-recognition products 
will literally invade our lives within 
a decade or two. In the near term we 
will see speech-recognition periph- 
erals for computers, later as con- 
sumer novelties (such as voice- 
controlled watch/calculators), and 
eventually as telephone controller/ 



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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 221 



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dialers and voice-actuated type- 
writers. In the broader sense, speech 
recognition is part of the general 
evolution of machine intelligence. It 
depends on the same fundamental 
technology as AI and provides the 
link that will bring us closer to our 
bright new machines. ■ 

References 

1. Baker, J. K. "Stochastic Modeling for Auto- 
matic Speech Understanding." Speech 
Recognition. New York: Academic Press, 
1975. 

2. Baum, L. E., T. Petrie, G. Soules, and N. A. 
Weiss. "A Maximization Technique Occurring 
in the Statistical Analysis of Probabilistic Func- 
tions of a Markov Chain." Annals of Mathe- 
matical Statistics 41, number 1 (1970), pages 
164-171. 

3. Bellman, R. E. Dynamic Programming. 
Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 
1975. 

4. Bridle, J. S., and M. D. Brown. "An Ex- 
perimental Automatic Word-Recognition Sys- 
tem: Interim Report." Joint Speech Research 
Unit (1974) number 1003 (unpublished). 

5. Bridle, J. S., M. D. Brown, and R. M. 
Chamberlain. "An Algorithm for Connected 
Word Recognition." Proceedings of the IEEE 
International Conference on Acoustics, 
Speech and Signal Processing, May 1982. 

6. Jelinek, E., L. R. Bahl, and R. L. Mercer. 
"Design of a Linguistic Statistical Decoder for 
the Recognition of Continuous Speech." IEEE 
Transactions in Information Theory IT-21, 
(1975), pages 250-256. 

7. Loweree, B., and D. R. Reddy. "The Harpy 
Speech Recognition System." Trends in 
Speech Recognition. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: 
Prentice-Hall, 1980. 

8. Pierce, J. R. "Whither Speech Recognition?" 
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 
volume 46, (1969), pages 1049-1051. 

9. Pollack, I., and J. M. Pickett. "The Intelligibility 
of Excerpts from Conventional Speech." 
Language and Speech, volume 6, (1963), 
pages 165-171. 

10. Sakoe, H., and S. Chiba. "A Dynamic-Pro- 
gramming Approach to Continuous Speech 
Recognition." Proceedings of IEEE Sym- 
posium on Speech Recognition, April 1974, 
pages 101-104. 

11. Velichko, V.M., and N. G. Zagoryko. "Auto- 
matic Recognition of 200 Words." International 
Journal of Man-Machine Studies, (1970), 
volume 2, pages 223, 235. 

12. Viterbi, A. J. "Evor Bounds for Convolutional 
Codes and an Asymptotically Optimum De- 
coding Algorithm ." IEEE Transaction on In- 
formation Theory, volume IT-13, (April 1967), 
pages 260-269. 

George M. White is Chief Technical Officer of Koala 
Technologies Cmporatum (3100 Ibtrick Henry Dr., Santa 
Clam, CA 95050) and holds a Ph.D. in chemical 
physics. When he's not sitting in front of a microcom- 
puter, he enjoys soccer and swimming. 



222 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 327 on inquiry card. 



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Using Natural-Language 

Systems on Personal 

Computers 

Your computer may speak English in 1984 



by Jane Eisenberg and Jeffrey Hill 



In boardrooms, managers' offices, 
secretarial pools, and hallways of cor- 
porate America, the role of computer 
technology is being reexamined. 
With the advent of personal com- 
puters, people no longer stand in awe 
of the machines or accept that the 
high priests of data processing must 
always intercede in the everyday use 
of the technology by knowledge 
workers. 

A common refrain in these en- 
claves is, "Will computers ever under- 
stand English?" Indeed, the promise 
of the "computer revolution" seems 
to hinge on the machine's ability to 
speak the language of people, not the 
reverse. In George Orwell's 1984, if 
you remember, the computer-con- 
trolled apparatus of Big Brother had 
mastered the skill; in fact, it under- 
stood everyday conversation all too 
well. 

The little-understood field of Arti- 
ficial Intelligence (AI) may be the key 
to the eventual scaling of the human- 
computer communication hurdle. AI 
researchers avow that natural-lan- 
guage query systems are an econom- 
ically approachable reality in the year 
ahead. 

In the following pages, we'll dis- 
cuss some of the ways in which 
natural-language query systems will 
change the way that people and per- 



sonal computers interact. 

What Is a Natural-Language 
System? 

Imagine yourself in the middle of 
trying to hang a picture. You're stand- 
ing on a ladder and want your assis- 
tant to hand you a hammer. But in- 
stead of simply being able to ask for 
the hammer, you have to stop, get off 
the ladder, write a small program, 
debug it, and then run it in order to 
get the hammer. 

Sound ridiculous? Yes, but that's 
exactly what most people face when 
they need to get information from 
computers. To make matters worse, 
most people don't know the "foreign" 
language of computers. 

In fact, we humans take for granted 
our unique capability to communi- 
cate with each other in a common 
language. The languages people 
speak are called natural languages. A 
natural-language (NL) system is one 
that allows a person to interact with 
a computer by using the same lan- 
guage he uses to interact with an- 
other person. Such a system deals 
with the richness of English as 
people use it— along with all its am- 
biguities—and forgives the typical 
ungrammatical English that most 
people use in everyday communica- 
tion. The NL system must handle 



commonplace events such as mis- 
placed modifiers, dangling par- 
ticiples, and sentence fragments. 

The most obvious advantage of a 
natural-language system is that 
people do not have to be trained in 
a programming language to use a 
computer. Given the large potential 
number of users of information and 
the relatively small number of people 
who know formal systems, this is of 
key importance. There is another 
often overlooked advantage— it can 
be much easier to express a request 
in natural language than in a formal 
language. For example, figure 1 
shows the same request phrased in 
both natural English and in the syn- 
tax of an "English-like" program com- 
mand language. At a glance, it is easy 
to see how much simpler the English 
query is to understand, but what sur- 
prises many people is the discovery 
that the English query is shorter than 
the corresponding formal query. 

The underlying reason for this con- 
ciseness is that a natural-language 
system does much more than simply 
understand the syntax of the lan- 
guage. The system derives much of 
its usefulness from its understanding 
of the semantics of natural language. 
The NL system maps the concepts 
expressed in words onto underlying 
concepts that computers can deal 



226 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



(la) 



(lb) 



I WONDER HOW ACTUAL SALES FOR LAST MONTH 
COMPARED TO THE FORECASTS FOR PEOPLE UNDER QUOTA 
IN NEW ENGLAND. 



EMBER CHANGE 




Figure 1: A comparison of English (a) and "English-like" (b) queries. 



with. In later examples, we will see 
many instances in which the ability 
of the system to map high-level con- 
cepts gives the natural-language sys- 
tem a considerable edge over any for- 
mal system. 

We'll look briefly at the history of 
natural-language processing to see 
how it developed from a research 
area into a practical, mainframe data- 
base query tool. Then we'll examine 
how natural-language processing fits 
into the personal computer environ- 
ment and compare its use with other 
methods of communicating with 
computers. 

The History of Natural-Language 
Processing 

Natural-language systems evolved 
from research into Artificial Intelli- 
gence, whose goal is to understand 
human intelligence well enough to 
produce machines that exhibit intelli- 
gent behavior. Understanding natural 
language was one of the earliest areas 
of AI research, since it was clearly a 
unique example of human intelli- 
gence. 

The first AI work on natural lan- 
guage was in the area of machine 
translation (MT), using (then) new 
methods of syntax analysis, devel- 
oped for understanding computer 
languages (as in context-free gram- 
mars, where language components 
are defined independent of the con- 
text in which they are used. These 
grammars use recursive definitions, 
i.e., an < unsigned integer > is de- 
fined as a < digit >, or as an 



< unsigned integer > followed by a 

< digit > ). It was quickly apparent 
that these "syntactic" based systems 
were not up to the job. The anecdotal 
climax of this early machine-transla- 
tion effort was a system that trans- 
lated the English sentence "The spirit 
is willing but the flesh is weak" into 
a Russian sentence whose literal 
reading was "The vodka is strong but 
the meat is rotten." 

Since understanding natural lan- 
guages depends upon better ways of 
representing semantic information, 
research switched from the MT effort 
to "question-answering systems." 
These systems use a knowledge data- 
base to understand and answer ques- 
tions posed in English. One of the 
earliest such systems was the Base- 
ball program (reference 4), which 
contained a database of statistics for 
one major league season. This re- 
search phase culminated in the early 
1970s with two prototype systems, 
both based on the notion of "pro- 
cedural semantics," in which the 
meaning of words and concepts is 
broken down into tasks and subtasks. 
The Lunar system of Woods (refer- 
ence 5) could respond to English 
questions about the data analysis of 
the Apollo XI moon-rock samples 
(see figure 2). Winograd's SHRDLU 
system (reference 3) interpreted 
English sentences to control the 
movements of a simulated one-arm 
robot (see figure 3). Both of these sys- 
tems contained extremely sophisti- 
cated theories of language. Both sys- 
tems could parse more sentences 



than they could understand, but in 
their limited application domains 
they were quite impressive. 

Clearly, more research into seman- 
tic representation was required to 
produce systems capable of under- 
standing the range of English that 
people routinely use. Most of the re- 
search work in AI today is concerned 
with finding better representation 
schemes for knowledge. (For a more 
detailed history of natural-language 
processing research, see reference 2.) 
However, a great deal had been 
learned about the structure of natural 
languages (particularly English) and 
about ways for representing and ap- 
plying the semantics of a limited do- 
main. But was there a practical use 
for such systems? Woods's work with 
the Lunar system clearly suggested 
database query as a promising area. 
But three problems had to be solved 
to make this technology commercial- 
ly viable: 

1. Robustness. These systems were 



How many breccias contain olivine? 

What are they? 

Do any samples have greater than 13 per- 
cent aluminum? 

What are those samples? 

List K/RB rations for breccias. 



Figure 2: Sample questions interpreted by 
Woods's Lunar system. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 227 



Pick up a big red block. 
OK. 

Grasp the pyramid. 

I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHICH PYRAMID YOU MEAN. 

Find a block which is taller than the one you are holding and put it into the box. 

BY "IT," I ASSUME YOU MEAN THE BLOCK WHICH IS TALLER THAN THE ONE I 
AM HOLDING. 

What does the box contain? 

THE BLUE PYRAMID AND THE BLUE BLOCK. 

What is the pyramid supported by? 
THE BOX. 

How many blocks are not in the box? 
FOUR OF THEM. 

Figure 3: A sample dialogue with Winograd's SHRDLU system. 



very sensitive to small errors in 
typing and grammar. A commer- 
cial version needs to forgive minor 
user mistakes. 

2. Environment. The natural-language 
research systems were largely writ- 
ten in LISP, the common language 
of the AI research community. The 
"databases" used were home-brew 
systems developed especially for 
the natural-language system that 
used them. To be commercially 
viable, natural-language database 
query systems would need to run 
on standard commercial hardware, 
in a standard language, and take 
advantage of the technology devel- 
oped in commercial database-man- 
agement systems (DBMSs). 

3. Portability. The most serious prob- 
lem of the research systems was 
the "customization" cost. To adapt 
one of these systems to a new 
database typically takes a man- 
year of effort by an experienced AI 
researcher. 

In 1975, Artificial Intelligence Cor- 
poration began work to produce a 
commercially viable natural-language 
database query system by concentrat- 
ing on solving these problems. AICs 
product, Intellect, is a robust, por- 
table natural-language system that 
runs on IBM mainframe computers 
(see the text box on page 230 for a 
description of Intellect). It interfaces 
to most of the popular mainframe 
DBMSs. Intellect was the first suc- 
cessful commercialization of AI tech- 
nology. 



Use on Mainframes 

The most widespread use of natu- 
ral-language systems today is to pro- 
vide the ability to query the contents 
of a database in free-form English. 
The first generation of commercial 
natural-language systems required 
mainframe computers with large 
amounts of storage and processing 
power. In addition, the development 
and refinement of natural-language 
parsing techniques required a sub- 
stantial investment in both time and 
resources, which meant a relatively 
high price tag ($50,000 to $100,000), 
However, most major minicomputer 
vendors are pursuing the addition of 
a natural-language query facility to 
their product lines either through in- 
ternal development efforts or via 
cooperative marketing agreements 
with the companies who have 
already developed this technology. 

Database query is a good applica- 
tion for natural-language processing. 
First, let's define what we mean by 
the term database query. In order to 
understand a query, the system must 

1) identify specific items of data to 
retrieve 

2) identify criteria for selecting a 
desired subset of all records in all 
files 

3) determine the analytical and dis- 
play processes required to manip- 
ulate the data 

4) invoke the required retrieval, 
analytic, and display processes in 
the sequence necessary to answer 
the question 



The technology of natural-language 
parsing currently works best when 
the dialogue is limited to a small 
world view. Database query is unique 
among natural-language applications 
in that it quite naturally fits this 
constraint— the dialogue is limited to 
the contents of the database. 

Knowledge workers need informa- 
tion. A major obstacle to the accep- 
tance of end-user computing has 
been the unwillingness of the non- 
computerist to learn the necessary 
commands to make effective use of 
the computer as a resource. Studies 
of user information needs spurred 
development of systems whose 
medium of communication is the 
highest level end-user language, 
natural English. Systems offering 
anything less than comprehension of 
native English require excessive train- 
ing of end users, training that is 
wasted unless the end users work on 
the system frequently. 

Additionally, end users have little 
or no knowledge about the form in 
which the information is stored. Even 
worse, the user's conceptual view of 
the information has no mapping to 
the physical or logical format of the 
data. Users are interested in data ac- 
cess from a high level of abstraction. 
This means they want the ability to 
retrieve information in a form im- 
mediately useful to them. This often 
includes 

1) Data summaries: 

"What were the total commissions 
paid in the Western sales region 
last month?" 

"Rank our product lines in terms 
of profitability." 

2) Implied calculations such as averages 
and percentages: 

"What is the average salary in the 
Accounting Department?" 
"Give me the percentage of total 
sales in each region." 

3) Aggregation of data over time: 
"How did our sales in January 
compare to our sales in March?" 

The flexibility of an English query 
system makes it possible to phrase 
questions in many different ways. 



228 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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BYTE January 1984 229 



Mainframe Versions of Intellect 



The current verisons of Intellect run on 
IBM mainframe computers— the '370, 4300, 
and 30xx series as xoell as compatible ma- 
chines made by Amdahl, National Semi- 
conductor/ IPL, and others. 

These processors range from the IBM 
4321, which is a 0,2 million-instructions- 
per-second (MIPS) machine to the 3084, 
which runs at 20 MIPS, 

Intellect runs under all three of IBM's 
mainframe operating systems— VM/CMS, 
DOS/VSEyandMVS. The Intellect system 
interfaces to most popular mainframe data- 
base management systems, including 
IDMS, ADABAS, SQL, andVSAM. 

Artificial Intelligence Corporation also 
offers DEAM, its own indexed retrieval sys- 
tem. 
/The mainframe Intellect system is writ- 



ten primarily in PL/I, with a few routines 
(less than lOpenent) coded in IBM assem- 
bly language. 

Depending on the operating system and 
DBMS interfaces, the Intellect load module 
is between 600K and 900K bytes. Virtual 
memory required by each user is approxi- 
mately 200K bytes. 

A license to run Intellect on an IBM 
mainframe costs $69,500. An optional in- 
terface to IBM's PGF graphics package 
(which fallows the user to ask in English 
for pie charts, bar charts, etc.) costs 
$15,000. 

These fees include one-year maintenance, 
documentation, training courses at AIC, 
and applications consulting. 

AIC sells Intellect directly, with its own 
sales' force, and through OEM and joint 



marketing arrangements with other com- 
panies (IBM, Cullinet) . There are approx- 
imately 150 mainframe installations of the 
system, most of them in Fortune 1000 com- 
panies. 

Porting Intellect to the personal com- 
puter environment has produced no major 
problems to this stage of the project. There 
are some differences between Digital Re- 
search's PL/I compiler and the IBM main- 
frame PL/ 1 compiler, but these incompati- 
bilities are overcome by clever coding. 

The fact that hardware capability is not 
an issue in adapting Intellect to personal 
computers is a testament to the blurring 
of the lines separating mainframes, minis, 
and micros^ 



Some of these may be wordy, while 
others can be quite concise. In almost 
all cases, however, it is possible to be 
more concise in English than with a 
formal command language. In addi- 
tion, some English query systems 
allow references to previous ques- 
tions using implied pronouns. For 
example, 

"List the first and last names of 
the secretaries to our New York 
City office." 

"How many are married?" 

Users can vary the selection criteria 
of a previous question very easily and 
succinctly: 

"Who are the salespeople over 
quota in the Eastern region?" 

"Western region?" 

A simple English dialogue graceful- 
ly resolves ambiguities and spelling 
errors. If an ambiguity is detected, 
the system requests the user to clarify 
his intent. The user may be asked to 
clarify a word that may have multiple 
meanings in the database (such 
as New York), to correct a spelling 
error, or to enter a new definition or 
conceptual relationship into the sys- 
tem's vocabulary. 



These examples show how high- 
level concepts expressed in natural 
language can evoke a very complex 
series of operations in response to a 
simple question. 

A system that can use conversa- 
tional English to retrieve, analyze, 
and present information in a useful 
form will provide knowledge workers 
and middle- to upper-level managers 
with tools they desperately need and 
can use immediately. 

Most large companies purchase a 
number of different application tools 
from different vendors. Many firms 
organize these software tools into an 
internal Information Center. This 
facility can provide a greater level of 
analysis, consultation, and support to 
end users. 

A benefit of natural-language query 
systems is their ability to perform the 
function of "traffic cop" or integrator. 
It is highly desirable to have the nat- 
ural-language interface be the only 
interface visible to the end user. 
Users can then issue a single request 
to have data selected, analyzed, and 
displayed. They do not have to learn 
the various command structures and 
intricacies of separate DBMS, graph- 
ics, or display packages. Users re- 
quest work in ways they are used to. 

The natural-language interface 
overcomes the two traditional prob- 
lems preventing the information 



center from being a completely useful 
facility for the end user. First, each 
application package or software tool 
uses its own specific language. Sec- 
ond, these components are usually 
independent of one another, allow- 
ing no communication or control of 
data transfer among them. 

Some NL systems also provide 
selection, summarization, and anal- 
ytic capabilities beyond those avail- 
able in the DBMS. Multiple passes 
over the data can perform such arith- 
metic operations as sorting and total- 
ing by category, ranking, obtaining 
averages, performing comparisons, 
and formatting the information for 
output in a report or graph. 

In fact, in many companies the nat- 
ural-language system is becoming the 
"hub" of the Information Center. In 
these cases, end users can access 
many tools, including graphics pack- 
ages, analysis and modeling systems, 
application programs, report writers, 
and DBMSs. The following types of 
requests are possible: 

"Give me a pie chart of our 
1983 sales in New England 
broken down by state." 

"Print a report sorted by depart- 
ment of the average salary, 
number of employees, and the 
average departmental salary in- 



230 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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Z80A & Z80B are trademarks of ZILOG Corp. • CP/M, MP/M & CP/NETare trademarks of Digital Research Corp. • TubroDOS is a trademark of Software 2000 Inc. 
CROMIX is a trademark of CROMEMCO Corp. -DAVID JR. is a trademark of KONAN Corp. 





Circle 351 on inquiry card. 



1 




1 


M 




1 




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The facsimile for people with small spaces, 
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Diablo 630 API 
(all-purpose interface) 



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Whether you rent, buy or lease our equipment, you'll find MTI is the 
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crease in 1982." 

Because the NL query system acts 
as the supervisor, the underlying 
work of scheduling and dispatching 
tasks becomes invisible to the end 
user. This has both advantages and 
disadvantages. On the positive side, 
users can become more productive 
because they share the ability to issue 
very powerful commands with far 
fewer keystrokes. The learning curve 
is greatly shortened, and users find 
that the computer is a far more ac- 
cessible tool. 

A drawback may be an overly sim- 
plistic view of the amount of work 
necessary to answer a seemingly 
simple query. Frequently, questions 
that appear easy and "cheap" to 
answer are not, while queries that 
appear complex are in fact "cheap" in 
terms of machine resources. This is 
more likely to be a serious problem 
in the multiuser mainframe environ- 
ment, with extremely large databases 
on line, than with a single-user 
microcomputer system. 

Use on Personal Computers 

With the rapidly expanding hard- 
ware capabilities of the personal com- 
puter, it is now possible to transport 
natural-language processing technol- 
ogy to the current generation of ma- 
chines. Increased memory capacity 
and Winchester-disk technology 
combined with more sophisticated 
operating systems such as MS-DOS, 
Concurrent CP/M, and Unix make 
the application of this technology 
commercially viable. 

What better fit could there be for 
the increased accessibility and user 
friendliness of a natural-language 
system than in the domain of the per- 
sonal computer? Some people 
believe the direct-manipulation meta- 
phor, as exemplified by popular 
spreadsheet programs such as 1-2-3 
and Visicalc, is the best human inter- 
face. Others believe that the mouse 
and window technology of Lisa, Visi 
On, and Quarterdeck Software's 
DesQ is the wave of the future. 
Everyone agrees that integration of 
applications and tools within a com- 
mon operating environment (with 
compatible file structures to facilitate 



232 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 261 on inquiry card. 



The CONCEPT AVT 






Because VT100 users 
deserve more than just 

VT100 compatibility. 



■ 



IE 







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THE CONCEPT DISPLAY TERMINAL 

VT100 compatibility is one thing, but eight pages of memory, 
programmable function keys, windowing, multiple computer capabilities, 
ANSI standard conformance. ..and VT100 compatibility is something else. 
Only from Human Designed Systems. 



A good news/great news story from Human 
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First the good news. The concept AVT display 
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Now the great news. The concept 
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exciting, new set of capabilities that 
lets you do much more. Without 
changing the price. 

It starts with ANSI standard conform- 
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80/132-column capability, and extends that even 
further by offering eight pages of display 
memory to relieve the interactive user of the 
need to generate unnecessary hardcopy 
printouts and to provide the application 
developer with a powerful tool for applications 
requiring multiple formats and storage of large 
volumes of text; by enabling users to 
permanently configure a terminal for their needs 
or applications; by providing functionality 

"Quantity one. DEC and VT are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation. 




designed to improve the effectiveness of slow- 
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functionality for use in a wide range of 
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VT100 compatibility and ANSI 
standard conformance. Add it to the concept 
display terminal's 132-column performance, in 
ASCII or APL/ASCII models, with multiple 
computer capabilities, windowing, 
programmable function keys, multiple pages of 
memory, and much more, and you can see why 
Human Designed Systems has given terminals a 
new meaning. ..and that means true economy. 

human designed systems, inc. 

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data transfer) will become standard. 
Does natural-language processing 
technology have a place in relation to 
these other models? 

Natural-language processing will 
be a complementary, rather than a 
competitive, component of future 
personal computer environments. 
The direct manipulation and mouse/ 
window metaphors are best suited to 
performing many tasks and will re- 
tain a place as the method for per- 
forming tasks such as financial plan- 
ning, data manipulation, and data 
maintenance. However, it is also true 
that the power of natural language 
makes it the method of choice for 
operations such as database query, 
analysis, and display. 

The trend toward software integra- 
tion is becoming prevalent in the per- 
sonal computer industry. Various 
strategies for achieving integration 
include 

1) the easy transfer of program con- 
trol and data between applications 
such as in Lotus's 1-2-3 

2) the extension of this concept into 



a consistent operating environ- 
ment such as Lisa or Visi On 

3) the development of families of 
generic products from a single 
manufacturer, such as the Perfect 
series, the Easy series, etc— these 
may have a common command 
structure across applications 

4) the ability to integrate standard, 
off-the-shelf software products in- 
to an operating shell or environ- 
ment such as Quarterdeck's DesQ 

All of these approaches have bene- 
fits and drawbacks. Trade-offs must 
be made in flexibility, functionality, or 
compatibility. Specific trade-offs in- 
clude a lack of choice— the applica- 
tion you want may not be available 
in the environment you've chosen; a 
higher price— the applications you 
need may be more expensive because 
they work in a special environment; 
and an inability to use software you 
currently own because it doesn't 
work in a particular environment. 

A natural-language interface can 
enhance any of these models. English 
can exist as a layer under an operat- 



ing shell to perform supervisory 
tasks. It can act as an integrator as 
well as a supervisor to facilitate com- 
munication and data transfer among 
different software products. It can act 
as the simple, easy-to-use human in- 
terface for people who want access to 
information without needing or 
wanting to become familiar with the 
underlying components. 

As a result of the power of the 
English language to concisely express 
complex commands, a natural-lan- 
guage front-end can greatly simplify 
the amount and complexity of key- 
strokes or "mouse picks" necessary 
to perform an identical operation 
with non-English commands. 

For example, consider a database 
consisting of a file with information 
on the Fortune 500 companies for 
1981. Each record consists of the fol- 
lowing fields: 



Company Name 

City 

State 

Industry 



1981 Assets 
1981 Income 
1981 Equity 
Number of 
Employees 



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234 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 190 on inquiry card. 



186 




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the fastest CPU board on the SI 00 BUS available. Now our Lightning 
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In addition to these features, a high speed 
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Price $1395.00 



If your application requires 1 6-bit computing power and versatility, 
call Lomas Data Products today. 

Dealer inquiries invited. 

LOMAS DATA PRODUCTS, INC. □ 66 Hopkinton Road, Westboro, MA 01581 □ Tel: (617) 366-6434 




Circle 225 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 235 




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Of these fields, the state, industry, 
and 1981 income are indexed. 

Let's compare the command se- 
quences necessary to perform data- 
base retrieval and analysis with dBase 
II vs. the natural-language query sys- 
tem, Intellect. 

In order to find the companies 
located in California with sales over 
$10 million, dBase II requires that we 
type 

LIST ALL COMPANY, STATE, 
SALES81, FOR STATE = , CA 
.AND. SALES81> 10000000 

With English query, it is possible to 
type 

"List the companies in Califor- 
nia with sales over 10,000,000:' 



or 



"CA with sales over 10,000,000:' 



(This question can be phrased several 
ways to obtain the correct answer. 
Note, too, that the inflection of the 
word "companies" to "company" is 
implicit in English but must be the 
exact field name in dBase II.) 

The advantage of natural language 
is most apparent when further selec- 
tion criteria or substitutions are 
desired. For example, if you want to 
add the selection criterion of com- 
panies employing over 10,000 people 
to the previous question, with dBase 
II you must reenter the complete 
query with the new selection 
criterion: 

LIST ALL COMPANY, STATE, 
SALES81, FOR STATE = 'CA 
.AND. SALES81> 10000000 
.AND. EMPLOY81> 10000 

With English, we can type 

"Also over 10,000 employees." 

To substitute Illinois for California, 
the entire query would need to be re- 
typed with "STATE = TL in dBase II. 
With English, we can type "in Il- 
linois" or "in IL." 

The natural-language system can 



236 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 128 on inquiry card. 



further summarize the data— rank- 
ing, averaging, and doing com- 
parisons as well as producing pie 
charts, bar graphs, and histograms. 
It can also format the data for output 
to a report or graphics package. 
These examples demonstrate that 
natural-language technology has a 
place in the personal computer 
market. 

What is required to make this cur- 
rent level of mainframe performance 
available to today's microcomputers? 
Before the advent of 16-bit systems 
with increased memory, hard disks, 
and faster microprocessors, the most 
serious problem was simply one of 
size. However, computers such as 
IBM's PC XT and Apple's Lisa clear- 

The advantage of 

natural language is 

most apparent when 

further selection 

criteria or substitutions 

are designed. 

ly have the horsepower to run large, 
complex programs. In fact, the 
amount of computation available to 
a personal computer user may exceed 
the share of resources available to a 
timesharing user on a large 
mainframe. 

The most serious issue with mak- 
ing natural-language query systems 
available to personal computer users 
is the same issue that concerns any 
effort to make mainframe technology 
available— the necessity to make the 
entire system usable by a person who 
is not a data-processing professional. 
In the mainframe arena, there is 
often a clear distinction between the 
people who have a need to query the 
information base and those respon- 
sible for creating and maintaining it. 
While there will certainly be cases in 
which personal computer users want 
to query data prepared by some other 
person or group, a common case will 
be the one in which a single in- 
dividual is the user of the informa- 
tion and the database designer, data- 
entry clerk, and system programmer. 
In order to allow this "jack of all 
trades" to easily define, create, main- 



tain, and query databases in natural 
languages, one approach is being 
taken by Symantec, a company 
founded by Gary Hendrix from the 
Stanford Research Institute. In this 
system, all the functions a user 
desires are part of the natural- 
language system itself. This approach 
is somewhat analogous to the 1-2-3 
system, in which all functions are 
provided under a single umbrella. 

Another approach is being taken 
by AIC in its development of a per- 
sonal computer version of Intellect. 
This approach involves interfacing on 
the input side with popular personal 
computer database systems such as 
dBase II. On the output side, Intellect 
will allow data to be displayed by 
already existing personal computer 
graphics packages and even by a 
spreadsheet package such as Visicalc, 
Multiplan, or 1-2-3. This approach 
enables users to preserve their exist- 
ing investment (of both dollars and 
time) and permits use of the "best" 
technique for getting the job done. 
Data may be retrieved and summa- 
rized by Intellect and then presented 
to a spreadsheet for further manipu- 
lation. 

A problem with this approach is in- 
tegrating the database system's defi- 
nition of a concept (such as a field or 
a value) with that of the natural-lan- 
guage system. On the mainframe 
side, this job has traditionally been 
done by support personnel in the DP 
group. On the personal computer 
side, the user will have to perform 
this integration. 

Let's say, for example, that we have 
a database of all the personnel in a 
small company. The data includes 
name, job, age, salary, address, de- 
partment, date hired, and so on. We 
assume that the system has access to 
all the information in the database 
(such as the name of each field and 
its contents). When the user first 
sits down with the system, he might 
type 

"List the earnings of everyone 
in the shipping department." 

Since the system knows only the 
names of the fields in the database 
system, it would not know the word 



Circle 464 on Inquiry card. 



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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 237 



Circle 9 on inquiry card. 



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earnings. 

The system must give the user a 
choice as to what the unknown word 
"earnings" means. It could simply be 
a misspelling of some word the sys- 
tem knows. Or, as in this case, the 
user intends the word as a synonym 
for the already known word "salary." 
If the user were to type "List all the 
executives," the correct definition of 
"executive" might be anyone who has 
the title of president, vice-president, 
or director. 

The system "learns" the vocabulary 
of the user over time. This is, of 
course, the most basic form of learn- 
ing ("learning by being told") and is, 
in fact, how people acquire much of 
their knowledge. 

The personal computer version of 
Intellect— which will be written in 
PL/I, as is the mainframe version- 
is currently under development. The 
product will be ready for shipment in 
1984. An IBM PC with 512K bytes of 
memory and a hard disk will be the 
minimum initial target machine. 

Business people are the target users 
of a PC version of Intellect. They re- 
quire access to information stored in 
both mainframe and microcomputer 
databases. They also need timely and 
flexible analysis and display capabil- 
ities. A concurrent or multitasking 
operating-system environment will 
best provide this flexibility. The use 
of windows and pointing devices 
(mice) may also contribute to this en- 
vironment. Users need the ability to 
search a database while concurrent- 
ly examining a spreadsheet or print- 
ing a report. 

It is planned that the initial version 
of Intellect will integrate English 
query with several popular commer- 
cial microcomputer and mainframe 
DBMS packages and provide output 
to popular graphics and spreadsheet 
programs for further data analysis 
and manipulation. In most cases, 
AIC intends to integrate its natu- 
ral-language technology with existing 
applications software rather than 
develop a proprietary line of applica- 
tions. In some cases, AIC may choose 
to enhance a capability of an existing 
product rather than, or in addition to, 
interfacing with a third-party pack- 
age. 



Intellect allows the end user to dy- 
namically and interactively enhance 
the vocabulary and concepts available 
to Intellect. It will permit users to 
create and populate a new database 
or use data definitions previously 
defined in a DBMS or file manager. 
A future goal of the product is to 
allow all user customization and 
fluency enhancements to be per- 
formed interactively. Another 
planned enhancement is to allow 
users to dynamically modify as well 
as query data. 

Summary 

We have seen examples of the cur- 
rent level of natural-language tech- 
nology in the mainframe world and 
examined its place in the personal 
computer environment. This technol- 
ogy will not replace the "direct 
manipulation" paradigm but rather 
complement it, giving the user a 
choice of the best tool to accomplish 
a particular task. Given the power of 
today's personal computers, it is only 
a matter of time before several natural- 
language systems will be available. ■ 



References 

Harris, L. R. "A Model for Adaptive Problem 
Solving Applied to Natural-Language Acquisi- 
tion." TR 72-133. Cornell University: Depart- 
ment of Computer Science, 1972. 
Hendrix, Gary, and Earl Sacerdoti. "Natural- 
Language Processing: The Field in Perspec- 
tive" BYTE, September 1981, pages 304- 
352. 

Winograd, T Understanding Natural 
Language. New York: Academic Press, 1972. 
Wolf, A. K., C. S. Chomsky, and B. F. Green. 
"The Baseball Program: An Automatic 
Question-Answer." TR 306. Lexington, MA: 
Lincoln Laboratory, 1963. 
Woods, W. A., R, M. Kaplan, and B. Nash- 
Webber. "The Lunar Sciences Natural-Lan- 
guage Information System: Final Report." 
BBN Report 2378. Cambridge, MA: Bolt 
Beranek and Newman Inc., 1972. 



Jane Eisenberg is product director at Artificial In- 
telligence Corporation (100 Fifth Ave., Waltham, 
MA 02254). She received a B.S. from Cornell 
University and an M.S. in molecular biology from 
Boston College. 

Jeff Hill is director of research and development 
at Artificial Intelligence Corporation. He received 
B.S.E.E. and M.S.E.E. degrees from MIT, where 
he was involved in natural-language research at 
MIVs Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. 



238 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




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Portables— 1984 and Beyond 

Idea-Processing Software 
and Portable Computers 

The new wave of computers demands new software 



Imagine you've arrived at a busi- 
ness appointment 10 minutes early. 
Instead of killing time flipping 
through a magazine, you reach into 
your briefcase and pull out a portable 
computer. You turn the power on and 
move the cursor through an outline 
of the points you want to cover in the 
meeting. 

After a small reorganization (you 
wanted to discuss the project sched- 
ule after discussing personnel re- 
quirements), you move the cursor 
down to the financial-projections sec- 
tion and press the key marked 
Spreadsheet. Instantly, a small win- 
dow opens up on the screen, and 
you try a few calculations and decide 
that your assumptions make sense. 
Turning the power off, you spend the 
next five minutes browsing through 
a magazine. 

In 1977, Alan Kay (then at Xerox's 
Palo Alto Research Center and now 
chief scientist at Atari) speculated 
about the design and use of portable 
computers. It was just speculation 
then, but now, in 1984, it's real- 
people are buying and using portable 
computers that are very much like 
the "Dynabook" that Kay described. 



by David Winer and Peter Winer 

1984 is the year that the personal 
computer leaps off your desktop and 
into your briefcase, your knapsack, or 
your shopping bag. Before facing the 
wide-open future of software for 
portable computers, let's look at the 
history of portable computing. 



A Short History 

The first portable computers 
existed before personal desktop com- 
puters, before Wordstar and Visicalc 
and even CP/M. Texas Instruments' 
Silent 700 terminal, with a built-in 
modem, a full keyboard, and a ther- 
mal printer, was portable, even 
though it weighed almost 50 pounds. 
It had a handle on it; you were sup- 
posed to carry it around with you. In 
1973, some people actually did, risk- 
ing sore arms and back. The conve- 
nience of carrying around computer 
power was worth some discomfort. 

Then came the personal com- 
puters, desktop machines made by 
Apple, Commodore, Radio Shack, 
then IBM, and so on. By 1981, some 
even had handles (e.g., Osborne and 
Kaypro). This meant you could carry 
"transportable" desktop-computer 



power somewhat less painfully (the 
Compaq Portable Computer, intro- 
duced in 1982, weighs only 28 
pounds). 

Transportables aren't fully portable. 
Like old tabletop radios, they're too 
heavy to be carried conveniently, and 
they must be plugged into a wall 
socket. Transportables haven't begot- 
ten new types of software; they come 
bundled with the usual desktop soft- 
ware (word processors, spreadsheets, 
database packages) and the usual 
software support structures (CP/M 
on the low end, spelling checkers 
and program generators on the high 
end). So much software comes 
bundled with the transportables that 
the market for software specific to 
them has never developed substan- 
tially. Even Compaq, which bundles 
only the operating-system software 
and a disk-based version of BASIC, 
has little software built specifically to 
exploit its transportability. 

This trend is not surprising. The 
manufacturers of transportables 
spend a lot of advertising dollars to 
portray their machines as nothing 
more, nothing less, than transpor- 
table clones of the desktop machines 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 243 



they are emulating. This is an effec- 
tive short-term strategy, but in the 
long term it has caused software 
manufacturers to ignore the special 
communications capabilities that 
many transportable units have. 

In 1983, the first useful portable 
computer, the Radio Shack Model 
100, was introduced. Manufactured 
in Japan by Kyocera and marketed in 
the U.S. by Tandy, the Model 100 has 
caught on in a spectacular manner 
and points the way toward truly con- 
venient portable computing. 

A Successful Design 

Why was the Model 100 such a 
breakthrough? Basically, there are 
three reasons: its screen, its key- 
board, and its software. Before the 
Model 100, portables typically had 
much smaller liquid-crystal display 
(LCD) screens. The Epson HX-20 
with its 4-line by 20-column display 
can't compare with the 8-line by 40- 
column display of the Model 100. For 
most people a 4 by 20 display isn't big 
enough. An 8 by 40 screen is barely 
adequate, but on the Model 100 it is 
workable. The smaller screens on 
other computers fail to meet the re- 
quirements of effective personal com- 
puting. 

The keyboard on the Model 100 
uses the standard QWERTY layout 
and has eight function keys, four ar- 
row keys, and several dedicated func- 
tion keys. You can touch-type on this 
keyboard; the full-size keys have a 
solid feel. 

The system software of the Model 
100 is stored in ROM (read-only 
memory). Turning on the machine 
automatically takes you into the top 
level of this software. From there, you 
can move a cursor over a menu of 
files, which can be BASIC programs 
or text files. You can edit a text file, 
run a BASIC program, or search a 
text file in several ways. Terminal soft- 
ware is included, enabling file trans- 
fers over the built-in modem, serial 
port or parallel port, and remote ac- 
cess to computer networks and bul- 
letin boards. 

Although significant, the Model 
100 is just a transition product. An ef- 
fective portable of the future will have 
a full 25 by 80 screen, more memory, 



a 16-bit processor, and software that 
is better adapted for portability. The 
year 1984 is when such a portable, 
weighing less than 10 pounds, will 
appear on the market. How will such 
a computer fit into our lives? 

Applications 

Clearly, as the Model 100 illustrates, 
software for portable computers is 
different from software for desktop 
computers. The companies behind 
the machine invented a new style of 
portable computer— one intended to 
assist in a broad range of applications 
including BASIC programming, text 
editing, appointment scheduling, 
name and address lookup, and com- 
munications. 

Let's consider the problem of de- 
signing software for the ideal por- 
table, one with sufficient memory 
(say 256K bytes) a faster processor 
(8086 or 68000), a larger screen (25 by 
80), and maybe even a disk drive. 

Although significant, 

the Model 100 is just a 

transition product. 

How would software for this portable 
be designed? 

Before implementing the first pro- 
totype, any good software designer 
will sit down and pose a few crucial 
questions dealing with the "who, 
what, why, and where" of the soft- 
ware product. 

Who will be using the software? 
How much experience do they have 
with personal computers? How old 
are they? Are they male or female? 
How much education do they have? 
How much money do they make? 

What will they do with the soft- 
ware? Should the software be tar- 
geted at a particular task? 

Why are they using the computer 
instead of paper and pencil? 

Where will the computer be used? 
Now that we're designing software 
for portable computers, we have to 
consider "laptop," "bedtop," "beach- 
top," "cof fee-tabletop," and "floortop" 
use. 

To be effective, the software for a 
portable computer has to be adap- 
table to a variety of situations, there- 



fore it has to accommodate a variety 
of information structures. Stand- 
alone software that's simple enough 
to be used on the run must also be 
capable of producing sophisticated 
results. It must be simple, with small 
reference cards instead of extensive 
users manuals. The best portable 
software will appeal to the same 
broad market in which Atari and Col- 
eco video-game machines sold in 
1981. Simplicity will be one of the 
most significant factors in the success 
of portable software. 

Our informal interviews with users 
of the Model 100 have yielded some 
clues to the who, what, why, and 
where of portable software. 

Today, the primary users of por- 
table computers are people who also 
use desktop computers. Therefore, a 
highly valued feature is the ability to 
upload and download information 
between the portable unit and the 
desktop unit. But eventually, just as 
portable radios and portable cassette 
players created their own markets, 
portable computers will appeal to 
people who aren't currently using 
desktop computers. 

Most Model 100 owners use the 
machine for fact gathering, notetak- 
ing, simple calculating, organizing, 
and thinking, with little or no BASIC 
programming. (Many said they use 
the BASIC interpreter as a calculator, 
for computing ratios or summing 
numbers.) Our interviews indicated 
that the text editor is the program 
used most often; name/address look- 
up and scheduling are the programs 
used least often. There was not much 
demand expressed for full-blown 
word-processing, and spreadsheet 
capability was considered important 
only by "spreadsheet people." The 
need for a relational database pack- 
age (such as dBASE II and PFS) was 
expressed by consultants with exten- 
sive bases of information to draw 
from. 

Most users said they enjoy the con- 
venience of a portable computer. Por- 
tables are also used to fill small gaps 
of time, time that would otherwise be 
wasted. There seems to be no limit 
on where a Model 100 is used: air- 
planes, podiums, parties, waiting 
rooms, restaurants, and hotel rooms. 



244 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



A Design for Portable Software 

Now we have a feel for the who, 
what, why, and where of portable 
computing. After talking with users 
of the current technology, we're ready 
to embark on some speculation about 
the future of portable software. 

Will conventional database manag- 
ers be the best operating software on 
portables? Probably not. Database- 
managing packages require that 
organization be preplanned, that all 
manipulation of structure take place 
before any information is entered. 
Database products such as dBASE II 
and PFS require that each fact or idea 
fit into a given layout or "template." 
The implementation of this type of 
database, no matter how user-friend- 
ly, can serve effectively only for ap- 
plications such as accounting, mass 
scheduling, and mailing lists, in 
which the format of all information 
can be determined in advance. 

More appropriate for the user of a 
portable computer is a database sys- 
tem that accommodates flexible 
organization and reorganization of 
concepts, ideas, or outlines and is not 



limited to records, fields, and files. A 
system should let a small section be 
reorganized without affecting 
material in other sections of the 
database. 

Using such an "idea-processing" 
software package is the opposite of 
production-oriented software or 
"productivity software." Word pro- 
cessors, a prime example of pro- 
duction-oriented software, take 
finished presentations and turn them 
into attractive printed documents. 
Taken to the limit in a desktop en- 
vironment, word processing incor- 
porates graphics and typesetting 
capabilities— advanced features, yes, 
but the wrong set of features for idea 
processing. The right features for 
idea processing are "soft" concepts 
such as outlining, structural editing, 
and easy manipulation of displayed 
information. 

Idea-processing software supports 
brainstorming, fact compilation, 
organizing, and reorganizing. Idea 
processors exist in the noncomputer 
world; for example, notebooks, index 
cards, blackboards, and appointment 



books are all idea-processing tools, 
much as a typewriter is a noncom- 
puter word processor. 

Good idea-processing software 
supports the belief that the world is 
a chaotic, disorderly, rapidly chang- 
ing information structure, not a pre- 
dictable table of rows and columns. 
With an idea processor you can easily 
add new facts and ideas and then 
painlessly reorganize the rest of your 
model to reflect the change. Idea pro- 
cessing does not exclude the need for 
word processing; it's useful to have 
a link between a portable idea pro- 
cessor and a desktop word processor. 

Dimensions of the Portable 
Industry 

We've mentioned two portable ma- 
chines, the Radio Shack Model 100 
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byte, 10-pound "ideal machine." But 
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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 245 



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Most error messages, for example, tell you in 
English (not just a number) the line number 
and character position of the error, what was 
expected and a page reference to the Guide 
to consult for help if you need it. 
P CE: 

We saved the best for last; we've cut the 
price by $100.00. Now you can buy the Eco-C 
compiler for only $250.00 (MACRO 80 and 
the book alone are worth $218.00!). Shop 
around and we think you agree that the Eco- 
C compiler is the best value available. 

The Eco-C compiler requires a Z80 CPU, 
CP/M, 54K of free memory and about 240K of 
disk space (one or two drives). An IBM-PC 
version will be available in the first quarter of 
84. To order your Eco-C compiler, call or 
write. 

t Ecosoft Inc. 
P.O. Box 68602 
Indianapolis, IN 46268 L^cJa 
(317) 255-6476 h^J} 

TRADEMARKS: 

Eco-C (Ecosoft), MACRO 80 (Microsoft), CP/M (Digital Research) 

246 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




ber 1983 BYTE, pages 36-44, for a 
comparative list of portables.) 

The trend is upward. The newer 
machines have lower prices and 
higher performance, screens and 
memories are larger, and 16-bit pro- 
cessors are more common. When the 
market for portables matures two or 
three years from now, what will a 
portable computer look like? We 
guess that there will be three "levels" 
of portability, each defined in terms 
of price, capability, and bulk. 

Machines at the lowest level will 
cost about $250 and will use technol- 
ogy similar to that of the Model 100 
with a minimum-sized screen, a full 
keyboard, and no disk drive. It will 
run a refined version of the Model 
100 software (no BASIC, better idea- 
processing software, less emphasis 
on specific applications such as an 
address book and scheduler). 

The middle-level machine will cost 
about $1500 and will provide the 
functionality of our mythical 256K- 
byte portable, but it will not have a 
disk drive. The unit will run ROM- 
based software, will be compatible 
with the standard desktop operating 
systems, and will interface to stan- 
dard desktop computers as a key- 
board. The operating software on this 
portable will offer sophisticated and 
easy access to the desktop's printer, 
typesetter, hard disk, and network- 
ing capabilities. Applications soft- 
ware will be up- and downloaded 
with a single keystroke. A large num- 
ber of portable-specific applications 
will be available, including more 
powerful idea-processing software. It 
will connect to RS-232C devices and 
phone lines. Watch for radio commu- 
nications, an interface to the develop- 
ing cellular radio network. Because 
the middle-level portable will not 
have a disk drive, the bulk of the unit 
will be only slightly larger than the 
$250 machine. 

The high-level machine will have 
more memory, a disk drive, perhaps 
a small printer, and will sell for $2500 
to $5000. It will have all the capabili- 
ties of the middle-level machine, but 
it will also weigh more (as much as 
25 pounds) and thus be less portable. 
There will be a smaller market for this 
machine; it will be aimed at those 



people who need to carry an entire 
computer system with them (e.g., 
consultants with large databases). 

Future Developments 

How big will the portable-com- 
puter industry be, and what impact 
will it have on society? We believe 
that the machines at the lowest level 
will sell in the same mass-market 
numbers as Atari and Coleco game 
machines did in 1982. The industry 
that will serve this huge base of 
people using portables will be very 
broad. Users will need software, 
hardware, and means of hooking in- 
to phone and cable networks. They'll 
need services such as electronic mail 
and bulletin boards, training, and 
maintenance— many of the same ser- 
vices that current users of desktop 
computers need but in larger num- 
bers and with more emphasis on 
communications and convenience. 
Certainly, having computers that 
travel increases the number of places 
that can be tied into a computer 
network. 

Will portables finally force the de- 
velopment of a national computer 
resource for mail and messages or a 
standard for high-level communica- 
tions? We think so, but it may take as 
long as five years for such sophistica- 
tion to develop in the market. Cur- 
rently, users of the Model 100 and 
other portables are communicating 
through networks such as The 
Source and CompuServe. Yet, 
because of the current price and per- 
formance of these services, we don't 
expect portable-computer users to 
turn these networks into mass- 
market consumables. 

A new breed of software will be 
needed for desktops and main- 
frames. The bigger machines will 
have to monitor telephones and re- 
spond to commands when you dial 
in using a portable computer. 
Bulletin-board software will evolve 
into an efficient way to access desk- 
top and mainframe resources from 
remote locations. ■ 

David Winer is president of Living Videotext Inc. 
(Suite 232, 1000 Elwell Court, Palo Alto, CA 
94303). Peter Winer is a software consultant based 
in Brighton, MA. 



SUPER SIX 



fl&*ataW»yj 



^^in 




ttfiiiinij 



SUPER SIX, THE FIRST 6MHz S-100 SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER 

TO SUPPORT BANKED CP/M™ 3.0 



SUPER SIX FEATURES: 

128 KB of Bank - 

selectable RAM 

6 MHz, Z-80B CPU 

DMA Controller 

6 MHz, Z-80B DART 

(2 Serial RS-232 Ports) 

6 MHz, Z-80B PIO 

(2 Parallel Ports) 

6 MHz, Z-80B CTC 

(Clock Timer) 

Double/Single Density 

Floppy Disk Controller — 

Supports 8" and 5-1/4" 

Drives Simultaneously 

2/4 KB of Monitor 

EPROM 

S-100, IEEE 696 

Compatible 

*CP M is a trademark of Digital Research Corp. 
TurboDOS is a trademark of Software 2000 Inc. 
SUPER SIX and SUPER SLAVE are trademarks of 
Advanced Digital Corp. 




SUPER SIX & CP/M™ 3.0 
A PERFECT MATCH 

Advanced Digital has found the 
perfect match to its powerful, 
high-speed SUPER SIX single 
board computer. It's Digital 
Research's new CP/M 3.0. 
Because of SUPER SIX's 128 
KB of RAM, it is the only 
S-100 board to support CP/M 
3.0 in the banked mode; or run 
CP/M 2.2 with 64 KB of extra 
buffer. 



SUPER SIX & TurboDOS 1M 
ANOTHER PERFECT MATCH 

When you combine the 
TurboDOS multi-user operating 
system with the 6 MHz SUPER 
SIX, you'll find your system 
running 1-1/2 times faster than 



before. Add the 4 MHz or 6 
MHz SUPER SLAVE™ 
processor board(s) and you will 
have the fastest multi-user, 
multi-processor system available 
today. 

See the SUPER SIX at your 
quality computer dealer or 
contact: 



<& 



VANCED 
ITAL 

CORPORATION/ 



043Z Production Dr., 
Huntington Beach, CA 92649 
Phone: (714) 891-4004 
Telex: 678401 TAB IRIN 




The Chaplin character licensed by Bubbles, Inc., S.A. 




Draw attention toyourself. 

(Write a program for the IBM Personal Computer.) 



Let your imagination take wing. 

Think charts. Graphs. Shapes. Images. 

Use originality, creativity and color in programs 
that entertain. Educate. Organize. Analyze. And 
programs that get down to business. 

Maybe you've written software like that. Or 
perhaps you're thinking about it. 

If so, consider this. 

You could draw attention to yourself by writing 
programs^r the IBM Personal Computer on the 
IBM Personal Computer. Because all our advanced 
features (see the box at right) make it faster and easier 
to do so. 

Enhanced BASIC already in ROM, for example, 
has graphics commands already built in. 

And if you write a program using our Advanced 
BASIC, you'll find the DRAW command 
particularly appealing. It's virtually a separate 
graphics language within a larger language. 

Put your visual together with both the 
characters and symbols in ROM for a simultaneous, 
text-and-graphics mix. 

Have musical accompaniment as well. 

It's easy, because BASIC controls the built-in 
speaker with a single command. 

Utilize the ten, programmable 
function keys, 'fry F3 to paint. 
F4 for lines. F5 for circles. Or 
F6 for boxes. 



I 1 

IBM PERSONAL COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS 



User Memory 

64K-640K bytes 
Microprocessor 

16-bit, 8088 
Auxiliary Memory 

2 optional internal 
diskette drives, 5 l A" 
160KB/180KB or 
320KB/360KB 
per diskette 

Keyboard 

83 keys, 6 ft. cord 
attaches to 
system unit 

10 function keys 

10-key numeric pad 

Diagnostics 

Power-on self testing 

Parity checking 

i 



Display Screens 

Color or monochrome 

High-resolution 

80 characters x 25 lines 

Upper and lower case 

Operating Systems 

DOS, UCSD p-System, 

CP/M-86t 
Languages 
BASIC, Pascal, FORTRAN, 

MACRO Assembler, 

COBOL 

Printer 

All-points-addressable 
graphics capability 
Bidirectional 
80 characters/second 
18 character styles 
9x9 character matrix 



Permanent Memory 

(ROM) 40K bytes 

Color/Graphics 

Text mode: 

16 colors 

256 characters and 

symbols in ROM 
Graphics mode: 
4-color resolution: 

320h x 200v 
Black & white resolution: 

640h x 200v 
Simultaneous graphics & 

text capability 

Communications 

RS-232-C interface 
SDLC, Asynchronous, 

Bisynchronous protocols 
Up to 9600 bits per second 




Remember that these function keys make your 
program more "friendly" to the user and, therefore, 
more appealing to us. 

In fact, if you're interested in licensing your 
software, we could be interested in publishing it. 

We could also be interested even if it runs on 
another computer. If we select your software, we'll 
ask you to adapt it to our system. 

So if you think your software is close to 
picture perfect, consider sending it in. 

For information on how to submit 
your completed program, write: 
IBM Personal Computer, 
External Submissions, Dept. 765 PC, 
Armonk, New York 10504. =====® 



The IBM Personal Computer 
A tool for modern times 



For more information on where to buy the IBM Personal Computer, call 800-447-4700. In Alaska or Hawaii, 800-447-0890. 

tUCSD p-Syscem is a trademark of the Regents of the University of California. CP/M-86 is a trademark of Digital Research. Inc. 



Circle 187 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 249 



SUMO-TESTED 

WOULD YOU BELIEVE 3 OUT OF 4 ^JMO WRESTLERS RECOMMEND CASES BY COMPUTER-MATE rM ? 
Neither do we. But, it wouldn't surprise us. Because our cases are built 
with brute strength, able to take a tough beating trom even the mighti- 
est challengers. 
Stop wrestling with your computer equipment. With our cases you 
have ease of transportation plus maximum protection for all your 
components. Standard cases available for IBM, DEC, Apple, Tl. 
plus many others. Custom built cases are also available to 
help protect almost any configuration of sensitive equipment. 
For loss prevention, each case has a 3" x 5" personal 
identification frame and individual serial number 
with toll free number. And like all Computer- 
Mate products, each case is pre- screened 
for excellence and backed with a 100% 
unconditional guarantee. 



ii 




*L 



Chances are your 

computer equipment will 

never undergo a heavy bout 

with a Sumo wrestler, 

but with protection from 

Cases by Computer-Mate™, 

the odds are 3 to 1 your 

equipment would win. 



For order/information contact: 



Computer-Mate. Inc. 

1006 Hampshire Lane, Richardson, Texas 75080 
Dallas (214) 669-9370 • Texas Residents (800) 442-4006 
Out of State (800) 527-3643. Dealer inquiries welcome. 




^m 



Beyond 
the Application Program 

A Different Approach to Integrated Software 

Element managers that implement objects 

such as spreadsheet tables and text paragraphs may supplant the 

traditional concept of the application program 



To bring the benefits of personal 
computers to professionals who 
travel widely, portable computers 
must have a basic set of facilities for 
data storage, data manipulation, and 
data transmission. These facilities 
include a word processor, a spread- 
sheet, a personal database, and a 
combination terminal-emulator and 
file-transfer system. 

Since travelers lack luggage space 
for reference manuals, software in 
portable computers must be easy to 
learn how to use and, perhaps more 
important, easy to remember how to 
use. This requires a user interface 
that is visual— one that lets the user 
see what is going on— and one that 
is consistent across all applications. 
Moreover, the consistent user inter- 
face must let the user create docu- 
ments that include data from two or 
more different applications. 

This article describes what we at 
Gavilan Computer Corporation be- 
lieve is an innovative approach to in- 
tegrating software for portable com- 
puters in order to achieve high func- 
tionality and ease of use. Our soft- 
ware has antecedents in the object- 
oriented software developed at the 
Xerox Palo Alto Research Center and 
described in the August 1981 issue of 
BYTE. After orienting you in the out- 



by John Banning 

ward appearance and fundamental 
terms of our software and discussing 
our development tools, I will discuss 
the structure of our software, which 
actually puts the user interface in 
charge of the computer, and the in- 
tegrated application facilities, which 
are provided through "elements" and 
"element managers" rather than dif- 
ferent application programs, each 
with its own unique kind of docu- 
ment with its own unique structure. 

Software in portable 

computers must be 

easy to learn how to 

use and easy to 
remember how to use. 

The element-manager approach lets 
users have different kinds of objects, 
such as paragraphs and spreadsheet 
tables, in the same document, and 
lets the objects retain their normal 
behavior and functionality. For exam- 
ple, a spreadsheet table appearing in 
a letter can still recalculate if a value 
used in one of its formulas is 
changed. 

Orientation 

Gavilan's approach to building 
easy-to-understand software is based 



on objects whose state the user can 
observe directly (because that state is 
displayed on the screen). The user 
manipulates these objects with a 
small, uniform set of operations. In 
addition, these objects are based on 
things that are familiar to most users: 
file drawers, file folders, documents, 
paragraphs, and so forth. 

Photo 1 shows an image of what is 
called the desktop as displayed on 
the portable computer's screen. On 
it are a file drawer and a number of 
documents, each tagged with an im- 
age (called an icon) that suggests a 
kind of object (the front of a file 
drawer or two overlapped pages of a 
document). These images on the 
desktop represent objects that are 
open and thus accessible to a user. 
This view can always be brought up 
by pressing the Desk Top button on 
the control area on the front of the 
computer (figure 1). 

Also visible (near the center of the 
photo 1 screen) is a small arrow. By 
moving your finger over the touch 
pad on the front of the unit (the 
blank area in the middle of the con- 
trol area shown in figure 1), you can 
move this arrow around, pointing it 
at things on the screen. This is the 
key that ties together the visual 
nature of the interface (the ability to 



Circle 103 on inquiry card. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 251 




Photo 1: The Gavilan computer's desktop image. 




a 

9 VVOi '-■ ■';!!.;>£ =..- 



Photo 2: A display illustrating the selection of file drawer A. 



view documents directly) with the 
manipulation of objects. Instead of 
remembering object and command 
names and typing them into the 
computer, you point to an object and 
an operation. 

You can point to the desktop icon 
of one of the open objects (photo 2), 
and then, by pressing the Select but- 
ton (see figure 1), indicate that you 
would like to examine the contents of 
that object. 

If this "on-screen button" operation 
is performed to select the photo 2 file 
drawer, what you might see is shown 
in photo 3: the file-drawer contents, 
which consist of file folders and 
documents arranged in outline form. 
Again the pictorial icons suggest the 



kind of object you are looking at. As 
with the desktop, the contents of a 
document can be viewed by pointing 
to the document icon and pressing 
the Select button. 

But you can also select data that is 
displayed in the file drawer (the 
names of the documents and file 
folders) by pointing at a document 
name and pressing the Select button. 
Having selected part of an object, you 
can perform any number of editing 
operations on it such as typing into 
it or (by pressing the appropriate but- 
ton) deleting, moving, or copying it. 
By pressing the figure 1 Menu but- 
ton, a whole list of on-screen buttons 
for various standard operations can 
be called up (photo 4) and then 



selected. The operations available 
here are exactly the same ones that 
would be used to edit or otherwise 
manipulate a paragraph or a spread- 
sheet. 

As with the desktop, by pointing to 
a document's viewing icon and press- 
ing the Select button, you can look 
at the contents of a document. Photo 
5, for example, shows text arranged 
in a paragraph, followed by the cells 
of a spreadsheet table. Again, by 
pointing to a particular object, you 
can select data in that object and do 
an operation on it. 

Note that by selecting data in the 
paragraph, you begin interacting 
(through the human-interface soft- 
ware) with the word-processing ap- 































F1 
HELP 




F3 
EXTEND 
SELECT 




L _ 




F5 

SELECT 

F6 




F7! 
SCROLL 




F9 
DELETE 


























CANCEL 
, F2 , 




DESK 
TOP 
F4 






MENU 
F8 




COPY 
MOVE 































Figure 1: The Gavilan computer's control area. 

252 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Introducing a sensible solution 
to the problems of dBASE E 





dBASE II 


The Sensible Solution 


Records Per File 


65,535 


999,999 


Maximum Record Size 


1,024 bytes 


1,536 bytes 


Fields Per Record 


32 


384 


Key Fields Per File 


7 


10 


Number of Files 
Simultaneously Accessible 


2 


10 


Number of Screens Per Program 


Limited by 
system memory 


Limited only by 
system storage 


Data Dictionary 


No 


Yes 



We don't mean to debase dBASE II, but if 
you're looking for a data base manager that's long 
on features, dBASE II can come up a little short. 

For instance, a single dBASE II record can only 
contain 32 fields. And when you need to share 
information between one file and another, you can 
only access two at a time. 

So, as good as dBASE II is, its limitations can 
quickly paint you into an electronic corner. 

And that's why we created The Sensible Solution. 

Finally 
A sensational relational. 

Along with all the usual things you expect 
from a data base manager, The Sensible Solution lets 
you handle the kind of tough assignments that 
dBASE II can't: 

You can design data files with more than 300 
variables. You can create reports using 10 different 
files at once. You can even set up file locking for 
multi-user computers. 



Ready to get down to business. 

A data base manager without ready-to-run 
application programs is hardly worth the disk it's 
copied on. 

So, along with The Sensible Solution, you can 
also add The Sensible Solution Bookkeeper™ or 
Sensible Management™ our complete one-entry 
accounting and management system. 

They're both affordable. Business-tested. And 
supplied with source code so you can make your 
own modifications. 

A sensible trial offer. 

When you purchase The Sensible Solution, 
we'll send along a special trial disk that lets you create 
forms and enter a limited number of records. 
If, after 30 days, you're not satisfied, just return the 
unopened master system disk for a full refund. 

So why not take us up on our trial offer? You've 
got nothing to lose. 

Exceptthe problems of dBASE II. 



The Sensible Solution 

To order, write or call: O'Hanlon Computer Systems, 11058 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98004 USA, 

Phone (206) 454-2261. Prices; The Sensible Solution -$695, Sensible Solution Bookkeeper-$495, Sensible 

Management— $895. In Washington, add 7.9% state tax. VISA, Mastercard and dealer inquiries welcome. 

dBASE II is a registered trademark of AshtonTate. Sensible Solution, Sensible Solution Bookkeeper and Sensible Solution Management are trademarks of O'Hanlon Computer Systems, Inc. 

Circle 270 on inquiry card. byte January 1984 253 



& Trip Reports ::: !usust'."- 
C3 Business Plan Working Parens 
CfiDR&D Expense Work Sheet: ' ; 
CD F ! rospeci Contacts 

3 Confederated Carbide Company 
National. Metattronjcs Cor*. 
(cSDPretiminary bales F ore-cast 









Photo 3: The file-drawer contents. 




£=3 Trip Reports (August) 

En Business Plan Working Paper 






d Carbide LO'- ,! ?: ;;ii 














Photo 4: Pressing the menu button brings a list of on-screen buttons onto the photo 3 screen. 







depreciation on the 
conservative with n 


d e ve I. o p m e n t a I m e t al s t .3 
^srect to the amount of ' 


iTiPins 
,;roe n« 


equipment. 
;=eded to re 


. hut drv probably very 1 
r -f ect the Furtzworrner 




technique., 

Personnel 

P e r s o n n e L E n p e n s a 


9 
b!3 




'33 


15 

..i.t:...' %.* 




; ' ' ■ . ' ' ' ;' . ^ ' . f 




• 


, ! 



Photo 5: Document contents. 



plication. If you were to move the ar- 
row down to the spreadsheet and 
select data there, you would be in- 
teracting with the spreadsheet appli- 
cation. Thus, the idea of a program 
as something the user has to under- 
stand and deal with has been re- 
placed with objects that users view 
and directly manipulate by following 
a few simple rules. 

One of the standard operations 
that can be performed on an object 
is the Properties command (photo 6), 
which lets you view or set some pro- 
perty of an object. Selecting this com- 
mand for a paragraph (photo 7) 



shows that you can set character pro- 
perties, general paragraph proper- 
ties, or properties controlling the 
printing of paragraphs. By selecting 
character properties (photo 8), you 
get a form that can be filled in to set 
such features as boldface or italics. 
Thus, the property mechanism offers 
a uniform way of handling various 
properties of different kinds of ob- 
jects, helping to keep the number of 
operations in the system small. 

Structure 

Figure 2 shows the overall structure 
of the software that Gavilan has built 



to implement this visual, object- 
oriented approach. 

This software is written in Interpac, 
a proprietary language. Thus, the 
bottom level of the software, which 
provides the environment for the rest 
of the software, is the interpreter for 
the Interpac language. 

The operating system is designed 
not only to handle specialized aspects 
of portable computing (e.g., power 
and battery control), but also to pro- 
vide the fundamental services neces- 
sary to build an object-oriented soft- 
ware system. These include a multi- 
tasking monitor (to support multiple 



254 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Microsoft languages 

connect your software to 

more 16-bit systems. 



The largest market for 16-bit software. Over 
95% of all 16-bit microcomputers run Microsoft® 
operating systems, languages, or both. That means 
your programs written in Microsoft languages find 
their market in the largest installed base of 16-bit 
systems. The IBM® PC, and systems from Wang, 
Zenith, DEC, Victor, Altos, Texas Instruments 
and Radio Shack, to name just a few. And, if you're 
working with Microsoft operating systems and 
languages, you'll find that it's far easier to trans- 
port software between systems. 
A full range of languages. The versatile MS- 
BASIC interpreter and the fast MS-BASIC compiler, 
Microsoft Business BASIC and MS-COBOL for 
business use. MS-FORTRAN for scientific and engi- 
neering applications. Microsoft C, a complete C, 
that provides a productive alternative to assembly 
language. And MS-Pascal, a high-level language 
compiler specifically designed for microprocessor 
system software implementation. All these lan- 
guages are compatible with ANSI or ISO standards. 
A total programming environment. Compatible 
languages. Operating systems. Utilities. Plus 
complete support. All the tools you need 
to write software that sells. 
Leadership in micros 
Microsoft wrote the 
first BASIC 
for the 



first production microcomputer. Since then, we've 
added a full range of 8-bit and 16-bit languages, 
plus the MS™-DOS and XENIX™ operating systems. 
What's more, we are constantly enhancing both 
languages and operating systems. And we make 
those enhancements available to our customers. 
That means Microsoft programming languages are 
state-of-the-art programming tools. Tools that 
allow your applications programs to reach more 
systems. More effectively. 
More information? See your Microsoft dealer 
for complete information on Microsoft's 16-bit lan- 
guages and operating systems. Or, write for our 
booklet/The Microsoft Language Family." A family 
of tools that give your programs access to the 
largest installed base of 16-bit systems. 

BETTER TOOLS FOR MICROCOMPUTERS 

MICROSOFT 

MICROSOFT CORPORATION 

10700 NORTH UP WAY 

BELLEVUE. WASHINGTON 98004 



<fe 



»- 



■o 



^ 
^ 






Microsoft is a registered trademark, 
d MS, XENIX and the Microsoft logo are 
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. 



fl= 



rjt jfiS (ffc J!™ .. ;;,.-, .... O.S.ft.^-fj 1 * 



Personnel 







Photo 6: Selection of the Properties command. 




Per-sonns 
Per-sonni?! EH^vns 



Photo 7: On-screen buttons allowing selection of character, paragraph, or pagination properties. 




Personnel Effrense 



Photo 8: Selectable character properties. 



documents to be open on the desk- 
top at one time) and block-structured 
access to the disk and main memory. 

Holding the objects that a user 
views and manipulates is the job of 
the data-structuring software. It pro- 
vides object-oriented data structures 
that are built on the blocks of the 
operating system's disk and memory 
services. 

The human-interface software 
handles all interaction with the end 
user and thus has primary responsi- 
bility for creating the visual access to 
the objects held by the data-structur- 



ing software and the commands that 
work on them. The element manag- 
ers shown next to the data-structur- 
ing software in figure 2 are the main 
kind of application facility in this 
object-oriented system. 

The development of this software 
has all been done on Bell Labora- 
tories' Unix operating system using 
a number of compiling and debug- 
ging tools. 

Tools 

Interpac, the language Gavilan's 
software is written in, is based on the 



FORTH language. The choice of 
FORTH was dictated by a number of 
considerations. First, it was impor- 
tant to have compact code, as the task 
before us was to generate a very so- 
phisticated piece of software that 
must run in a limited amount of 
memory. At the same time, it was im- 
portant to sustain a high level of ex- 
ecution performance so that ade- 
quate response to the end user could 
be provided. 

FORTH is ideally suited to these 
conflicting goals, as its interpreted 
form can be made compact, and the 



256 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Now NRI takes you inside the new 
TRS-80 Model 4 microcomputer with 
disk drive to train you at home as the 

new breed off computer specialist! 



NRI teams up with Radio Shack 

advanced technology to teach 

you how to use, program and 

se vice state-of-me-art 

mic ocompute s... 

It's no longer enough to 

be just a programmer or a tech 

nician. With microcomputer^ 

moving into the fabric of our^ 

lives (over 1 million of the 

TRS-80™ alone have been 

sold), interdisciplinary 

skills are demanded. And 

NRI can prepare you with 

the first course of its kind, covering the 

complete world of the microcomputer. 

Learn At Home 
InYo r Spare Time 

With NRI training, the pro- 
grammer gains practical knowledge 
of hardware, enabling him to design 
simpler, more effective programs. And, 
with advanced programming skills, the 
technician can test and debug systems 





Now training includes either the TRS-80 Model 4 
Microcomputer with Disk Drive or TRS-80 Color 
Computer with Computer Access Card; profes- 
sional LCD multimeter; the NRI Discovery Lab; and 
hundreds of demonstrations and experiments. 
('11(5-80 is a trademark of die Kadi* Shack division of Tandy Corp.) 



quickly and easily. 

Only NRI gives you both kinds 
of training with the convenience of 
learning at home. No classroom pres- 
sures, no night school, no gasoline 
wasted. You learn at your convenience, 
at your own pace. Yet you're always 
backed by the NRI staff and your in- 
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BYTE January 1984 257 



END 
USER -*- 



GAVILAN MOBILE COMPUTER 



HUMAN-INTERFACE SOFTWARE 



DATA-STRUCTURING 
SOFTWARE 



r 



ELEMENT 
MANAGERS 



OPERATING SYSTEM 



INTERAC INTERPRETER 



Figure 2: The structure of the Gavilan computer's software, showing the main software com- 
ponents and their relation to one another. 



structure of the language gives the 
programmer sufficient control to gen- 
erate efficient code. FORTH also ac- 
commodates the insertion of assem- 
bly-language routines in those cases 
where performance analysis indicates 
that assembly language will provide 
substantial improvements. 

Another important quality that In- 
terpac has inherited from FORTH is 
the way it encourages the structuring 
of software in layers of abstraction. 
Each layer of FORTH "words" ("pro- 
cedures" in conventional terms) is 
built on the lower layer and provides 
a more sophisticated level of abstrac- 
tion to the next layer. This structure 
is particularly natural in that all 
operations in FORTH access their 
arguments in the same way regard- 
less of whether they are part of or 
built on top of the base language. 

FORTH in its pure form has some 
drawbacks that needed to be cor- 
rected. The combined interactive in- 
terpreter and compiler . of classic 
FORTH has been replaced by an In- 
terpac compiler that runs under 
Unix. This Interpac compiler gen- 
erates much tighter code than that of 
standard FORTH, using techniques 
such as single-byte encoding of Inter- 
pac words and constant values. 

In addition, a number of changes 
to the language were made to pro- 
mote good software-engineering 
practice. Declaration of Pascal-like 
data structures was introduced to al- 
low intelligible data-structure de- 
scriptions. Declaration of parameters 
on FORTH words was added to pro- 



vide better documentation and allow 
for automatic type checking. Stack 
marking and local variables were 
added to allow more complex words 
to be created in a straightforward 
manner. A module structure was in- 
troduced to express modular decom- 
position and the attendant hiding of 
data structures and implementation 
details. 

Along with the Interpac language 
and its compiler, a number of other 
tools were created. A remote debug- 
ger allows us to download programs 
from the Unix system to a target 
Gavilan unit and do symbolic debug- 
ging from the Unix system with a 
minimal impact on the target en- 
vironment. This debugger also forms 
the basis for a performance monitor 
that tells us how much time is spent 
in each Interpac word and a test- 
coverage monitor that tells us what 
code has not been exercised by a par- 
ticular test. 

A message-compression utility 
allows us to compress by a factor of 
four the English (or French or Ger- 
man, etc.) text files used in error 
messages, menus, and the help 
facility. 

Third-party software developers 
have a similar set of tools available to 
them. The difference is that they run 
under MS/DOS on the Gavilan unit 
or the IBM PC or XT and use the C 
programming language rather than 
Interpac. 

System Software 

The operating system manages and 



controls the basic resources of the 
system, including not only device 
drivers for the computer's I/O 
devices, but also control of power to 
the peripherals and processor. 

Because peripherals can be added 
on to the unit and applications cap- 
sules plugged into the unit, the 
operating system provides services 
for locating a particular device or ap- 
plication. These services include a 
logical I/O system that routes com- 
mands from the rest of the software 
and interrupts from the hardware to 
the appropriate device driver. (Device 
drivers are typically contained in the 
peripheral that they control, and the 
operating system provides a general 
way of accessing them.) 

Two functions of the operating sys- 
tem contribute significantly to the 
particular goals of the rest of the por- 
table computer's software. The first of 
these is the management of the 
microprocessor tasks by way of mul- 
tiple tasks synchronized through 
semaphores. This approach allows 
multiple activities to proceed simul- 
taneously in the system and provides 
the basis for having multiple docu- 
ments open on the on-screen desk- 
top—just as you might have on a real 
desk. It also provides an elegant 
mechanism for power control: when- 
ever the process dispatcher cannot 
find any tasks that are ready to run, 
it saves the processor's state and 
turns the power off (power is auto- 
matically restored by the next inter- 
rupt). 

The second way in which the oper- 
ating system supports the user's view 
of the portable computer is through 
the block manager, which manages 
secondary storage to devices such as 
floppy disks. The block manager pro- 
vides a uniform view of blocks, 
whether they are on the floppy disk 
or in main memory. It manages the 
whole process of deciding which 
blocks should be in memory and 
which should be returned to secon- 
dary storage. It also provides a trans- 
action facility that is the basis of the 
system's Undo command. 

Data-Structuring Software 

The data-structuring software 
(whose structure is shown in figure 



258 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 40 on inquiry card. 





HUMAN-INTERFACE 
SOFTWARE 






1 










1 




DATA-STRUCTURING 
SOFTWARE 






DOCUMENT 
MANAGER 














I 


u 










ELEMENT- 
MANAGER 
INTERFACE 












1 














J 






ELEMENT 
MANAGERS 


I 






1 






1 


\ 




i 










CELL- STORE 
MANAGERS 




















i 


1 


V 










ENTITY MANAGER 














< 


' 








OPERATING SYSTEM 







Figure 3: Details of the data-structuring software, which provides storage for and access 
to documents. 



3) provides storage for and access to 
documents. It is built upon the block 
manager, which provides raw data 
storage and creates the structures that 
hold the state of objects. Three prin- 
cipal kinds of objects are supported 
at this level: documents, elements, 
and cell stores. 

A document can exist on its own on 
a disk (or in a file drawer, as it is 
called) and roughly corresponds to 
what is called a document in the real 
world: a memo, a paper, a report, etc. 
A document is made up of a se- 
quence of elements, each of which 
has a type and corresponds to some- 
thing like a paragraph, section head, 
spreadsheet table, form, etc. A docu- 
ment may also contain a number of 
cell stores. 

All documents have the same 
structure. There can be different 
types of documents, but these are 
distinguished principally by the 
kinds of elements contained in them. 
For instance, the file drawer, which 
provides the directory of the contents 
of a disk, is a special kind of docu- 
ment that can contain only file-folder 
and document-reference elements. 

The second kind of object, an ele- 
ment, has two parts: the storage that 



holds its state, and a program called 
an element manager. The state of an 
object is held in a record-like struc- 
ture provided by the lowest level of 
the data-structuring software: the en- 
tity manager. One important piece of 
information kept by the entity 
manager is the type of the element. 

Each type of element (e.g., para- 
graph, table, etc.) has associated with 
it an element manager. This element 
manager implements a standard set 
of operations that can be performed 
on an element, such as displaying the 
element, handling a selection in the 
element, typing into the element, 
copying information out of the ele- 
ment, etc. These operations are in- 
voked by the human interface in 
response to user actions. The element 
manager performs those parts of the 
uniform set of user operations that 
are peculiar to a particular element. 

The element-manager interface 
maps the calls invoking a common 
operation for an element to the ele- 
ment manager associated with it 
using the element-type code stored 
by the entity manager for the 
element. 

The third kind of object supported 
by the data-structuring software, the 



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"Other models available — Contact us or 
your dealer for additional information. 

BAY TECHNICAL ASSOCIATES, inc. 



<V; H IGH WAY 603, R O. BOX 387 
BAY ST. LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI 39520 
(6011467-8231 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 259 



.TNI 



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cell store, holds values that can be 
displayed by elements and maintains 
some method of computing those 
values. Thus, a spreadsheet-table ele- 
ment displays the values of cells in a 
cell store. The cell store holds the for- 
mulas used to calculate the cell's 
values. Cell values can also come 
from such sources as a database 
query or an arbitrary application pro- 
gram, and they can be displayed by 
any type of element, such as a form 
or a paragraph. Thus, a paragraph 
could talk about the results of a 
spreadsheet, directly displaying cell 
values from that spreadsheet, or dis- 
play the results of a query in an ad- 
dress database, thus handling such 
applications as mail-merging. 

Human-Interface Software 

The human interface handles all in- 
teraction with the user and is respon- 
sible for displaying objects and effect- 
ing those manipulations on objects 
that the user requests. The structure 
of the human-interface software can 
be viewed in two ways. 

The first (figure 4) shows the tasks 
that run the human-interface soft- 
ware. The highest-priority task is that 
associated with the desktop view, 
and this task controls which human 
interface task has access to the input 
devices and display. Each of the open 
documents or file drawers in the sys- 
tem has a task associated with it. 
When such a task has access to the 
input devices and display, the user 
can view and manipulate the associ- 
ated document and its elements. At 
any time, the user may press the 
Desk Top button, activating the desk- 
top task, which takes over the input 
device and display and which may, 
at the user's request, cause another 
task to get the input device and 
display. 

Figure 5 shows the other way of 
viewing the human-interface soft- 
ware: by its program structure. Each 
human-interface task executes the 
program shown in this figure. At the 
lowest level are the input and display 
routines that give access to these de- 
vices and cause a human-interface 
task to block if it is not allowed to ac- 
cess the devices when it tries. 

Above this are various utility rou- 



260 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 93 on inquiry card. 



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instead of a DEC VT102? 



14" 
non-glare 
screen * 



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Plus...3raphics now or graphics later. 



The new VISUAL 102 gives full DEC VT102" performance and more features at a much 
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INCREASING 
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PRIORITY 




ACCESS TO 
DISPLAY AND 
INPUT DEVICES 





Figure 4: The structure of the tasks that run the human interface. 







HUMAN INTERF 


ACE 






MAIN INTERPRETER 
COMMAND EXECUTION 




























V 




\ 




DOCUMENT-DISPLAY 
MODULE 












t i 








\ 


! 


» 




DATA- STRUCTURING 
SOFTWARE 




l l 


1 






















HELP 
MODULE 




MENU 
MODULE 




PROPERTY 

FORMS 

MODULE 








\ 




1 




1 


r 








1 








DISPLAY-ACCESS 
MODULE 




INPUT-ACCESS 
MODULE 


, 














M 


f 










OPERATING SYSTEM 







Figure 5: The components and structure of the human-interface software. 



tines for displaying menus of opera- 
tions and property forms. Also here 
is the Help module, which is called 
on to provide help whenever the user 
presses the Help button. This 
module gathers information from its 
environment and answers any of a 
set of questions that the user can 
select, such as "where am I?" "what 
just happened?" or "what can I do 
next?" 

Next is the document-display 
module, which has primary respon- 
sibility for causing a document and 
its elements to be displayed. It figures 
out which elements in a document 
are to be displayed on what parts of 
the screen and calls the appropriate 
entry points in the element managers 



to cause the elements to be displayed 
there. This module also remembers 
what parts of what elements have 
been selected and handles all move- 
ment of the viewing window on a 
document. 

The top part of the human-inter- 
face code is the main interpreter, 
which actually reads the user's ac- 
tions on the touch pad and keyboard 
and performs the appropriate action. 
Note that according to this organiza- 
tion, the central human-interface 
software is always in control and that 
the application element managers are 
only invoked when the human-inter- 
face software deems it appropriate. 
This not only means that common 
code is concentrated in the human- 



interface software, it also ensures a 
uniformity of response, as the user 
is always dealing with the human 
interface. 

Application Software 

There are basically three ways in 
which an application can fit into the 
Gavilan portable computer's software 
system. The first is as an element 
manager, and most of Gavilan's ap- 
plications use this mechanism to in- 
teract with the user. Often such ap- 
plications also involve a cell store. 

The second way is as a more con- 
ventional application program. In 
this case the application code is as- 
sociated with a human-interface task, 
but it replaces the main interpreter 
and the document-display module. 
Although it must still follow the 
human-interface conventions as to 
when it has access to the keyboard 
and display, it has a great deal more 
freedom about how it interacts with 
the user. Gavilan's communication 
and terminal-emulation application is 
one that follows this style. 

The third application style is to in- 
teract with the user through a form. 
In this case the application is associ- 
ated with a human-interface task that 
displays a document with form ele- 
ments in it. The user interacts with 
the form element manager through 
the main interpreter of the human in- 
terface, viewing and filling out the 
form. At various times, the user can 
activate buttons on the form, invok- 
ing the applications program. 
Through a cell store associated with 
the form, the application can read 
values from the blanks in the form 
and write values to other blanks in 
the form. Thus, a life-insurance ap- 
plication could use a form to gather 
data about a potential client and then 
use another form to display net 
worth and other financial results for 
the client. 

In all cases, the application code 
can access conventional files held by 
the data-structuring software, retriev- 
ing, updating, and displaying data 
from these files. ■ 

John Banning is vice-president of software engi- 
neering for Gavilan Computer Corporation (240 
Hacienda Ave., Campbell, CA 95008). 



262 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 





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How HP business graphics 




Enhance your reputation for being more pro- 
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than your competition with the new HP 7475A 
Business Professional's Plotter. 

Make a first impression that lasts 

The vital importance of graphics to today's business professional 

cannot be overstated. In survey 

after survey, statistics prove 

graphics can help you 

spot trends and relation- 

ships quickly, 

analyze data 

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communicate 

your ideas 

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clarity 
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Even more im- 
portant, graphics 
can actually increase 
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productivity. And create a 
first impression of quality and 
professionalism that lasts and lasts. 

Graphics: the end to meetings 
that go nowhere 

In a fascinating research project conducted by The University of 
Pennsylvania, 123 MBA candidates were involved in a study 
designed to test the effectiveness of business graphics in meeting 
situations. The results were startling. In the group where visual 
aids were used: 

• Meetings were shorter: The study showed a 28% reduction in 
meeting length when transparencies were used. 

• Group consensus was faster: Agreement was reached by 79% of 
the group using transparencies, compared with only 8% among 
the control group using no visual aids. 

• The decision process was accelerated: 64% of study participants 
said they made their business decisions immediately after the vis- 
ual presentation. When overheads were not used, the control group 
said they delayed decision-making until some time after the group 



discussion following the presentation. 

• Presenters with visual aids were perceived as being more profes- 
sional, persuasive, credible and effective than those not using 
visual aids. 

Now, with the new HP 7475A Business Professional's Plotter, 
your meetings can have immediate and productive results like 
these. 

How the quality look 
of HP graphics can help 

The way you present your information can be equally as important 
as the actual information you're presenting. And that's where the 
new HP 7475A Business Professional's Plotter lets your profes- 
sionalism shine through. 

Standards unsurpassed in the 
plotter business 

The technical standards of the HP 7475A have no equal for pro- 
ducing quality graphics. With a resolution of one-thousandth- of -an- 
inch, curved lines are smooth, not jagged, and straight lines are 
consistently straight. Its exceptional repeatability (the ability of a 
pen to return precisely to a given point) assures that intersecting 
lines and circular shapes will meet exactly. The result is high-quality 
charts and graphs you'll be proud to present. 

Why 6 pens when experts say 4 will do? 

Graphics industry experts maintain that 
good graphics contain four colors per 
chart. But Hewlett-Packard goes the 
experts two better by providing a 
six-pen carousel, so you can 
store andusepensof different 
widths — thick pens for 
bold headings and thin 
pens for details. And 
with six pens, you 
won't have to 
waste valuable time 
changing them. That's 
important when "the 
boss wants to see your pre- 
sentation in twenty minutes!" 

With the HP 7475A, you also 
get automatic pen capping to pre- 
vent pens from drying out between 
uses, and special "pen damping" 
(gently lowering the pen to the paper or 
transparency) to increase pen life and ensure better line quality. . . 
use after use. after use. You also get a rainbow of 10 colors to 
choose from , in two line widths. 

Your choice: 2 paper sizes and today's 
most popular graphics software packages 

While most professional business applications will be satisfied with 
standard SVi x 1 1 " paper or transparencies, the HP 7475 A adds the 




264 BYTE January 1984 



can be the key to your success, 




capability of plotting on larger 1 1 x 
17" media, too. The larger plots are 
especially well-suited for time lines, 
PERT charts, schematics and engineering 
drawings. 

Best of all, you don't have to be a programmer 
to produce quality graphics on the HP 7475A. 
It's supported by a variety of professional graphics 
software packages for both HP and non-HP desktop 
and personal computers. 

Naturally, speaking of software compatibility leads us to 
hardware compatibility. . . . 

Compatible with almost any personal 
computer in the marketplace today 

With two interfaces available, the HP 7475 A quickly "makes friends" 
with most models of today's most popular personal computers, 
including IBM? Apple,™ Compaq™ Osborne® and Commodore™ 
--as well as a host of HP computers. 

The cost? Surprisingly affordable 

The new HP 7475 A Business Professional's Plotter is an amazingly 
affordable $1895. When you consider that a typical fee for a single 
five-color transparency from a graphics service is $50— and that 
the same transparency can be prepared for about $1 in materials 
on the HP 7475 A— the return on your investment is almost 
immediate. 

Another choice: HP's low- cost 5 
high performance 
Personal Computer Plotter 

For the "business on a budget" you may also want a look at our 
2-pen Personal Computer Plotter, the 7470A. Its low cost (only 
$1095) is as remarkable as the quality of its plots. With many of 
the same features as the new HP 7475A, the HP 7470A plots 
on a single paper size (8V2 x 11"). It stores and caps two pens, 



and you can easily change the pens 

yourself for multi-color plotting. Best of 

all, the HP 7470A 2-pen plotter lets you 

turn your personal computer into a personal 

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Send for your FREE "Better 
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For a FREE sample plot, overhead transparency, and more 

details, mail the coupon below today. We'll also enclose a list 

of software packages you can use with the HP 7475 A or HP 7470 A. 



ca 



HEWLETT 
PACKARD 



For the name of your nearest 
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1101303 

1 n 

YE S ! I'm ready t o gain a reputation for being more profes- 
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Name Title 

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Address 

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My computer is 



-)- 



Send to: Hewlett-Packard 

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Circle 183 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 265 










#5; 







MICROHOUSE 



Prices subject to change without notice. 



266 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 249 on inquiry card. 



Reviewer's Notebook 



The Chameleon Plus 

Last month I mentioned that See- 
qua Computer Corporation of Anna- 
polis, Maryland, was going to send 
us a revised version of its low-priced 
Chameleon. The first unit the com- 
pany sent us had some difficulty 
with its serial port and its parallel 
printer port. In addition, its 
documentation was somewhat 
lacking. 

This month, I am pleased to report 
that Seequa has delivered on its 
promise. We recently received a 
Chameleon Plus that seems to be in 
almost perfect working order. The 
parallel printer port works without a 
flaw, as does the serial port. And the 
documentation for the MS-DOS op- 
erating system seems as complete as 
that for any other computer. There 
are still a few very minor rough edges 
(we still haven't received MB ASIC or 
the CP/M-80 operating system yet), 
but this machine looks pretty good. 

Note, however, that the Chameleon 
Plus is not the $1995 system I men- 
tioned last month. The $1995 system 
has only single-sided disk drives 
(160K bytes each) and 128K bytes of 
memory. In contrast, the Chameleon 
Plus has the more useful double- 
sided drives (320K bytes each) and 
256K bytes of memory. It also costs 
more— $900 more, to be exact, for a 
total of $2895. That puts it in the same 
league with other portable IBM 
clones from Corona and Columbia 
and even the slightly higher-priced 
Compaq. The ace up Seequa's sleeve, 
howevei; is its CP/M-80 compatibil- 
ity, and the real value of the Chame- 
leon will depend on how well the 
company supports that capability. 
Look for a detailed review of this 
machine soon. 

On the Printer Scene 

As anyone who has been watching 



by Rich Malloy 

the printer market has probably ob- 
served, a number of trends appear to 
be developing. For example, several 
good quality daisy-wheel printers 
have been introduced at fairly reason- 
able prices, and some are even 
sprouting keyboards. Not to be out- 
done, more and more electronic type- 
writers are coming out with com- 
puter interfaces. Meanwhile, dot- 
matrix printers with increasingly 
high resolution are appearing. A few 
of these machines have come our 
way recently. 

Comrex, which is part of the Epson 
family, has been selling daisy-wheel 
printers for some time, seemingly in 
competition with the tremendously 
successful dot-matrix printers made 
by its parent company. Comrex's 
latest offer, called the CR-II Comxiter, 
is a variation of the Brother HR-15 
printer, and at $599 for a parallel ver- 
sion ($649 for serial), it's a good buy. 

The CR-II prints at about 13 char- 
acters per second (cps), which seems 
common for low-cost daisy wheels. 
It can print at a pitch of either 10, 12, 
or 15 characters per inch or do pro- 
portional spacing, but the propor- 
tional spacing requires a special daisy 
wheel. I've been using the CR-II with 
letterhead paper and it's been giving 
me some very nice-looking docu- 
ments. My only real complaint is that 
its page-feed mechanism is a bit 
awkward. 

In the dot-matrix category, Mannes- 
mann Tally of Kent, Washington, a 
division of the giant Mannesmann 
conglomerate in West Germany, has 
been quietly producing high-quality 
printers for some time now. Lately, it 
has begun producing printers at 
more reasonable prices. 

The latest printer from Mannes- 
mann Tally is called the Spirit-80. 
About the same size as the Epson 
MX-80 and priced at $399, the 



Spirit-80 seems to be a good product 
for the home market. 

The Spirit has one of the best char- 
acter fonts I've seen on a low-cost dot- 
matrix printer, thanks to a Mylar rib- 
bon and the use of square print ham- 
mers. All of the dots actually connect 
with each other. It prints at 80 cps. 
And the choice of pitch is similar to 
that of the early Epson MX-80: 9, 10, 
and 17.8 characters per inch. 

The TI 855 printer from Texas In- 
struments is the latest in a line of TI 
printers. This new dot-matrix printer 
offers incredibly high resolution at a 
fairly reasonable price ($935 for fric- 
tion feed, $995 for tractor feed). In 
letter-quality mode, each character is 
composed of an 18- by 32-pixel grid. 
These characters are almost indistin- 
guishable from typewritten ones. As 
for speed, the TI 855 prints at 35 cps 
in letter-quality mode and 150 cps in 
draft mode. 

Perhaps the most interesting fea- 
ture of the TI 855 is that the charac- 
ter-font generator routines are stored 
in removable cartridges. These car- 
tridges can be interchanged just like 
daisy wheels, and three cartridges 
can be connected at one time. You 
can switch from regular Courier type 
to italic type and even to Orator type 
at the push of a button. 

One of the nice little things about 
the TI 855 is that you don't have to 
turn the printer off line before you 
press the page-feed button, which 
spares you a lot of button pressing. 

The TI 855 seems to be a solidly 
built printer. We've been using it to 
print out our voluminous manu- 
scripts, and it's been working very 
well. I only wish we had some graph- 
ics software that could take advan- 
tage of its high resolution. Maybe 
next month. ■ 

Rich Malloy is BYTE's product-review editor. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 267 



Hardware Review 



The Zenith Z-100 

This system offers the best of the 8-bit and 16-bit worlds 

by Ken Skier 



After haunting computer stores and attending com- 
puter shows for more than a year, I despaired of ever 
finding a system that would meet my requirements. 
What were my requirements? I just wanted the best of 
both worlds. I needed an 8-bit CP/M system to run the 
editor and cross-assembler I use in software develop- 
ment, yet I didn't want to lock myself into an 8-bit en- 
vironment. With all the new software coming out for the 
IBM PC and its work-alikes, I wanted to be able to run 
those applications as well. And although I had no im- 
mediate need for graphics software, I wanted a system 
that would support graphics displays because . . . well, 
just because they're so pretty. 

And graphics were what first drew my attention to the 
Zenith Z-100. I was trudging down yet another aisle at 
last fall's Northeast Computer Show, hoping that this 
one might be the last, when an absolutely stunning dis- 
play of color graphics stopped me in my tracks. "What's 
this?" I asked the man. "This" was the new computer 
from Zenith Data Systems, the Z-100. It had just the kind 
of split personality I was looking for: an 8-bit side con- 
sisting of an 8085 running CP/M and a 16-bit side con- 
sisting of an 8088 supporting MS-DOS (known as Z- 
DOS when it runs on the Z-100). Here was one system 
that seemed to offer me the best of both worlds. And 
to put the icing on the cake, its color graphics clearly 
outclassed the IBM PC's. 

So I bought it. And I've used it far more than 40 hours 
a week for the last eight months. After that kind of road 
test, I can report that I am still impressed by the machine. 
Let's see why. 

Physical Aspects 

The Z-100 comes in two basic configurations: the Low- 
Profile unit and the All-in-One. The All-in-One (photo 
1) features a built-in monochrome CRT (cathode-ray 
tube). The Low-Profile unit lacks a display, but it's only 
7 inches high and designed to serve as a base for an ex- 
ternal monitor. Both units provide signals for an exter- 
nal RGB (red, green, blue) or monochrome video 



monitor. 

Both units are 19V2 inches on a side. The All-in-One 
is 13 Vi inches high; the Low-Profile unit, true to its name, 
stands only 7Vi inches tall. Each has room internally for 
two 5V4-inch floppy-disk drives or for one floppy-disk 
and one Winchester drive, and each can support one or 
two external 8-inch drives as well. 

Z-100 is enclosed in a "durable earthtone-color 
cabinet" that has proved quite resistant to smudges and 
fingermarks. The optional 8-inch floppy-disk system 
comes in a cabinet of the same color. It would look at 
home in any business or professional setting. 

The Display 

The Z-100's text display (photos 2 and 3) consists of 25 
rows of 80 characters, each formed from a 5 by 9 dot 
matrix. The characters are crisp and clean, and the let- 
ters g, j, q, and y have true descenders. 

Under ZBASIC, text can be displayed in any of eight 
colors, and all selected colors may be visible on the 
screen at the same time. By exchanging the foreground 
and background colors, you can display text in reverse 
video. Furthermore, ZBASIC gives you control of each 
pixel on the screen, so you can underline any text or 
move words and numbers up and down to create super- 
scripted and subscripted text. These display attributes, 
however, are up to the programmer; they are not built 
into the operating system. 

The Z-100's graphics capability (photo 4) is impressive: 
225 rows of 640 pixels. If color memory has been in- 
stalled, you can assign any of eight colors to any pixel. 
(An RGB monitor is necessary to do justice to the Z-100's 
color graphics capability; with a monochrome monitor, 
you will see only eight levels of gray.) Text and graphics 
can be displayed on the screen at the same time. 

The display is bit-mapped as three planes of color: one 
64K-byte plane each for red, green, and blue. Although 
ZBASIC includes powerful graphics commands and 
statements, the assembly-language programmer may 
choose to access the screen directly by reading and 



268 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




Photo 1: The Zenith Z-100. This version fea- 
tures a monochrome monitor in All-in-One 
style. In another configuration, the Low- 
Profile style, the monitor is in a separate 
enclosure and the disk drives are arranged 
horizontally above the keyboard. An RGB col- 
or monitor is available for both styles. Note 
that the keyboard has an IBM Selectric-style 
key layout, with a numeric keypad on the right 
and a row of function keys along the top. 



writing the appropriate bytes in memory. 

The Keyboard 

The keyboard is one of the great strengths of the Z-100. 
It consists of a standard typewriter keyboard bordered 
on both sides by such frequently used keys as Control, 
Help, and Delete, and topped by a row of 13 program- 
mable function keys. To the right is a keypad of numeric 
and cursor keys. There are 95 keys in all. 

The keyboard has the feel of a Selectric typewriter or 
dedicated word processor. The keys are nicely sculpted, 
travel about an eighth of an inch, and bottom out posi- 
tively. They are also extremely reliable. I am not a gen- 
tle typist. (In my last job, I had to have my dedicated 
word-processing keyboard replaced every few months.) 
Yet the Z-100 has stood up now under eight months of 
my hammer-handed typing and never missed a key. 

The typewriter keyboard itself has an absolutely con- 
ventional, Selectric-style layout. The Shift keys are where 
you would expect them to be, as are the Tab and Return 
keys. The Tab key is properly oversized, and the Return 
key is oversized and shaped like a backward 'T— a great 
big target that you can't miss, no matter how fast or wild- 
ly you type. 

The 13 programmable function keys in the top row can 
be assigned any function quite readily in ZBASIC (a ver- 
sion of Microsoft BASIC almost identical to IBM's 
BASICA). A special Help key can be used by program- 
mers to make their programs self-documenting, but not 
all applications programs take advantage of this key. 
Those that do, of course, are much easier to use than 
those that don't. Someday . . . ah, someday every com- 
puter will have a Help key, and every program will take 
advantage of it. 

All keys repeat automatically if held down. The nor- 



mal repeat rate is 11 characters per second, but by 
holding down the Fast Repeat key, you can make any 
key repeat at 28 characters per second. I find this feature 
tremendously convenient, especially when I want to 
space halfway across the screen or enter a row of 
asterisks into a program. 

Like many dedicated word processors, the Z-100 clicks 
to acknowledge each keystroke. I like getting this con- 
firmation, but if you find it distracting, you can type an 
escape sequence (described in the Z-100's excellent docu- 
mentation) to suppress the key-click. 

Part of the numeric keypad is a dedicated cursor pad. 
Its layout is usable but less than ideal. If the cursor keys 
were laid out in a diamond pattern, they would be easier 
to use. They would also take up more space, but I would 
willingly sacrifice the numeric pad for a diamond-shaped 
cursor pad. Or Zenith could make the Z-100 a little wider, 
to make space for a diamond-shaped cursor pad and a 
numeric pad. 

Disk Drives 

As I mentioned before, the Z-100 has room internally 
for two 5V4-inch floppy-disk drives or for one 5V4-inch 
and one Winchester drive; it can also support one or two 
external 8-inch drives. 

The 5 V4-inch floppy-disk drives hold 320K bytes of data 
(formatted) and are compatible with the IBM PC's drives. 
Thus, you can create a file on a Z-100 (running Z-DOS) 
and save it on a floppy disk, then carry that disk over 
to an IBM PC (running PC-DOS) and access that file. 
(However, although Z-100 disks are compatible with IBM 
PC disks, that doesn't mean that you can save a program 
on one machine and run it on the other. More on that 
later.) 

My main concern in dealing with any disk drive is its 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 269 



be displayed in any of 8 cc 

Under ZBASICt text can bs displayed in any of § colors, and all selected ^M *% • * % II W V VII* '»*» w A ■* • 

colors ny be visible on the screen at the saw till. By exchanging the ■ « i • | i t 

foreground and backiround colors, you uy display text in reuerse video. H I Aft C • flflil ■ AU fl I HI I JtU LP I L 

Furihenore, ZBBSIC jives m control of each pixel on the screen, so you can ■ ft VI # J J IfH 111} Uitffi Ij IT* J* If , 

underline any text, or love words and nuibers up and dovn to create ^m I 1 It L • % 

superscripted and subscripted text. These display attributes, however, are up Bti A Af| f ft ft I fif Alflfl AlVAf flfl I 

to the program)", they are not built into the operating systei/ ■(£ ^ VII VI V i VI Cfllv II f 4 A V 1 VII 

The Z-lM's sraphics capability is iipressive: 225 rous of 648 pixels. If lt|f|flfi£ Sflfl flllfthaflC HB Sflli llfl 

color ie.ory has been installed, you can as««n »» of ««ht co Urs to an, ■tfUrUS «IlU ilVlUVrS tlf flflU Ul 

Pixel. (An RSB lonitor is necessary to do justice to the Z-ilf i color I ^ ••• • ■ 

iraphics capability; with a lonochroie lonitor, you vill see only eight levels ■ J 1 ••*# IKa^ A Jl« J»m 1 %it %♦ ♦ ■ 

ofsrey.) Text and sraphics uy be displayed on the screen at the sa»e hie. ■{£ ^cXVl 1 II?>? Ul*r*«3 flVVl 

The display is bit-iapped as three planes of color: one 64K plane each for ■ ■ i • ti • 1 _ 1L M •-•-•! • « 

red, trim, and blue, filthoufh ZBftSIC includes powerful graphics coiiands and l|]QL II ill IT. 1 II LA :: ~ fittul'Jt l\ 

sUlmnls, the asseiblrlanguase projrauer m choose to access the screen ■IIV V •#« UV 411 V V VII V V r *» I V v 411 



Photo 2: An example of text on the Z-lOO's monochrome display. Photo 3: A close-up of text on the Z-lOO's monochrome display. 



reliability. The 5V4-inch floppy-disk drives on the Z-lOO 
have proved themselves reliable beyond my wildest ex- 
pectations. In the first six months of very heavy use, the 
drives performed flawlessly. (I even had disks survive 
power outages— with no loss of data!) However, I did en- 
counter some disk errors when I persisted in using the 
Z-lOO during periods of extremely hot, muggy weather. 
(Installing an air conditioner and cleaning the heads 
solved that problem.) 

Unfortunately, 8-bit CP/M software is hard to come by 
in the Z-lOO 5V4-inch format. I've resorted to buying it 
on 8-inch disks and having my dealer transfer files from 



the 8-inch disk to a Z-100 floppy disk. Or, if you have 
access to a Kaypro, you can use it to transfer files from 
many common 5V4-inch formats to the Z-100 format. (Of 
course, if the Kaypro can do it, why can't the Z-100? If 
the Z-100 could read assorted 5V4-inch formats, I'd have 
a much easier time acquiring software. How about it, 
Zenith?) 

The optional 8-inch disk system includes one drive 
($1599) or two drives ($2299) and stores 1.25 megabytes 
on each disk. The advantages of this system include- 
obviously— much more data storage on line as well as 
faster disk access and the ability to buy software in the 



At a Glance 

Name 

Zenith Z-lOO 

Manufacturer 

Zenith Data Systems Inc. 
IOOO Milwaukee Ave. 
Glen view, IL 60025 

Components 

Size: 19.5 by 19 by 7.5 inches 

Processors: 8085, 8-bit, 5 MHz; 8088, 16-bit, 5 MHz 

Memory: I28K bytes system memory (expandable to 768K), plus 

three 64K-byte planes of screen memory; all parity-checked 

Display 

Text: 25 rows of 80 characters, 5 by 9 dot matrix ("soft" character 

set, dynamically redefinable) 

Graphics: 225 rows by 640 dots; 8 colors 

Output: RGB and monochrome video 

Keyboard 

95 keys, including 13 user-programmable function keys and an 

18-key numeric and cursor pad 

Repeat rate: II characters/second; with Fast Repeat key: 28 

characters/second 

Mass Storage 

Two internal 5 ] A -inch floppy-disk drives, double-sided, 320K, IBM 
PC-compatible; controller supports two external 8-inch drives as 
well; optional 11-megabyte Winchester may replace one of the 
internal drives 



I/O 

Two El A RS-232C serial interface ports, software-configurable for 
110 to 38,400 bps; one 8-bit Centronics-compatible parallel port 
(output only) 

Expansion 

Bus provides five IEEE-696 (S-IOO) slots; disk controller occupies 
one 

Software 

None included; CP/M-85 and Z-DOS (MS-DOS) are available, as 
are 8-bit MBASIC, 16-bit ZBASIC, 1-2-3. Microplan. Wordstar, 
Peachtext 5000. and other programs 

Options 

The Z-100 is available with 0, I. or 2 built-in 5!/4-inch drives; with 
or without a built-in monochrome monitor; assembled and tested 
(as the Z-100) or in kit form (as the Heathkit H-100). Software 
package of Z-DOS, CP/M-85, ZBASIC, and MBASIC available for 
$300 

Documentation 

278-page User's Manual. Two ring-bound manuals accompany 
each of the following software products: Z-DOS, ZBASIC, CP/M-85, 
MBASIC and Multiplan 

Price 

Prices range from S2199 for the HS-I00-31 (kit with one drive, 
I92K RAM. monochrome graphics) to S3499 for the ZF-1I0-22 
(assembled unit with two drives, 128K RAM, color graphics) to 
$5599 for the ZW-I20-32 (assembled unit with one floppy-disk 
drive and one Winchester, 192K RAM, monochrome graphics, 
built-in nonglare green CRT) 



270 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




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Photo 4: An example of graphics on the 
Z-100's monochrome display. 



Photo 5: Inside the Z-100. The S-100 bus sits behind the disk drives and disk-drive controller 
(upper left) and the display (upper right). Access to this bus is very simple. The top cover 
of the machine can be easily removed, without unfastening any screws. 



8-inch format. 

The optional Winchester drive (about $2400) provides 
11 megabytes on line, which may be transferred to or 
from the Z-100 at 5 megabytes per second— an order of 
magnitude faster than the 574-inch floppy-disk drives 
can manage. That's invaluable if you have a large amount 
of data, or many programs, on line. Still, you must back 
up that hard disk eventually, and doing so onto 5V4-inch 
floppy disks will take some time, since you might need 
30 or more disks to complete the operation. Neverthe- 
less, one can hardly fault Zenith for offering a hard disk 
with so much capacity. 

Microprocessors 

The Z-100 is a dual-processor system. Its 8-bit 8085 lets 
it run CP/M-85 applications, and its 16-bit 8088 lets it run 
MS-DOS. Both processors run at 5 MHz. 

Note that, although both processors are present, you 
cannot use them simultaneously, and I am not aware of 
any applications that transfer control from one processor 
to another. Thus, in any given work session, the Z-100 
is either an 8-bit system or a 16-bit system. 

How do you tell the Z-100 which processor to use? Just 
turn it on and insert the appropriate system disk. If you 
insert a CP/M-85 disk, the Z-100 will configure itself as 
an 8-bit, CP/M system. Or cold-start it with a Z-DOS 
disk, and the Z-100 will configure itself as a 16-bit, MS- 
DOS system. 

Memory 

The Z-100 is available with as little as 128K bytes of 
RAM or as much as 768K, all parity-checked. The main 
circuit board can accommodate 192K bytes of RAM; ad- 
ditional memory requires memory cards, which plug in- 
to the S-100 bus (photo 5). 



(With all this RAM on hand, you might want to use 
some of it as a RAM disk— or, in the 8-bit environment, 
you might want to access memory beyond 64K through 
the use of bank-switching. If so, you'll have to look to 
third-party software developers, since the software sup- 
plied by Zenith provides neither RAM-disk capability 
nor bank-switching.) 

In addition to the system RAM just described, the 
Z-100 contains 64K to 192K bytes of video RAM. Mono- 
chrome graphics needs only 64K, whereas color graphics 
requires 192K: three planes of 64K each, to provide in- 
formation for the red, green, and blue signals. A Z-100 
with only monochrome graphics can be upgraded to col- 
or by the addition of 128K bytes of RAM (a $290 option). 

Interfaces 

The Z-100 comes with two serial ports, a parallel printer 
port, a light-pen interface, and outputs to drive RGB and 
composite video monitors. Sockets for all of these inter- 
faces are on the back of the Z-100 (photo 6), making it 
easy to have a very neat installation, with all cables out 
of sight. 

The serial ports conform to the EIA (Electronic In- 
dustries Association) RS-232C standard. One is wired 
as DTE (data terminal equipment) and the other as DCE 
(data communications equipment). Thus, one or the 
other should be suitable for cabling to almost any 
RS-232C device. 

By running a program called Configur, you may set 
each serial port to any desired data rate, from 110 to 
38,400 bits per second. Configur also lets you designate 
odd, even, or no parity; handshaking protocol, if any; 
and handshaking pin, if any. Configur is totally menu- 
driven and extremely easy to use— it even draws a pic- 
ture on the screen, showing the back of the Z-100, with 



272 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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Photo 6: Part of the back panel of the Z-100. Along the bottom are 
two serial connectors (both male and female), a parallel printer port, 
and a light-pen connector. On the upper right is a brightness control 
pr the internal display, just above a connector for an RGB monitor 
Note the wealth of cut-outs for optional connectors. 

an arrow pointing out the DB-25 connector for the port 
you've selected. The only way it could be more user- 
friendly is if it had hands coming out of the screen to 
plug in your cable for you. 

I have connected my Z-100 to a variety of computers, 
printers, and other RS-232C devices, both for input and 
for output, and have always found the interfacing to be 
quick and easy. Would that RS-232C communications 
could always be established so readily. 

The Z-100 also features a Centronics-compatible paral- 
lel port, making it a simple matter to connect the Z-100 
to any parallel-interface printer, plotter, or similar device. 

A light-pen port is available, but Zenith does not yet 
provide a light pen to go with it. 

Signals are available for both RGB and composite video 
monitors. You can drive both types of monitors at once, 
but both will show the same picture; you can't show one 
picture on one monitor and a different picture on the 
other. 

If you need more I/O (input/output) than this, you can 
always plug in an S-100 card to provide the number and 
type of ports you need. 

Software 

The Z-100 runs 8-bit CP/M and 16-bit MS-DOS-prob- 
ably the two most popular operating systems for today's 
personal computers. A powerful version of Microsoft 
BASIC is available for each operating system: MBASIC 
for CP/M, and ZBASIC for MS-DOS. 

ZBASIC is almost identical to BASICA, the most 
powerful version of BASIC available for the IBM PC. 
They seem to differ only in some of the graphics state- 
ments. ZBASIC offers greater resolution and more col- 
ors than BASICA, but BASICA offers several screen 
"pages," whereas ZBASIC offers only one. 

I prefer ZBASIC. With BASICA, you must decide at 
the outset whether you want a high-resolution, mono- 
chrome display, or a low-resolution, four-color display. 
With the Z-100, that decision is unnecessary. All text and 

4 Circle 291 on inquiry card. 



Compute and print 
client tax returns - j 
in minutes a 



1040 



u ^-msM E 



on your microcomputer with 

MICRO'TAX 




That's right, in just minutes you can have a 

client's completed tax return in your hand. 

Think about it . . .you increase client volume, you increase your profits. 

Plus, you save the cost of your computer service bureau— and you have 

complete client security. 

FEDERAL AND STATE PACKAGES TO MEET EVERY NEED. MICRO-TAX* 
offers four Federal tax packages and 25 state packages (fully integrated 
with the Level \\ Program), so you can select the programs that best meet 
your needs: 

Level I— Federal Individual Package: for individuals preparing their own taxes. 
Level II— Federal Professional Individual Package: for accountants, 
registered agents, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. 
Level III— Federal Partnership/Corporate Package: for those who pre- 
pare Federal Partnership, Corporate, and Subchapter S returns. 
Level IV— -Overseas Tax Package: addresses the unique tax situations 
of United States Expatriates. 

Levels II, 111, and IV have a depreciation module and automatically com- 
pute underpayment penalties and minimum tax. In addition, Levels II and 
III automatically compute self-employment taxes, and Level II computes 
income averaging. 

FLEXIBLE DATA ENTRY. With MICRO-TAX* you can organize data entry 
in a sequence similar to that of manual tax preparation, or you can 
choose another sequence. The 
menu driven system makes data 
entry simple. 

MULTIPLE PRINTING OP- 
TIONS. You can input client; tax 
information at the time of inter- 
view and produce forms imme- 
diately, or enter data during the 
day and baW print returns at 
night. MICRO-TAX* prints your 
returns on IRS forms, IRS ap- 
proved substitute forms, or 
with transparent overlays. 

TAXNET*— TELETEXT SUP- 
PORT NETWORK. MICRO-TAX* 
customers can now have access 
to an electronic mailbox and 
instantaneous memoboard 
through the TAXNET* 



teletext support network. With TAXNET,* you can send information, ask 
questions, get answers and updates— directly through your computer 
and a modem. 

TAX ORGANIZER. Now MICRO -TAX* offers a Tax Organizer. You get both 
the software and the forms, so each year, you can send your clients an 
organizer with the prior year's client data printed on it. 

HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY. MICRO-TAX* is compatible with your IBM 
PC/XT,* DEC Rainbow,* Radio Shack,* or any other personal computer 
with CP/M-80, * PC DOS,* or MS DOS* —from 
Apple* to Zenith.* 

So, take the tedium out of tax preparation— save time and money— 
Call Micro-Tax* for complete details, 
or call your local dealer. 



FULL FEDERAL 

MICRO-TAX* 

PERSONAL 

COMPUTER 

SYSTEMS 


1983FEDERAL FORMS AND SCHEDULES INCLUDED 


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Level II, Professional 
Individual S1000. 


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Level III, Partnership/ 
Corporate $1000. 




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Level IV, Overseas 

S2000. 


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• AH forms and schedules subject to tinal IRS changes for 1983lax year. 

• 25 Integrated state returns available • Orders taken for yearly update packages 

• Transparencies: Level I, S150; Levels II, III, IV, S250 each. 




'C/PM — Irademark of Digifal Research. 
Inc.; DEC Rainbow— trademark of Digital 
Equipment Corp.; MICRO-TAX and TAXNET 
—trademarks ol Microcomputer Taxsystems. 
Inc.; MS DOS — trademark of Microsoft 
Corp.; PC DOS. IBM PC. and IBM XT- 
trademarks of IBM; Apple — trademark of 
Apple Computers; Zenith— trademark of 
Heath Company and Zenith Radio Corp.; 
Radio Shack— irademark of Tandy Corp. 



MICRO-TAX* MICROCOMPUTER TAXSYSTEMS, INC. 

6203 Variel Avenue, Suite A Woodland Hills, CA 91367, Dept. 1 B Phone (213) 704-7800 

(Area code changes to (818), effective January 1984) 

Circle 253 on inquiry card. 




YOU CAN'T 

FIGHT STATIC 

SITTING DOWN. 

Static electricity exists everywhere in an office 
environment — it's not just confined to a few square 
feet around a CRT. And when you consider that some- 
one casually walking past a terminal can generate 
enough charges to trigger a major malfunction, 
it's clear that a small anti-static mat is hopelessly 
ineffective in protecting sensitive computers. 

The solution is Staticide® Unlike bulky mats, 
which can be unwelcome in a smartly-decorated 
office setting, Staticide provides an invisible barrier 
against static — a shield that remains in effect for up to 
six months with a single application. And while mats 
can cost hundreds, a quart of Staticide is only a few 
dollars. What's more, now you could wipe out static 
and dust attraction on CRT screens and keyboards 
with new Staticide® Wipes™ 

Staticide from ACL When 
you compare it against anti- 
static mats, the results will 
floor you. 




Staticide 

by ACL Incorporated 

^m 1 960 East Devon Ave. 
Mm Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 
mWm (312)981-9212,TELEX:4330251 

Circle 10 on inquiry card. 



Staticide 

^KJtes Static Ot.>cinctv .■ 





^ L~* ytmcoft - on wo ™*~ 



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We offer no static 
to our customers. 



graphics are displayed in high-resolution mode. There 
is no need to issue a SCREEN statement to configure 
the screen; you may PRINT, DRAW, PAINT, or create a 
LINE in any of eight colors at any time. 

With the exception of the graphics and certain 
parameters used in opening RS-232C ports, B ASICA and 
ZBASIC seem to be identical. Almost any program writ- 
ten in BASIC for the PC should run on the Z-100, with 
little or no modification. (Of course, if it uses PEEKS, 
POKES, CALLS, and USR functions, all bets are off.) 
Nonetheless, you cannot simply take a disk that has an 
IBM PC BASIC program, insert it into a Z-100, and run 
it. It won't work, and when you list the program, it won't 
look right. Why not? 

The answer has to do with the way each version of 
BASIC tokenizes a BASIC program. (A token is a byte 
used by the BASIC interpreter to represent a keyword. 
Tokenizing a BASIC program makes it take up much less 
space in memory or on disk.) A program in memory is 
always tokenized. 

When you save a program on disk, it is normally saved 
in tokenized form. But BASICA and ZBASIC use dif- 
ferent tokens to represent the same keywords. For ex- 
ample, BASICA might use the token $8A to represent 
the keyword PRINT, while ZBASIC might use the token 
$A2 to represent the same keyword. If you save a 
BASICA program in tokenized form and then load it in- 
to the Z-100, ZBASIC will interpret it as a different pro- 
gram. Every PRINT statement, for example, might be in- 
terpreted as a GOTO. No wonder the program won't run. 

Fortunately, there is a simple solution. To transfer an 
IBM PC program to the Z-100, first save it in ASCII 
(American National Standard Code for Information In- 
terchange) format. (A program saved in ASCII format 
has all keywords spelled out; they are not represented 
by tokens.) To save a program in ASCII format, use the 
optional argument [,A] like this: 

SAVE "PROGRAM.BAS",A 

Now you can take the disk over to a Z-100 and load the 
program. ZBASIC will interpret every PRINT statement 
as a PRINT statement and will correctly interpret all other 
keywords as well. Then if the program doesn't run im- 
mediately, it should be a relatively simple matter to 
modify it to make it run. 

What about applications programs? Some of the most 
popular applications for the IBM PC are already available 
for the Z-100: 1-2-3, Multiplan, Wordstar, and Peachtext 
5000, to name a few. And as new products are an- 
nounced for the PC, their developers often state the in- 
tention of bringing out a version for the Z-100. However, 
the Z-100 is not totally PC-compatible, so don't expect 
any arbitrary PC application to run on the Z-100 right 
out of the box. Some will, some won't. That's probably 
the most frustrating thing about the Z-100. 1 think it's a 
better machine than the PC, but sometimes I just wish 
it were a PC, so I wouldn't have to wonder about its abili- 
ty to run PC applications. 



PIECE 
OF 

MIND 

CompuPro's System 816. 
The fastest, most cooperative computer you can buy. 



OEMs and systems integrators are busy 
people. Too busy to waste time with an 
uncooperative computer system. 
That's why every System 816 from 
CompuPro is built to work long 
and hard without a whine or 
a whimper. 

More Dependable. 

With ten years of pioneering 
successes built into it. the 
System 816 is backed by the 
industry's longest warranty 
coverage. Depending on your 
needs, our warranties range from 
12 to 36 months. Most other 
computer manufacturers expect 
you to be satisfied with 90 days, 
which typically covers parts only. 

You can also depend on 
complete hardware and software 
support, flexible configurations and upgrades, and 
system training. 

More Powerful. 

The System 816 squeezes more performance out of the 
IEEE-696/S-100 bus than any other system you can buy. 
A choice of CPUs— and up to 4 Mbytes of our exclusive 
M-Drive/H™ RAM disk— give multiple workstations all 
the speed and power they can ask for. Standard RAM 
memory is expandable to one megabyte or more. 

Disk storage capacity ranges up to 4.8 Mbytes on 
floppy drives and as much as 320 Mbytes per controller 
on hard disk. 

CompuPro. 

A GODBOUT COMPANY 

3506 Breakwater Court, Hayward, CA 94545 

CP/M and CP/M-86 are registered trademarks and CP/M-68K. MP/M-86. Concurrent 
CP/M-86 and FORTRAN 77 are trademarks of Digital Research Inc. CP/M 8-16 and 
MP/M 8-16 are compound trademarks of Digital Research Inc. and CompuPro. 

For dealer locations, see page 389 




More Versatile. 

All family members share a common 
modular architecture. So it's a 
simple matter to upgrade or 
reconfigure any of them to keep 
up with your needs. All the while 
maintaining complete software 
compatibility up and down the line. 

And the S-100 bus allows you 
the flexibility to plug in any 
compatible board to add graphics 
capabilities or boards for your 
own unique applications. 

You also get your choice of 
operating environments, including 
CP/M® CP/M-86® Concurrent 
CP/M-86™. MP/M-86™ and 
CP/M-68K™, and our own 
CP/M®8-16™ and MP/M™8-16™. 
At the programming level, the 

System 816 family supports Pascal. C. FORTH, BASIC. 

COBOL, PL/1, FORTRAN 77 m and more. 

More Information. 

Your customers satisfaction is important to both of us, 
so don't get stuck with a system that's more of a 
hindrance than a help. Send in the coupon and find out 
what peace of mind is all about. 

For business, scientific and industrial computing 
solutions, call (415) 786-0909 ext. 506 for the location of 
our dealers worldwide, or the Full Service CompuPro 
System Center nearest you. 

CH Send me your free System 816 brochure. 

D Send me the name of my nearest Full Service 
CompuPro System Center or dealer: 

NAME 

TITLE 

ADDRESS 

CITY STATE ZIP 



Mail to: CompuPro. Attn: Sales Dept. 

3506 Breakwater Court. Hayward. CA 94545 

Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. 

System 816 front panel design shown is available from Full Service CompuPro 

System Centers only. ©1983C0MPUPR0 



Circle 83 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 277 



IT'S SIMPLE 

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<M 



Micro Management 
Systems, Inc. 

2803 Thomasville Road East 
Cairo, Georgia 31728 ,, 
(912) 377-7120 ft 1 



Documentation 

The documentation provided with the Z-100 is com- 
plete and easy to use. It is also voluminous. Printed on 
8V2- by 11-inch card stock and bound in a vinyl-clad 
3-ring binder, each manual outweighs a typical lap 
computer— and a complete system may well include 10 
manuals. (The Z-100 itself comes with a 278-page User's 
Manual and each software product comes with one or 
two volumes of ring-bound documentation.) If you get 
a Z-100 with two operating systems, two versions of 
BASIC, and Multiplan (a standard software bundle), 
you'll need a bookshelf just for your system's manuals. 
And a strong bookshelf, at that. 

The User's Manual includes many pictures identifying 
the parts of the system and step-by-step instructions 
showing the novice how to get the system up and run- 
ning. The CP/M guide is the best-organized book I have 
come across on how to use CP/M. Every manual features 
a table of contents and an index: both are complete and 
detailed. 

Technical Support 

When I needed information that I couldn't find in the 
manuals, I called Zenith's Software Consultation Group. 
Their performance was excellent. Even when my ques- 
tions were extremely technical, they managed to give me 
prompt and accurate answers. Their phone number is 
printed on the inside of each manual. (No, it's not an 
800 number— but the quality of support available at that 
number is worth far more than the price of the call. 
Without it, some of my most important applications 
would never have run on the Z-100.) 

Conclusions 

The Z-100 is a powerful and reliable system that runs 
both CP/M and MS-DOS. In many ways it is IBM PC- 
compatible, but it is not a PC clone and cannot run all 
PC software. On the other hand, its keyboard and graph- 
ics are clearly superior to the PC's. 

The Z-100 features sufficient I/O for most applications, 
and further I/O can be provided via its S-100 bus. Its 
documentation is excellent and backed up by profes- 
sional technical support. Quality control in the hard- 
ware, software, and documentation is superb. The sys- 
tem delivers exactly what you expect and offers no 
unpleasant surprises. 

How could it be improved? A diamond-shaped cur- 
sor pad would help. So would the ability for CP/M-85 
to read and write a variety of 5 Vi -inch disk formats. And 
although Z-DOS has a utility that can read CP/M files, 
it can't write them. So I'd like to see a Z-DOS utility that 
can copy Z-DOS data and text files to CP/M disks. 

The bottom line? If you want a well-designed, well- 
built, well-documented system that runs the best of 

8-bit and 16-bit worlds, consider the Zenith Z-100. ■ 

Ken Skier (28 Fairlawn Lane, Lexington, MA 02173) is an author and soft- 
ware developer whose credits include the Skiwriter word pmcessor, nozo 
distributed with the Epson Notebook computer. 



278 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 246 on inquiry card. 



THE MOST OUTSTANDING MULTIPROCESSOR, MULTIUSER ORCHESTRA. 



PERFORMING ARTS 
of COMPUTER SCIENCE 




We are the 
Performance Leader. 

Our Duet Product (MCM* 80 and DCM*80), installed in 
thousands of multi-processor multi-user systems as well 
as in single user systems worldwide, certifies our field- 
proven performance. Our state-of-the-art products, first 
and best, have been soundly accepted by the various in- 
stitutes, from the government to the universities, and 
utilized by the various applications, from office auto- 
mation to control automation. Our product superiority 
is recognized for the following reasons. 

Identical Master/ Slave SBC (Single 

Board Computer) architecture results in a prime 
advantage, never letting the entire system down. Not 
only that, the master/slave status is programmable, so 
it is truly possible to build redundancy in a 
multiprocessor system. 

Unlimited Expandability differentiates our pro- 
ducts from other multiproces- 
sor based systems 
which are bound 
to the networking 
limitation. Our 
TURBODOS im- 
plementation on- 
multiple net- 
works, which 
connect multiple 
multiprocessor 
systems, matches 
the capacity of a 
mainframe, thus surpassing the mini computers. 

Low Cost Local Area Networking has 

always been a subject but never a solution. Our ap- 
proach to the LAN of SBCs, with integrated LAN con- 

CP/M is a trademark of Digital Research, Inc. 
TURBODOS is a trademark of Software 2000, Inc. 




g. I SW3J.SAS or • 

trol thru the high speed and reliable IPC (Inter- 
Processor Channel), provides an ultimate low cost solu- 
tion for each computing station in a network. 

Superior S-100 board Products are the key 

to superior system products. We now provide two pro- 
minent single board computers: MCM*80, based on 
Z80 (4 MHz, 6 MHz, or 8 MHz) processor family, and 
MCM*186 based on 80186 (8 MHz) processor. There 
are two disk controller products, DCM*80 and 
DCM*80 II. DCM*80 is the first disk controller to in- 
tegrate the floppy disk 
controller and the SASI ' 
(ANSI SCSI) hard disk 
host adapter in one 
board. DCM*80 II is 
DCM*80 plus 8K ': - 
Track Buffer with on- 
board DMA for 
high performance. 

Our RAM* 80 is the first memory board 
which has quad-mode capability. It works 
not only as an 8-bit and 16-bit memory 
board, but also as a memory disk board. 
LINK* 80 is an intelligent I/O board designed 
for high performance foreground processing 
capability with on board processor (Z80 A) 
I | and memory buffer. 

• JC SYSTEM 




469 Valley Way 



= =r= _ Milpitas, CA 95035 

E ■ 408/945-0318 TWX 910-381-7041 

JC Systems products are available worldwide thru 60 dealer bases 
which are growing continually. All of our products are serviced 
factory-direct or by our dealers. We maintain highly confident 
technical support, both in the hardware and software products, 
CP/M and TURBODOS. 

Circle 197 on inquiry card 



INTRODUCING A SPINWRITER 

FOR EVERYONE WHO THOUGHT 

THEY C0ULDN1 AFFORD A 

SPINWRITER. 




Spinwriter 2000 gives 
you famous Spinwriter 
features, quality and 
reliability for a new 
low price. 




The newest 
Spinwriter prints at 
200 words per minute. 

Spinwriter is the 
letter-quality printer 

Our new preferred by more PC 

Spinwriter® 2000 owners. 

retails for only $1095 . The Spinwriter name is one 

And prints at 200 words per of the legends of the 

minute. computer industry. 

Even though the That's why NEC 

Spinwriter 2000 Series costs Information Systems is 

less, they are nothing less the number one supplier 

than true Spinwriters. The of letter-quality printers 

2000 offers the same su~ to PC users, 
perior quality and reliability In fact many famous 




personal computer 
makers recommend 



as the rest of the family. 

So if low- volume, letter- 
quality printing is what you the Spinwriter, not 
need, the Spinwriter 2000 is only for letter-quality 
letter-perfect for you. And printing, but because 




your budget. 



Now, for about the same price as 
an ordinary printer, you can have 
a letter-quality Spinwriter. 



it can bring out the 
full capabilities of 
their system. 

SPINWRITER IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARKOF NEC CORPORATION 




Spinwriter has capa- 
bilities you can't get on 
other printers. 

Spinwriter's unique 
"thimble" print head gives 
you impeccable printing. 
You can choose 
from over 60 
different 




Our unique "thimble" print head holds up 
to 128 characters, enough for any special 
need. 

type faces with up to 128 
characters. And even have 
two type faces, or scientific 
and arithmetic symbols on 
the same thimble. 

The 2000 also lets you 
change forms handlers 
quickly and easily. Seven 
NEC-built forms 
handlers give a 



custom look to all of your 
forms-oriented applications. 
Which means you can shift 
from word processing to 
billing, shipping or inven- 
tory control in moments. 

Want to send an original 
letter to a few hundred cus- 
tomers? Our sheetf eeder 
mechanism handles 
printing on your 
letterhead and 
second page or 
envelope. 

Other Spinwriter 
advantages include 
continuous forms 
handlers that take 
paper up to 16 inches 
wide, variable size 
forms and multi-part 
forms. 

Every Spinwriter is 
built to work as hard as 
you do. 

Spinwriters have long been 
known for their reliability. 
Five years without a failure 
is not unusual. Which is 
twice as good as any other 
printer. 

That's not to say that 
someday you won't need a 
little service. Not 
only will you find it 
nearby, you'll find 
it fast. NEC-trained 
experts can repair 




The 2000 plugs 
directly into your 
PC's printer port. 






Now offices with 

limited budgets 

don't have to 

settle for less 

of a printer. 




a Spinwriter in less than 
20 minutes. 

For the Spinwriter dis- 
tributor nearest you, call 
1-800-343-4418 (in 
Massachusetts call 
617-264-8635). And find out 
why more and more PC 
users are saying "NEC 
and me." 




NEC Information 
Systems, Inc. 

1414 Massachusetts Ave. 
Boxborough, MA 01719 

Circle 265 on inquiry card. 




Software Review 



Pinball Construction Set 

Build your own pinball game on 
an Apple II, Atari 400/800/1200, or Commodore 64 

by Elaine Holden 




Photo 1: The title picture for the Pinball Construction Set. This is an example of the type of graphics a player can create. Note that this 
software was originally published by Budge Company but is now also available from Electronic Arts. 



282 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




Photo 2: Astro Blast, one of the demo games that come with the 
system and are ready to play. 



<* <t> 



v^ 



VV.** 



| (Jp * ^ 

1 q 

|Mrfhfr«1<| 
•♦♦*-- m ID- 



Photo 3: A pinball game being constructed. Note the menu of game 
parts on the right half of the screen and the column of icons along 
the right edge of the screen. 



Attention, pinball wizards! As you well know, those 
big arcade machines with flashing lights and ringing 
bells have long been a fascination to those of us wishing 
to exhibit skill, dexterity, and some evidence of a mis- 
spent childhood. Now, thanks to the Pinball Construc- 
tion Set from Electronic Arts (photo 1), not only can you 
play pinball in the comfort of your own home, you can 
also design your own pinball game. Other pinball-simu- 
lation games have been available for some time now, but 
this is one of the first games that lets you build other 
games. 

If you need a game fix immediately after purchase, you 
can just boot the disk and play one of the five demonstra- 
tion pinball games available (see photo 2). They are set 
up for as many as four players, so you can play alone 
or with friends. After this initial introduction, and once 
rational thinking has returned, you can reach for the 
user's guide and discover how much more exciting this 
construction set can be. 

Building a Dream Game 

One of my fantasies as a pinball player has always been 
to build my own game— one to suit my mood. At times 
I want the toughest challenge going, but once in a while 
I like a real pushover, and sometimes I even like an 
honest game. The variety of my requirements is endless, 
but, until now, the variety of available pinball games was 
not. 

With the Pinball Construction Set, I can make any 
game I want, save all my quarters, and exercise my 
creativity at the same time. This game enables a com- 
plete novice to put together a worthwhile beginning 
game, gain experience, and later devise a devilishly 
tough, highly competitive game. 

Just as in any construction kit, all parts are provided. 
Each piece of the pinball game is represented by a pic- 
ture. These pieces can be placed anywhere on the empty 
pinball board (photo 3). All parts are activated and 
dragged onto the board by a movable hand symbol. This 



symbol, as well as everything else in the game, is con- 
trolled by the joystick. 

The Hand is one of a number of icons (pictures) that 
represent the various functions the program can per- 
form. For example, you work with an icon that looks like 
a disk to save or load a game. These icons make it easy 
for a beginner to use the program. 

If you want a different shape for a game board, the 
Arrow, Scissors, and Hammer icons can create and 
change solid shapes. These are very powerful commands 
because you can change not only basic shapes within 
the game's parameters but also the actual shape of the 
board. (Traditional arcade pinball games, of course, do 
not offer this option, and I've become bored with the 
same rectangular shape.) My favorite game creation so 
far has a pentagonal shape with lots of bumpers and few 
flippers. 

Lest you imagine that the various shapes and games 
must remain the same color, take heart. A Paintbrush 
icon instantly changes the color of the game border or 
the shapes within. (For small shapes there is even a 
Magnifier icon). If you have a particularly nasty streak, 
when constructing a game for friends, you can paint over 
a bumper or other pinball part. It will still be there, you 
understand, it just won't be visible. To carry this trick 
one step further, you can paint in what looks like a 
bumper or paddle, and when the ball falls through the 
fake part, watch your opponent's face drop. 

I also enjoyed personalizing my game with fancy 
decorations and a nifty title. For this I used the Magnifier 
icon (photo 4). It takes a little time and patience to perfect 
this icon's uses. Seeing a part of the screen magnified 
seven times its usual size takes some getting used to. 
Persistence is rewarded, however, by some really fine 
designs and lettering. 

I had everything I needed for the perfect pinball game 
at this point— or so I thought. Then I turned the page 
of my manual and found the World icon. This feature 
gives four scales which change the conditions of the ball. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 283 



Gravity determines the weight of the ball; Speed governs 
how fast the ball moves; Kick is the strength of the 
bumpers; and Elasticity reflects how much bounce is 
wanted in the game. 

The last icon worthy of note is the And gate. An And 
gate in computer science is a switch arrangement that 
permits an electrical flow only if all switches in the gate 
are on. The And gate in the Pinball Construction Set, 
functioning along the same principle, lets you record a 
bonus only if all the targets you have hooked together 
have been hit and turned on. Pretty fancy stuff. This icon 
also lets you change score values and sound. You can 
even have the beloved sounds of bells and whistles right 
at home. 

Something for Everyone 

I found this to be an incredibly complete kit. Bill 
Budge, the creator of this package, has a marvelous sense 
of programming. From the standpoint of an instructor 
of computer programming, I can only say, "Wow! I wish 
I wrote that." From the basic concept to the refined 
details, this is indeed a classy game. 

The crowning feature of the Pinball Construction Set 
is its simplicity. A novice or young child can play a demo 
game to learn pinball basics. Nevertheless, for adult or 
child, it needn't remain just a game. Players can exer- 
cise creativity with color, shape, sound, relativity of 
weight and speed, and detail, all with this one program. 
As expertise increases so does the quality of the games 
created. Moving at the individual's pace, this non- 



At a Glance 

Name 

Pinball Construction Set 

Type 

Software to play and/or construct a variety of pinball 
simulation games 

Publisher 

Electronic Arts 
2755 Campus Dr. 
San Mateo, CA 94403 
(415) 571-7171 

Price 

S40 



Atari 400/800/1200 or 



Format 

5/4 -inch floppy disk in Apple 
Commodore 64 formats 

Documentation 

13-page users guide 



Computer Needed 

Apple II. Atari 400/800/1200, or Commodore 64; joystick 
required 

Audience 

Ages 10 and up: pinball lovers, game players, creative people, 
and teachers of gifted and talented children 





'■'•ranf-ftf 



Photo 4: An example of how the Magnifier icon is used. The figure 
on the right is a seven-times magnification of the apple in the upper- 
right comer of the game board. 



threatening program records work done and provides 
for easy correction and alteration. 

Despite this simplicity, sophisticated adult players will 
also be impressed with the game. It can be difficult 
enough for even the most advanced player because of 
the challenge and endless variety of modifications, 
refinements, and degrees of difficulty available. I predict 
that this program will be a continuing favorite in many 
personal game libraries. 

I should note that you can also use this program to 
make gifts for gaming friends. Pinball games of your own 
creation can be put on blank disks and given away. You 
can design each game with the recipient in mind, and 
since up to 128 parts can be on the board at once, hard- 
core pinball players should remain fascinated for a long 
time. 

Conclusions 

It's really hard to find anything wrong with this game. 
The concept is well designed and executed. The instruc- 
tions needed to begin the game are minimal, and game 
playing is immediate and, in the case of novices, instruc- 
tional. Experienced players can gain valuable tips from 
the more difficult samples such as DEM04 and DEM05 
(which illustrate some common obstacles such as a cor- 
ner of the game where a ball could get stuck). 

Creativity is encouraged. At the same time, players are 
not threatened or intimidated by either the screen 
display or the user's guide. Rather, they are gently en- 
couraged and aided. This is valuable for children and 
inexperienced players and computer users. 

I certainly feel that the Pinball Construction Set is 
valuable both as a learning and creating tool and as a 
truly entertaining game.B 



Elaine Holden is the supervisor of reading and language arts for the Mer- 
rimack, New Hampshire, School District. She can be reached at 22 Elm Street, 
Peterborough, NH 03458. 



284 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 321 on inquiry card. 



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DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY 
ON AWORKSTATION 
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM. 



As you conduct your search for the ideal data 
acquisition system, we think you'll find a number of 
capable systems, all from fine makers. 

But we also think you'll find this: there is really 
only one system likely to meet, and perhaps exceed, 
your own personal standards for accuracy, flexibility, 
performance and power. And do so for a bottom line 
investment that is truly easy to justify. 

That system is the Keithley DAS Series 500 for the 
IBM PC and Apple II families of microcomputers. 

To begin with, even a basic Series 500 configura- 
tion, like the one shown in the chart, comes out of its 
carton with enough power and capacity for most lab 
and test bench applications. So you needn't trade up 
to more expensive options to get basic capabilities. 

And because the Series 500 is completely modular, 
you can start out with just the capacity you need. 
Then choose from our comprehensive library of plug- 
in function cards to instantly reconfigure your system 
for the most demanding applications -with up to 
272 channels of discrete analog input, 50 channels of 
analog output, 160 channels of digital I/O, and AC/DC 
device control. With direct transducer connection 
and signal conditioning for each individual channel. 

It's also the only system equipped with Sof t500, 
the integrated measurement and control software 
that proves once and for all that easy doesn't have to 
mean simple. 

Sof t500 gives first time users the accessibility and 
friendliness they need to get excellent results the first 
time out. Yet it also provides experienced users with 
the depth and extended facilities needed for complex 
applications. Including unique features such as 
foreground/background architecture, powerful screen 
graphics and statistical analyses. Plus, automatic con- 
version of binary data to familiar engineering units. 

In all, you'JJ find the features you need to make the 
Series 500 increasingly productive through years of 
new and more demanding applications. 



1 KciJhlcv 

DAS 

Series 500 


ISAAC 
91A 


ISAAC 

2000 


MACSYM 

200 


HP 

3497A 


System Base 


$4300H) 


S3950 


S4100 


$3660 


S2990 


Analog Input 


16 Channels 


Yes 


Yes 


+ S850 


+ $362(2) 


+ $2104(3) 


Instrumentation Amplifier 


Yes 


+ $700 


+ $700 


Yes 


Yes 


±0.035% Absolute 
System Accuracy 


Yes 


+ SI 100W 


+ $1100(4) 


No 


Yes(5) 


30 kHz Sampling 


Yes® 


No 


Yes(7) 


Yes 


No 


High Speed 
Programablc Ranges 


Yes 


No 


No 


Yes 


No 


Other I/O 


5 12-Bit Voltage Outputs 


Yes 


+ $187(») 


+ $937(9) 


+ $937W 


+ $2500dO) 


16 Digital Inputs 


Yes 


Yes 


+ $175(ii) 


+ $330 


+ $530 


16 Digital Outputs 


Yes 


Yes 


+ $175(H) 


+ $350 


+ S710 


4 120V AC Outputs 


Yes 


No 


No 


+ $638d2) 


+ $265(13) 


Programable Timers 


Yes 


Yes 


Yes 


Yes 


+ $555 


Realtime Clock 


Yes 


Yes 


No 


Yes 


Yes 


Power Supply 


Yes 


+$350 


Yes 


Yes 


Yes 


Software System 


Data Acquisition BASIC 


Yes 


Yes 


Yes 


Yes 


No 


Foreground/Background 


Yes 


No 


YesU4) 


Yesd4) 


No 


Data Analysis 


Yes 


No 


No 


No 


No 


Realtime Graphing 


Yes 


Yes 


Yes 


Yes 


No 


Engineering Units 


Yes 


No 


No 


No 


No 


Package Price 


$4300 


$6287 


$8037 


$6277 


$9654 



I, System 520. 2. 16 channeisof$725 32 channel card. 3. $1640 A/D card plusl6channelsofS580 20 channel 
card. 4. ±0.003%accuracy(u 200Hz. 5. ± 0.006% accuracy (a 40Hz. 6. Applesystem27kHz,IBAl 
system 31.4kHz. 7. 200kHz option available +$3825. 8. I channel from $750 4 channel card. 9. 5channels 
from$7504channelcard. 10. 5 channels from $1000 2 channel card. 11. 16 channels of$350 32 channel 
card. 12. Pricebased on 16 channel rack (f $550 plus 4 ACoutput relays (u $22. 13. Four channelsof $525 
8channelcard. 14. Or other multi-taskingstructure. 



Naturally, we'd like to suggest the Series 500 as the 
wisest choice in workstation data acquisition. But we 
also believe that as you compare and examine the 
facts, the Series 500 will eventually suggest itself. 

For complete information on the Keithley DAS 
Series 500 workstation data acquisition system, call 
us toll-free at 1-800-552-1115. In Massachusetts call 
(617) 423-7691. Or write to us at Keithley DAS, 
349 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. 



SERES 500 




> t _ -;.-:;.;- ^ _ ^ 



A ]OINTVENTURE IN WORKSTATION DATA ACQUISITION 



Information contained in the comparison chart is correct to the best of our knowledge as of October 1. 1983; however, Keithley DAS assumes no liability for its accuracy. IBM PC is a registered 
trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Apple 1 1 is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. ISAAC is a registered trademark of Cyborg Corporation. MACSYM is a 
registered trademark of Analog Devices, Inc. HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard, Inc. © 1983 by Keithley DAS, Boston, Massachusetts 



Circle 123 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 287 



Hardware Review 



The TRS-80 Model 16B with Xenix 



by Steve Barry and Randy Jacobson 



The Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 16B is surprising in 
at least two ways: first, it appeared later than the com- 
pany's announcements would have indicated, and sec- 
ond, it has an industry-standard multiuser operating sys- 
tem—Microsoft's Xenix, a derivative of Bell Laboratories' 
Unix version 7. The Model 16B's Xenix capability is re- 
markable in that it represents the first use of an outside 
supplier's operating system in Radio Shack's history. This 
event is of even more interest because Xenix is to be sup- 
plied for several other popular microcomputers. 

In this review we'll first present an overview of the 
16B's hardware and capabilities, and, because the hard- 
ware's effectiveness depends on its ability to run Xenix, 
we'll also cover that operating system's major features. 

The TRS-80 Model 16B is a blend of the old and the 
new. It is based on a dual-processor architecture 
(Motorola 68000 and Zilog Z80), and it runs as either a 
single-user or a multiuser computer. The machine is par- 
ticularly significant because it has most of the hardware 
features available on other machines in the $5000 to 
$16,000 price bracket, and it has the support of an in- 
dustry powerhouse behind it. Although not innovative 
in concept, the 16B is more than just a solid high-end 
engine for Radio Shack's software. The computer per- 
forms well for its class of machine and is likely to be a 
major focus of software houses trying to take advantage 
of Radio Shack's marketing clout and Xenix program 
portability. The 16B is compatible with an extensive line 
of Radio Shack peripheral hardware, and there is also 



a strong indication that the Model 16B will be a central 
element in Radio Shack's announced but unmarketed 
local-area-network (LAN) strategy. Indeed, with its LAN- 
capability option, the system could become the backbone 
of an expandable, low-cost, office-wide, multimodel, 
shared-computer resource. 



Background 

Starting about a year ago, rumors of Radio Shack's new 
high-end machine piqued the curiosity of many enthu- 
siasts. The computer was supposed to be a powerful yet 
inexpensive multiuser machine that employed a pro- 
prietary operating system said to be incompatible with 
the software available on widely distributed multiuser 
operating systems such as MP/M. When the machine 
failed to materialize, rumors said its delay was due to 
myriad hardware and software problems. 

In spite of its uncertain beginnings, the Radio Shack 
TRS-80 Model 16B has hit that all important and all too 
narrow marketing "window," defined by public accep- 
tance of a combination of price, performance, and fea- 
tures. Once such a window is filled by a few machines, 
other manufacturers find it difficult to penetrate the 
market. The target market for this machine is the small 
business that requires a one-source supplier of multiuser 
turnkey hardware, software, and service for core 
business applications. However, the 16B can also serve 
as a small Unix and Xenix development environment. 




Photo 1: The TRS-80 Model 16B standard system. 

288 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Photo 2: The 86-key detachable keyboard of the 16B. 



System Summary 

The Model 16B (photo 1) runs a large library of single- 
user software. Moreover, it has multiuser capabilities, 
and significant multiuser software has become available 
early in the machine's life (see the At a Glance box). 

A minimum three-user system consists of the console 
with 384K bytes of memory, one 1.25-megabyte 8-inch 
floppy-disk drive, an 11.6-megabyte hard-disk drive, two 
user terminals, a printer, and software. The system con- 
sole has a detached 86-key keyboard (photo 2). The key- 
tops are textured to avoid glare. The standard alphabet, 
number, and symbol keys and the numeric keypad keys 
are black with white legends. Other keys— including 
Shift, Tab, Break, Backspace, eight function keys, and 
the cursor keys— are white with black legends. A bump 
is placed on the numeric pad's 5 key to aid manual orien- 
tation for touch-typing. Cursor keys are arranged 
(awkwardly, in our opinion) in a vertical column on the 
left border of the numeric pad. Key tops are slightly 
longer vertically than horizontally and have dual-spring 
action so that the touch is heavier at the bottom of the 
key travel, but there is no other auditory or tactile feed- 
back for key-switch closure. We felt that the keyboard 
touch was vague, and this prevented rapid typing dur- 
ing our limited use of the machine. Function keys sur- 
round the upper and right side of the numeric keypad. 
Control keys (such as Return, Tab, Enter, and Shift) that 
are either the same size or even larger at the base than 
the character keys have the same raised striking area as 
an alphanumeric key. Two important symbols for Unix 
users and programmers can be produced only by press- 
ing Control and another key simultaneously. These sym- 
bols are | (for the pipe feature) and \ , used primarily 
in C-language programming. 

The system is housed in a large but attractive integrated 
enclosure containing a seven-slot system card cage, the 
floppy-disk drive, the console video display (a 12-inch- 

Editor's Note: Since this article was written, Radio Shack has announced 
a new standard configuration for the Model 16B: a 256K-byte system with 
one 8-inch floppy-disk drive and a built-in 15-megabyte hard-disk drive for 
$6999. 




Photo 3: The Model 16B's card cage. 



At a Glance 

Name 

TRS-80 Model 16B Computer 

Manufacturer 

Radio Shack Division 
Tandy Corporation 
1300 One Tandy Center 
Fort Worth, TX 76102 

Size 

14 by 21/4 by 23/2 inches 

Weight 

Approximately 50 pounds 



Components 

Processors: 

Memory: 



Display: 

Keyboard: 
Data Storage: 

Expansion: 



Motorola 68000 running at 6 MHz, Z80A running 
at 4 MHz 

Z80A with 64K bytes; M68000 with 256K bytes 
minimum, 768K bytes maximum (128K-byte 
memory-expansion board is S699, 128K-byte add- 
on-chip kit is S299) 

24 lines by 80 columns, green phosphor, 
brightness and contrast controls, upper- and 
lowercase characters, 32 symbol graphics 
characters 

Detached 86-key stepped keyboard with 6-foot 
coiled cord; keytops are textured to avoid glare 
One 8-inch double-sided double-density 
1/4 -megabyte floppy-disk drive installed in the 
console 

Seven-slot card cage; three slots are free in a 512K- 
byte system with a 12-megabyte hard-disk drive 



Operating Systems 

TRSDOS-ll/16 (single user), TRSDOS-12 (single user), TRS-Xenix 
(multiuser) 

Documentation 

TRS-80 Model I6B Operator's Manual, 100 pages; TRSDOS-II 
Reference Manual, 326 pages; TRS-Xenix Operations Guide, 161 
pages; TRS-80 Model I6B Owner's Manual (actually the 
TRSDOS-16 Operating System Manual), 256 pages; Twelve- 
megabyte Hard Disk Owner's Manual, 50 pages; BASIC Reference 
Manual (TRSDOS with BASIC interpreter), 235 pages; 
Assembler-16 Manual, 353 pages 

Software Available 

TRS-Xenix multiuser software: General Ledger ($599); Payroll 
(S699); Accounts Receivable ($599); Accounts Payable (S599); 
Order Entry/Inventory Control System ($599); Sales Analysis 
($399); Job Costing ($199); Multiplan spreadsheet ($349); 
COBOL Development System ($699); BASIC interpreter (S299); 
and TRS-Xenix Development System with C language, electronic 
mail, text processing, and Xenix utilities and Assembler-16 ($750). 
The Model 16B also uses Model II and Model 12 software in the 
Model II compatibility mode (single user) 

Optional Features 

Second internal 8-inch floppy-disk drive ($ 799); one ($ 1299) or 
two ($2098) external floppy-disk drives; 11.6-megabyte primary 
hard-disk drive ($3495); 12-megabyte secondary hard-disk drives 
(three maximum, $2495 each); graphics video adapter board 
(monochrome 640- by 240-pixel resolution, $499); DT-1 data 
terminals (two maximum, $699 each) 

Prices 

256K bytes, one floppy-disk drive: $4999 

256K bytes, two floppy-disk drives: $5798 

384K bytes, one floppy-disk drive, one 11.6-megabyte hard-disk 

drive: $9995 
512K bytes, one floppy-disk drive, one 11.6-megabyte hard-disk 

drive (minimum recommended Xenix configuration): $10,294 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 289 



diagonal green-phosphor tube without antireflection 
treatment), the Motorola 68000 processor board, a mem- 
ory board, and the hard-disk interface. This configura- 
tion costs in the neighborhood of $16,000, complete with 
a top-of-the-line Radio Shack letter-quality printer and 
a complement of multiuser accounting and core busi- 
ness-applications programs. Moderate-resolution (640- 
by 240-pixel) monochrome-video-graphics hardware is 
an option for the console terminal but is not yet sup- 
ported by Xenix software. 

Software 

The optional single-user software library includes all 
TRS-80 Model II and 12 programs (nearly 50 from Radio 
Shack), each targeted at a broad base of business and 
professional users. The optional multiuser software 
library is, at this writing, confined to program-develop- 
ment software (available at additional cost; see At a 
Glance), "big four" accounting packages (General 
Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll), 
and Microsoft's Multiplan advanced spreadsheet. Other 
software includes an order-entry/inventory-control 
system, sales analysis, and small-contractor job-costing 
programs. COBOL and BASIC languages are sold sepa- 
rately, as is the TRS-Xenix development system, which 
includes many utilities, the C language, Unix-style com- 
munications, Unix-style text processing (not word pro- 
cessing in the usual sense), and Unix's basic electronic- 
mail facilities. 

Hardware 

The TRS-80 Model 16B has two serial RS-232C ports, 
a parallel printer port, and a space on the connector 
panel reserved for the Datapoint/Radio Shack Arcnet 
LAN interface. In its current configuration, then, the sys- 
tem can handle only three users: two working on dumb 
terminals, such as Radio Shack's model DTI, and a third 
working on the system console. The system card cage 
has space for seven cards. The maximum RAM (random- 
access read/write memory) allowable currently is 768K 
bytes, which is obtained using the M68000 micropro- 
cessor's on-board memory and two 256K-byte cards. The 
64K bytes of Z80 memory are on a separate card below 
the card cage (photo 3) in the base of the system unit. 
The M68000 memory cards are connected to the pro- 
cessor board by two card-edge ribbon cables in a bus con- • 
figuration, in addition to their interface to the mother- 
board. One card slot is used for the hard-disk interface, 
and another is used for the console terminal electronics. 
Two slots are unused in the configuration we tested. Re- 
cent rumors suggest that Radio Shack is planning to an- 
nounce a six-port terminal multiplexer board, along with 
a 15-megabyte hard-disk drive. The multiplexer and an 
Arcnet board would fill the card cage and, according to 
our system-performance evaluations, provide enough in- 
terfaces to cause severe response delays for a full load 
of users. It is possible that this machine could support 
only two to four users in a program-development en- 
vironment, if our previous experience with similar hard- 



ware applies to this machine. In fact, with only 384K 
bytes of memory (one advertised "complete" configura- 
tion), Xenix may even be noticeably slow with three 
users. However, the three-user configuration with 512K 
or 784K bytes of memory is clearly supported and seems 
to make the most sense in terms of the speed of the oper- 
ating system and the memory-segmentation scheme that 
is implemented. 

Local-Area Networking 

For larger groups of users, the Arcnet board might be 
used to interconnect clusters of three users per Model 
16B (i.e., a distributed-star network). As a user, you 
would have access to the 16B to which your terminal is 
connected and would also have read and/or write access 
to programs and data for which you have authorization 
on other 16Bs connected to the network. Typically, in 
other Unix systems (although there is no official indica- 
tion that Radio Shack will go this way), networking 
means you run a program at your terminal that lets you 
log onto the desired remote system via the physical net- 
work facilities. You may then do work on the remote sys- 
tem or transport programs and data back to the system 
to which your terminal is directly connected. You must 
have a user account on each networked Unix system that 
you want to use. Thus, you may have several accounts 
on several different machines in the office, and it is pos- 
sible that none of the accounts would have all of the up- 
to-date information you desire to use in a particular work 
session. This network architecture itself promotes redun- 
dant storage of data on several systems. The software for 
this type of network access is standard Unix fare: uucp 
is the Unix-to-Unix copy program (used for file trans- 
port and intersystem mail), and cu is the call-Unix pro- 
gram (used to establish a logical user connection over 
a preexisting physical connection between systems). The 
cu program lets you log onto the desired system as 
though your terminal were directly connected to that sys- 
tem. The cu program also allows file transport back to 
your actual host system. Xenix appears to have the stan- 
dard Unix networking described above. This is good, but 
things can get much better. 

In contrast, consider two alternative network architec- 
tures. The first (and by far the nicest to work on) is the 
virtual system. In this system, you would typically have 
your own powerful personal computer (e.g., a 16B) in- 
terconnected with other users' 16Bs by a local-area net- 
work (e.g., Arcnet). A program called the Network 
Manager would run on each active system as an invis- 
ible background task. All requests for files (i.e., programs, 
data, or directories) that cannot be satisfied on your sys- 
tem are referred to the Network Manager. The Network 
Manager then queries all other active systems on the net- 
work for the desired item and transports the item to your 
computer for execution, if that item is a program. If the 
item is not a program, an access link is created via the 
network, if you have the correct authorization . You never 
see all of this activity: you either get access to the file 
or receive an error message describing why access was 



290 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



denied (file not found, file found on another file system 
to which access was not granted, etc.). This type of net- 
work reduces data redundancy and, more important, 
provides you with a transparent network-wide access in- 
terface. The Model 16B could be hooked up to this type 
of network if Radio Shack, Datapoint, or Microsoft 
creates the right network software. 

In the second alternative, the 16B's Arcnet hardware 
could be used in a simple star network where a central 
network "server" consists (usually) of a central processor 
and disk system. Each user workstation would be a 
Model 16B computer having either no mass-storage sys- 
tem or only a floppy-disk drive. The central server is 
used for all fast bulk storage and may also be used to 
route data from one user's workstation or file system to 
that of another user. It is easy to make this sort of net- 
work operate like a virtual system, but such a network 
is usually slower and is vulnerable to faults in the server. 
Program execution on each of the workstations might 
also be slower due to the need to retrieve program or 
data segments from the central server's disk. The advan- 
tages of this type of local-area network are that it is low 
in cost, it can minimize data storage redundancy, it pro- 
vides a single integrated and coordinated file system, 
and, finally, it has relatively good compute performance 
for processes that are entirely memory resident. What- 
ever Radio Shack decides to do with the LAN facilities 
it has in store for us, you can bet that it will be pro- 
prietary and will promote the sale of other Radio Shack 
computer products. 

Xenix on the Model 16B 

The Xenix implementation on the 16B is an enhance- 
ment of Unix version 7 with the addition of several ex- 
tensions from the University of California, Berkeley, and 
from Unix System III. (For more information on the Unix 
operating system, see David Fiedler's three-part article, 
"The Unix Tutorial," appearing in the August, 
September, and October 1983 BYTEs. See also the several 
theme articles in the October 1983 issue on Unix.) The 
system comes in two pieces. The basic multiuser Xenix 
operating system and a pretty good collection of utilities 
comes with the purchase of a Model 16B. The Xenix De- 
velopment System adds numerous utilities and C, the 
language in which Unix is written. C is being touted in 
the industry as the only way to write truly portable fast- 
executing code. Let it be known, however, that not all 
versions of C are created equal. Unfortunately, despite 
a clear definition of what C is and what it's supposed 
to do by Kernighan and Ritchie in The C Programming 
Language (reference 1), several nonstandard C compilers 
are available on the market today. Worse, some compilers 
have subtle differences in their implementations that 
hinder true portability— code that runs well in some en- 
vironments gets sick in others. The TRS-Microsoft im- 
plementation appears to be reliable and standard. The 
Xenix Development System adds many useful utilities 
and commands including the Unix electronic-mail facil- 
ities and Unix communications. Xenix is, in comparison 



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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 291 



How a 

fireman 

and a 

broken 

kg 

made 

software 

simple. 




^W^ hat does a fireman know 
about designing software? 
Nothing. Usually. 

Meet Dennis Jarvis, a firefighter from 
Southern California. About five years ago he 
broke his leg in a fire-related accident and was 
confined to the house for about six months. To 
keep him occupied, Dennis' wife bought him a 
computer. 

Dennis had never used a computer before. 
But he proved to be a natural. 

Dennis was soon writing his own programs. 
And Basic Accounting from Firefighter was 
born . 

It was brilliant. 

And so simple, you don't have to know 
anything about accounting theory to use it. 

But don't get the wrong idea. Just because it's 
simple, doesn't mean it's not smart, too. 

Basic Accounting from Firefighter has so many 
more features and capabilities than the best sell- 
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them in this ad. You'll just have to ask your 
dealer to show you. 

Dennis? He returned to the Fire Department 
soon after his leg healed, but remains the 
spearhead of Firefighter Software. 

In fact, in his never-ending efforts to make 
Firefighter the most personal, most supported 
software, Dennis has set up a telephone hotline 
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Firefighter remains superior, always simpler yet 
smarter. 

Hotline: 1-800-641-0814 
California Hotline: (213) 991-8200 

FIREFIGHTER. 

SIMPLER, SMARTER SOFTWARE. 

UNPRACTICAL 
mPERIPHERALS 

31245 La Baya Drive, Westlake Village, CA 91362 

292 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. Circle 472 on inquiry Card. 



to other manufacturer's offerings, a fairly complete 
implementation of Unix (minus the languages that come 
standard with real Unix) at a moderate cost. However, 
it is possible that Unix System V will be released to end 
users at a low cost and so offer significant competition 
to Xenix. 

Xenix and Unix System Calls 

The most widely distributed and used version of Unix 
today is version 7. Microsoft Xenix is a derivative of this 
version with some enhancements and is available as a 
single or multiuser environment. Like Unix, Xenix re- 
quires a good deal of memory (at least 256K bytes for 
a one-user system) and a lot of hard-disk space (we think 
that a 10-megabyte disk with an average access time of 
95 milliseconds is the minimum practical). Both systems 
work better with more memory and with faster, bigger 
disks. Xenix supports all of the version 7 standard system 
calls (what a program uses to talk with the operating sys- 
tem), plus some extensions that improve multiuser ac- 
cess to the system's resources. The standard system calls 
(similar to CP/M's BDOS, or basic disk operating system, 
calls) are shown with brief explanations in table 1. The 
most notable extensions to Unix are in the kernel; they 
affect file access and signaling between tasks (called pro- 
cesses in Unix). Unix and Xenix are structured much like 
an onion; at the center is the kernel, the basic code that 
makes it all go. Successive layers of code add utilities, 
features, languages, and the user interface— called the 
shell. The kernel has the task of making the link between 
the Unix standard environment and the nitty-gritty of 
the machine on which the operating system is running. 
Thus, standard system calls can be issued from pro- 
grams, and their translation into action on a particular 
machine is handled by the kernel. This is the key to why 
Unix is a highly portable system. You only have to rewrite 
the kernel and a few device drivers to transport the whole 
system to another machine, using a standard C compiler 
and an assembler available on the target machine. One 
of the primary concerns in using Unix in a commercial 
multiuser environment is how to achieve orderly and 
centrally-controlled access to disk data at the individual 
record level. Standard Unix does not support the types 
of access-permission control and concurrency control 
(file and record locking) required by business programs. 
This is one of the first areas addressed by Xenix enhance- 
ments to standard Unix. 

File Access Control 

The Xenix extension routine locking locks or unlocks a 
specific number of bytes in a file. The process that issues 
the lock command has read/write access to these bytes 
and may allow read-only access to other processes. The 
parameters mode and size control these actions. If the 
region being locked is already locked by another pro- 
cess, the locking routine requesting access can wait for 
the entire region to be unlocked or can return with an 
error code. A Unix/Xenix standard specification for this 
routine is shown here: 



Now your computer can say anything and say it well. 
Introducing the Votrax Personal Speech System. 



Quite articulate. 



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The unlimited vocabulary Votrax 
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articulate text-to-speech translator lets 
your computer properly pronounce 
conversational words at least 95% 



44 



of the time. 

For all those 
unusual words and 
proper names, you 
can define an excep- 
tion word table and 
store your own translations. 
And remember, the entirely 
, self-contained Votrax PS System 
gets your computer talking 
without using any valuable 
computer memory. 

Built-in versatility. 



Much more than just a voice output 
device, the Votrax PS System lets 
you mix either speech and sound ef- 
fects or speech and music. A pro- 
grammable master clock and 255 
programmable frequencies give you 
unmatched control of speech and 
sound effects. 

The Votrax PS System offers user 
expandable ROM for custom appli- 
cations, user downloadable software 
capability and sound effects 
subroutines for easy user program- 
ming. Its programmable speech rate 
provides more natural rhythm, while 
16 programmable amplitude levels 
give you greater control of word 
emphasis. 

Actual size: 12.2" x 4. 5" x 2.6" 



Designed to look like a printer to 
your computer, the Votrax PS System 
is extremely easy to use. It can be used 
in tandem with your printer without an 
additional interface card. Both serial 
and parallel ports come standard, 
allowing you to connect the Votrax PS 
System to virtually any computer. 
Speech, music and sound effects are 

only a PRINT statement away. 




What to say after "Hello". 

Businesses will appreciate spoken 
data transmission, narration of graphic 
displays and unmanned, oral product 
demonstrations. Spoken verification of 
data input will make computers much 
easier for the blind to use. School chil- 
dren can receive comprehensive 





The Votrax Personal Speech System 

is covered by a limited warranty. 

Write Votrax for a free copy. 

500 Stephenson Highway, Troy, MI 48084 



computer instruction with voice text- 
books as well as spoken drills and 
testing. And then, late at night, you can 
make those adventure games explode. 

A quick list. 

d Highly articulate Votrax text-to- 
speech translator. 

D 255 programmable frequencies for 
speech/ sound effects. 

E 16 amplitude levels. 

D Simultaneous speech and sound effects 
or speech and music. 

□ 8 octave, 3 note music synthesis. 

D Serial and parallel interface standard. 
□ User programmable master clock. 

□ User defined exception 
word table. 

□ User programmable speech 
rate, amplitude and inflection. 
□ User expandable ROM 

for custom applications. 

□ User downloadable 
software capability. 

□ 3,500 character 
input buffer: sub- 
divisible for a printer 
buffer. 

D Internal speaker and external 
speaker jack. 

□ Real time clock and 
8 user defined alarms. 

D Oral power up and error prompting. 
D X-on/X-off and RTS-CTS handshaking. 

□ Programmable Baud settings (75-9600). 
D Interrupt driven Z-80 microprocessor. 

□ Parallel/Serial interconnect modes. 

□ Proper number string translation: the 
number " 1 54" is pronounced "one 
hundred fifty four". 

To order, see your local computer 
retailer or call toll-free 

1-800-521-1350 

Michigan residents, please call 
(313)588-0341. MasterCard, VISA or 
personal check accepted. The price is 
$395 plus $4 for delivery. Educational 
discount available. Add sales tax in 
Michigan and California. 

©VOTRAX 1982 



r-y f(f U(x 






******** 



**8TflU 



p OWE$ 



■ 




Circle 372 on inquiry card. 





RIGHT FACE. 
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Eight additional commands permit a variety of 
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By the way, if you buy PRinterFace and 
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*Suggested retail price. 

**Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. 
294 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. Circle 473 on inquiry Card. 



locking (fildes, mode, size) 
int fildes; 
int mode; 
long size; 

We'll describe some of the notation as we go along, 
but a complete specification of the C language is con- 
tained in Kernighan and Ritchie's book on C. All Unix 
and Xenix documentation uses headers such as this one 
to specify exactly what a routine's calling sequence is. 



access 


determine accessibility of file 


acct 


turn accounting on or off 


alarm 


schedule signal after specified time 


brk 


change core allocation 


chdir 


change working directory 


chmod 


change mode of file 


chown 


change owner and group of a file 


chrrot 


change the root directory 


close 


close a file 


creat 


create a new file 


dup 


duplicate an open file descriptor 


execl 


execute a file 


exit 


terminate process 


fork 


create a new process 


getgid 


get group identity 


getpid 


get process identity 


getuid 


get user identity 


indir 


indirect system call 


ioctl 


control device 


kill 


send signal to a process 


link 


link to a file 


lock 


lock a process in primary memory 


Iseek 


move read/write pointer 


mknod 


make a directory or a special file 


mount 


mount a file system 


nice 


set program priority 


open 


open file for reading and writing 


pause 


stop until signal 


pipe 


create an interprocess channel 


profil 


execution time profile 


ptrace 


process trace 


read 


read from file 


setuid 


set user identity 


setgid 


set group identity 


signal 


catch or ignore signals 


stat 


get file status 


stime 


set time 


sync 


update super block 


time 


get date and time 


times 


get process times 


umask 


set file creation mode mask 


umount 


remove a file system 


unlink 


remove directory entry 


utime 


set file times 


wait 


wait for process to terminate 


write 


write on a file 


Table 1: 


Standard Xenix system calls. 







• . 



-j* + 






PA NTH** 



;^s**> 



;»V 



, - i:T 



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Note that the notation is terse and assumes that you 
understand both the nuances of the C language and how 
C was used to implement the function. 

The parameter fildes is the file description (i.e., the uni- 
que identifier) of the file to be locked. Variables are 
shown in C-language-type declaration statements as 
either integer (int) or long integer (long). 

Binary semaphores are implemented in Xenix as a spe- 
cial file type having a length of 0. Each semaphore has 
a name (sem_name) and a mode that specifies permis- 
sions. A program creates the semaphore as follows: 



int creatsem (sem_name, 
char *sem_name; 
int mode; 



mode) 

/* a character pointer */ 



Execution of the integer function creatsem causes the 
semaphore to be reset and a unique semaphore identi- 
fication number to be returned. Other processes can 
then open the semaphore with a routine open_sem, but 
access is granted only if the calling process has been 
given permission by the creating process. The routine 
wait_sem suspends the calling process until that process 
is signalled by the routine sigsem. More than one pro- 
cess may wait for a given semaphore to be set. A first- 
in-first-out (FIFO) queue is maintained by the system for 
each semaphore. A program that reads a shared file 
issues sigsem when it is done with the file. The sigsem 
call awakens the next process on the FIFO stack that is 



waiting to use the file. The routine nbwaitsem checks to 
see if the queue for a particular semaphore number is 
empty. 

Thus, the semaphore routines provide the tools with 
which programmers can construct a binary signaling sys- 
tem between processes. The system is totally maintained 
by the programmer. A high degree of skill is required 
to use these facilities. But some such facilities are essen- 
tial to the implementation of any multiuser application 
program on a system where one action must be com- 
pleted before the initiation of the next. 

Xenix also provides several convenience routines such 
as a "check" routine, rdchk, which looks to see whether 
there is any data to be read on an input stream. Program- 
mers can use the routine to avoid annoying "hangs" on 
inactive input streams. The routine shutdn does all of the 
housekeeping necessary to shut down the Xenix system 
in an orderly fashion, including flushing all buffers to 
disk and halting the central processing unit. The conse- 
quences of a disorderly shutdown, caused by a power 

outage or an inadvertent flick of the power switch on 
the disk or the processor, are quite uncomfortable. Data 
and even whole files and file systems can be lost without 
the possibility of resurrection (unless you really know 
what you are doing). To reduce the impact of such im- 
proprieties, Xenix also supplies a tool that allows some 
of the worst effects of a damaged file system to be fixed. 
File-system-repair programs can replace the root file sys- 
tem's "super block" by passing a new super block in sblk, 



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296 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 174 on inquiry card. 




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a structure that contains all of the header declarations 
for the super block of the file system to be repaired. 

The Unix File System 

The Unix file system is a hierarchical, or tree, struc- 
ture. Microsoft has implemented the same general struc- 
ture in a recent rewrite of its operating system for the 
IBM Personal Computer, PC-DOS version 2.0. The root 
directory, /, is where everything starts. Within / are kept 
data files, files that contain programs, and files that are 
directories of other files. It also contains a directory called 
usr, which contains all of the user directories. Let's sup- 
pose that a user named Randy has, as his home direc- 
tory, the file called randy. Randy writes a program call- 
ed hello. To run that program it is only necessary to type 
the name of the program. What you type can be the 
whole name (/usr/randy/hello) or an abbreviation, depend- 
ing on where you are— that is, what your current direc- 
tory is. If you type cd /usr/randy, your current directory is 
randy and you can just type hello to execute the program. 
If your current directory is /usr, you must type randy/hello. 

Files and file systems are held together with a glue 
made of pointers. Files reside in any blank space avail- 
able on a disk. If the first space available is too small, 
the file is written partly in that space and partly in the 
next free space. Pointers keep track of what is where. 
Because directories are nothing but files, it is possible 
that a single bad pointer can lose hundreds or thousands 
of other files. 

Additional problems can occur in relation to another 
feature of the operating system: to enhance performance, 
writes to disk are not necessarily done when requested 
by the user or calling program. This is because Unix I/O 
is heavily buffered in memory. When some event calls 
for a write, the write occurs to the buffer and the system 
decides whether it is time to flush the buffer to the disk. 
Every 30 seconds or so a housekeeping process (called 
a daemon) comes along and flushes the buffers so that 
the disk doesn't get too far out of synchronization. Not 
surprisingly, this daemon is called sync. Sometimes, due 
to a power fault, a bad memory location, or some other 
event, the disk and the memory buffers are left unsyn- 
chronized as the system crashes. Even the best-run and 
best-maintained Unix system will encounter an occa- 
sional crash or partial crash. The result is usually a some- 
what damaged file system. It is up to the person respon- 
sible for system maintenance to repair the damage. 

System Maintenance 

Unix version 7 supports programs used for file-system 
maintenance, backup, and system accounting. Xenix has 
made a number of extensions to the system to make 
maintenance easier. File systems can be repaired using 
dcheck, icheck, ncheck, and clri. These utilities give the sys- 
tem maintainer a high degree of flexibility, but to be used 
effectively they also require a high degree of knowledge 
about the file system. Xenix includes a Unix System III 
utility fsck (file system check) to help simplify repairs to 
the file system. 



298 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 22 on inquiry card. 





Unix 




Program 


Version 7 


Xenix TRSDOS 


log in accounting 


ac 


ac* 


turn on system accounting 




accton* 


prompt for correct time 




asktime* 


clear i-node 


clri 


clri* 


directory consistency 


dcheck 


dcheck* 


turn off terminals 




disable 


incremental system dump 


dump 


dump 


directory of dump tape 




dumpdir 


turn on terminals 




enable 


file system consistency 




fsck 


quickly halt system 




haltsys 


storage consistency 


icheck 


icheck* 


test RAM 




memtest 


make a file system 


mkfs 


mkfs format 


make a special file 


mknod 


mknod 


add login ID to system 




mkuser 


mount file system 


mount 


mount 


name for i-numbers 


ncheck 


ncheck* 


incremental system restore 


restor 


restor 


remove user from system 




rmuser 


system accounting 


sa 


sa* 


print and set dump dates 




sddate* 


gracefully halt system 




shutdown 


become super user 


su 


su 


update super block 


sync 


sync 


back up script 




sysadminn backup 


tape archiver 


tar, tp 


tar 


dismount file system 


umount 


umount 


'Available with the optional Radio Shack Development System. 


Table 2: Unix version 7 maintenance 


programs. 



Backup is a key to the integrity of Unix systems. In- 
variably, even with expert use of the file-maintenance 
utilities, files are lost due either to user error or to system 
error (user error is far more likely). The only effective 
remedy is a current backup of the file that was lost. Xenix 
supplies a menu-driven procedure (actually a shell 
script) called sysadmin to help users maintain an adequate 
backup of the system, and sddate is used to maintain a 
backup history for the system. 

Normal system maintenance includes authorizing new 
users, deleting unneeded user accounts, establishing a 
logical connection between new hardware (e.g., ter- 
minals) and the system, and starting and stopping the 
system. Xenix has made many of these chores easier. The 
programs mkuser and rmuser establish (make) a user ac- 
count and remove one in a far easier way than Unix, 
where the manager must edit the /etc/passwd file. In Unix 
version 7 the terminals were enabled and disabled by 
editing the /etc/ttys file. In Xenix the programs enable and 
disable simplify this process. The program shutdown is used 
to warn other users that the manager intends to shut 
the system down. The haltsys program accomplishes the 
shutdown quickly. 

Table 2 is a brief description of the maintenance pro- 
grams available in Unix version 7, Xenix, and, for com- 



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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 299 




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parison, TRSDOS (an operating system that we perceive 
to be similar in scope— if not in structure or detail— to 
most of the common single-user operating systems in 
the microcomputer market today). Entries in tables 2 
through 15 marked with an asterisk (*) in the Xenix col- 
umn are available with the optional Development Sys- 
tem from Radio Shack or Microsoft. Entries in tables 3 
through 15 marked with the + symbol are from the 
Berkeley implementation of Unix. 

Program Development 

Unix version 7 supports the program-development en- 
vironment with a standard set of languages (included in 
the operating system package): f77 (FORTRAN 77), RAT- 
FOR (Rational FORTRAN preprocessor), a rudimentary 
BASIC interpreter, and, of course, C, as well as a host 
of useful utilities such as an assembler, a debugger, and 
library management. Table 3a shows the program sup- 
port utilities available in several operating systems. Table 
3b lists the programming languages, utilities, and related 
programs available in Unix and Xenix. Note that lan- 
guage software for Xenix is available only in the Develop- 
ment System or as a separate package. The arcv utility 
converts an archive from PDP-11 format (most of Unix 
was originally developed on PDP-lls) to one suitable for 
the Motorola M68000. Another utility, ctags, is used with 
vi, a full-screen (visual) editor of considerable power and 
complicated syntax, to edit programs using more than 
one source file. With ranlib you can convert an archive 
to a randomized library that can be used with the link 
editor— a program that takes the output of compilers or 
assemblers (i.e., object programs) and puts them to- 
gether to form a single runnable program (thus, a "fix" 
in one program module requires only short recompila- 
tion and linkage editing to have the program running 
again). The Berkeley extensions mkstr, strings, and xstr 
minimize the storage space required for strings used in 
C programs. 

Unix/Xenix Text Processing 

The Unix community has spawned a number of 
editors and text processing systems. Xenix makes many 
of the text processors and two editors available to users. 
The Unix line-oriented editor ed is easier to use on a 
printing terminal than on a screen, but it is simple and 
quick and, for short texts, very effective. The vi editor 
has a manual nearly an inch thick and is a very power- 
ful screen-oriented character editor. Each of these editors 
can be used to prepare text that can be subsequently pro- 
cessed by one of the formatting programs. Note that 
what you see is not what you get in the system. The text- 
processing formatters such as nroff, troff, and neqn pro- 
vide tremendous flexibility and handle chores such as 
typesetting, mathematical equations, tables, and 
reference sections. The problem is that this is a multistep 
process. You place formatting commands into the text 
during text editing. To see the effect of these commands, 
you submit them to the proper formatter and print the 
result. You then proof the output, noting typographical 
errors, editorial changes, and format goofs. Back to the 



300 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 368 on inquiry card. 



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Unix 






Program 


Version 7 


Xenix TRSDOS 


CP/M 


debugger 


adb 


adb* debug 


ddt, save 


archive/library manager 


ar 


ar* 




convert archive format 




arcv* 




assembler 


as 


as* 


asm 


create a tags file 




ctags*t 




link editor 


Id 


Id* 


load 


ordering for library 


lorder 


lorder* 




maintain program group 


make 


make* 




message file from C 




mkstr*t 




print name list 


nm 


nm* 




octal dump 


od 


od* list 


dump 


display profile data 


prof 


prof* 




size of an object file 


size 


size* 


stat 


remove object file parts 


strip 


strip* 




time a command 


time 


time* 




randomize library 




ranlib* 




extract objects strings 




strings* t 




extract C strings 




xstr*t 




'Available with the optional Radio Shack Development System. 




"•"From the Berkeley implementation of Uni 


<. 





(3b) 





Unix 




Program 


Version 7 


Xenix 


BASIC interpreter 


bas 




unlimited precision 


be 


be* 


C program beautifier 


cb 


cb* 


C compiler 


cc 


cc* 


desk calculator 


dc 


dc* 


FORTRAN 77 compiler 


f77 




lexical analyzer generator 


lex 


lex* 


C program verifier 


lint 


lint* 


macro processor 


m4 


m4* 


rational FORTRAN dialect 


ratfor 


ratfor* 


structure FORTRAN 


struct 


struct* 


parser generator 


yacc 


yacc* 


'Available with the optional Radio 


Shack Development System. 


Table 3: Support utilities of four operating systems (3a) and lan- 


guages and utilities available 


for Unix and Xenix (3b). 



editor. The typos and changes are easy, but figuring out 
how to get the formatting just right is a matter of con- 
siderable effort for those of us who haven't had the fore- 
sight to get a Ph.D. in nroff. Tabel 4 shows what text util- 
ities are available in Unix and Xenix. 

File Processing 

File processing was an area of considerable concern 
to the Unix system designers. An efficient program-de- 
velopment environment requires all sorts of neat ways 
to get at things, to see if one thing is the same as another, 
or to sort things into some reasonable order. Xenix pro- 
vides the complete Unix version 7 file-processing set and 
extends the set by a considerable margin. Table 5 shows 
the file-processing capabilities of Unix, Xenix, TRSDOS, 



302 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 263 on inquiry card. 



Become a dBASE II 
expert without cracking a 
book. 



dBASE II is, quite 
simply, the best- selling 
database management 
system (DBMS) made 
for any computer, ever. And with over 
150,000 users so far, it's become the 
standard for managing data with a 
microcomputer. 

Jump into dBASE II, disk-first. 

The best way to learn to use 
dBASE II is to use dBASE II. Our on- 
disk tutorial is a hands-on interactive 
learning system that will get you up to 
speed on dBASE II, quickly and easily. 
Then you can use your 
new-round knowledge 
to create a full business 
information system that 
does exactly what you 
need done. A 
system that will 
handle today's 
problems, yet 
grow with you. 




dBASE 




dBEST deal in town. 

When you buy dBASE II, youTl be 
getting the most advanced information 
management tool available for your 
micro for only $700 (suggested retail 
price). At the same time, youTl be getting 
the most advanced teaching tool (the 
dBASE II On-Disk Tutorial) for free. 

For the name of your nearest 
dBASE II dealer, contact Ashton-Tate, 
10150 West Jefferson Boulevard, Culver 

City, CA 90230, (800) 437-4329, ext. 212. 

In the U.K., call (0908) 568866. 



^SHTON -TAIE 



dBASE E is a registered trademark of Ashton-Tate. 
©Ashton-Tate 1983 



Circle 33 on inquiry card 



BYTE January 1984 303 



Here's just a taste 
of our great prices. 



DISKETTES 

3M 

S.S.D.DEN40TRK, 10. 16 SECTORS. $ 22.00 
O.S.O.DEN 40 TRK. 10. 16 SECTORS... 34.50 

VERBATIM DATALIFE 

MD 525-01. 10, 16 $ 24.50 

MD 550-01. 10, 16 42.50 

PRINTERS 

C-ITOH F-10 40 CPS P/S $ 1250.00 

C-ITOH F-10 55 CPS P/S 1590.00 

C-ITOH PROWRITER PARALLEL 399.00 

C-ITOH PROWRITER SERIAL 550.00 

EPSON GRAFTRAX PLUS 60.00 

IDS 480 MICROPRISM 459.00 

RIBBONS FOR MX-80 8.95 

RIBBONS FOR MX-100 24.00 

SOUNDTRAP for 80 column printers 99.00 

MODEMS 

HAYES MICROMODEM ll/e $256.00 

HAYES SMART MODEM {300 Baud) 208.50 

HAYES SMART MODEM {1200 Baud) 528,00 

NOVATION APPLE-CAT (300 Baud) 310.00 

MONITORS 

AMOEK COLOR II INTERFACE He $ 149.00 

AMDEK RGB COLOR II 465.00 

AMDEK RGB INTERFACE 145.00 

AMDEK 300A 159.00 

AMDEK 310A IBM AMBER 179.00 

BMC GREEN MONITOR 92.00 

NEC 12" GREEN MONITOR 158.00 

TAXAN 12" AMBER 145.00 

USI AMBER 9" 155.00 

USI AMBER 12" 165.00 

ZENITH AMBER 129.00 

APPLE SOFTWARE 

APPLE MECHANIC $ 23.00 

APPLESOFT WORKSHOP 37.45 

BANK STREET WRITER 49.98 

BEAGLE BAG 23.00 

DOSS BOSS... 18.50 

DOUBLE TAKE 24.95 

FIREFIGHTER CALL 

FORMATT II ENHANCED 132.50 

MICROTYPING II. Hayden 24.35 

PFS: GRAPH 89.95 

PFS: (NEW) PERSONAL FILING SYSTEM. 85.00 

PFS: REPORT 79.00 

TIP DESK #1 15.59 

UTILITY CITY 23.00 

APPLE ll/lle HARDWARE 

ALS 6 MHZ CP/M W/64K/C-BASIC $ 319.00 

KRAFT JOYSTICK 48.94 

MICROSOFT CP/M/80 COI/64K RAM 342.50 

MICROSOFT Z-80 SOFTCARD 229.00 

OUENTIN APPLEMATE 238.00 

RANA CONTROLLER 104.00 

SUPERFANII 62.00 

SUPERFAN II W/ZENER 84.50 

SUPER FIVE HALF HEIGHT DRIVE 269.00 

VIDEX 80x24 VIDEO CARD 229.00 

ULTRATERM 293.00 

7710A ASYNCHRON. SER 135.00 

GREAT APPLE GAMES 

FLIGHT SIMULATOR (NEW) 34.50 

LEGACY OF LLYLGAMYN 32.35 

LODE RUNNER 27.25 

WIZARDRY 37.95 

ZORK I. II. Ill ....28.00 



IBM® HARDWARE 

APPARAT CRANBO II w/64K $364.00 

HERCULES GRAPHICS CARD 399.00 

KEYTRONICS KEYBOARD 215.00 

KOALA PAD 99.00 

KRAFT JOYSTICK 52.69 

LATTICE C COMPILER 369.00 

MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 38.95 

MICROSOFT 64K 278.00 

PLANTRONICS COLOR + w/Oraftsman 475.00 

OUADBDARD 64K.... 308.00 

OUADLINK 550.00 

Tandon TM100-2 Double head 40 trk... 235.00 
TEAC HALF HEIGHT D.S. Disk Drives... 279.00 

TECHMAR GRAPHICS MASTER 587.00 

T/G JOYSTICK 47.95 

T/G TRACKBALL 47.95 

USI MULTIDISPLAY 499.00 

64K MEMORY UPGRADE 80.00 

IBM® SOFTWARE 

CONCURRENT CP/M 86 $315.00 

CP/M 86 DIGITAL 54.00 

d BASE II 409.00 

EASYWRITER II 185.00 

HOME ACCOUNTANT-f 105.00 

JFORMAT 29.00 

LOTUS 1.2,3 369.00 

MICROSOFT FORTRAN 257.00 

MICROSOFT WORD W/MOUSE 387.50 

MONTE CARLO Multifunction Card 64K... 345.00 

MULTIMATE 324.50 

PFS: FILE 97.50 

PFS: GRAPH 97.50 

PFS: REPORT 97.50 

PFS: WRITE 107.00 

PIE WRITER 115.00 

PROKEY 58.50 

VOLKSWRITER ...125.00 

WORDSTAR 279.50 

WIZARDRY 47.76 

MISCELLANEOUS 

FLIP & FILE DISKETTE STORAGE. $ 19.95 

6'/<" BIB Diskette Cleaner w/solution 8.95 



To order or for 
information call 

In Los Angeles: 
(213)706-0333* 




IPUTER 
PRODUCTS 



31304 VIA COLIN AS 
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362 



'For all your computer product needs, come visit us at our new California store. 

Satisfaction Assurance — Your satisfaction is assured by our 30 day guarantee on all hardware products 
we sell. All manufacturers' warranties are honored by manufacturers. Dead-on-arrival software will be replaced 
free during the first 20 days, however, no refunds or exchanges on software, Proof of purchase required. All 
returns must be authorized in advance. 



304 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 474 on inquiry card. 



and CP/M. The copy utility is a handy extension that 
copies groups of files, whereas cp does so only with 
some fairly arcane manipulation. A Berkeley enhance- 
ment called more displays files a screenful at a time. 
Members of the grep family, including look, are used to 





Unix 




Program 


Version 7 


Xenix 


simple text formatter 


roff 




text typesetting 


troff 


troff* 


text formatter 


nroff * 


nroff 


typeset mathematics 


eqn 


eqn* 


format mathematics 


neqn 


neqn* 


format nroff/troff 


tbl 


tbl* 


format references 


refer 


refer* 


insert references 




lookbib* 


simulate typesetter 


tc 


tc* 


greek letters print 


greek 




reverse line feeds 


col 


col* 


remove format constructs 


deroff 


deroff* 


check eqn usage 


checkeq 


checkeq* 


prepare for statistics 




prep* 


format output 




sp* 


"Available with the optional Radio 


Shack Development System. 


Table 4: Unix and Xenix text utilities. 







Unix 






Program 


Version 7 


Xenix TRSDOS 


CP/M 


pattern processing 


awk 


awk 




append file to file 


cat 


cat append 




catenate and print 


cat 


cat 


type 


compare two files 


cmp 


cmp* 




choose common lines 


comm 


comm* 




copy groups of files 




copy move 




copy 


cp 


cp copy 


pip 


convert and copy a file 


dd 


dd 




differences in two files 


diff 


diff 




differences in three files 




diff3* 




full expression search 




egrep* 




string search 




fgrep 




limited expression search 


grep 


grep 




print beginning of file 




head*t 




relational database join 


join 


join* 




find lines in sorted list 


look 


look* 




browse file 




moret 




print page headings 


pr 


pr 




reverse lines 




rev* 




stream editor 


sed 


sed 




sort or merge files 


sort 


sort 




split file 


split 


split* 




checksum of file 


sum 


sum* 




print end of file 


tail 


tail 




translate characters 


tr 


tr* 




topological sort 


tsort 


tsort* 




duplicate lines 


uniq 


uniq* 




word count 


wc 


wc* 




'Available with the optional Radio Shack Development System. 




^From the Berkeley implementation of Uni> 






Table 5: File-processing 


capabilities of four operating systems. 



%»9 



to 



a** 






*J * 









1 ^<ti«««y TTTTfTin r 



i u » Jtnactfibfi XBBEOSm^ tJBBCCEBSt ^ bBb3C*S9DO> 4 acrjHt'rjob^ - * J * i - 

***} L llin «ll ;t 1 TTTTTTT S i, , . ,'BmHl|| [ J 



Thirsty for a 384k Multifunction Board? 
Try a SixPakPlus 




■TM 



Since the introduction of DOS 2.0. the capabilities of 
the PC have been increased with the ability to 
address up to 640k of memory. With the current PC 
having 256k available on the computer motherboard, 
you need another 384k to reach 640k. Great you say. 
but multi-function boards only have room for 256k 
on them. Welllookagam. because no wyou can get 
the new SixPakPlus™ with up to 384k of memory, 
clock/calendar, asynchronous (RS232C serial) port, 
printer port. SuperDrive™ electronic disk emulation, 
and SuperSpooler™ printer spooling. There is even 
an optional game port. And if you already have 
enough memory for your present needs, you can 
stillgeton the bandwagon by buying it withoutany 
memory. When your needs for memory grow, the 
sockets are ready for you to install six banks of 64k 
parity checked memory. 

With the SixPakPlus™ from AST Research you get 
the most advanced multifunction board available 
from the industry leader in IBM PC enhancements. 



You get a clock/calendar powered by a clip-on 
battery which does not require factory service to 
replace. It automatically loads the correct time and 
date when you turn on your computer. The serial 
port can be configured as COM) or COM2, and has 
jumpers for simplifying wiring of cables. The printer 
port uses. all the same signals as IBM's —you can 
even use the IBM diagnostics on it. The optional 
game port uses any IBM compatible joystick. 

The board is backed up with a one-year warranty 
on parts and labor and the Qubie' satisfaction 
guarantee. If for any reason you are not satisfied 
with the performance of your board within 30 days 
of purchase, you may return it for a full refund, 
including the postage to return it And if your board 
should need warranty service we do the repairs in 
48 hours or we replace your board with a new one. 
That's the leyel of service that has made us the 
largest dealer in the world for AST Research products 




MegaPlus II & l/O-Plus II 
The Ultimate Expansion for IBM PC or XT 



The AST Research MegaPlus II™ has three functions 
standard Pantycheckedand fully socketed memory 
up to 256k in 64k increments, clock/ calendar with 
battery back-up for automatic loading of time and 
date when the computer is turned on: and asyn- 
chronouscommumcation port (RS232C serial) which 
can be used as COM1 or COM2. (DTE for a printer, 
or DCE fora modem). Also included is SuperDrive™ 
"electronic disk" software. This program builds 
"disk drives" in memoiy which access your programs 
at the speed of RAM You get SuperSpooler™, print 
spooling software It operates your printer while 
you continue to work with your computer 
Options include a 100% IBM compatible parallel 
printer port (can be configured as LPT1. or LPT2), and 
a second RS232C asynchronous port (COMI or 
COM2) Three MegaPak™ options can plug onto 
your MegaPlus II "piggyback" style to give you an 
additional 128k or 256k of memory, or a game port. 

Circle 302 on inquiry card. 



I/O-Plus II™. is the answer for those who don't 
need additional memory but would like all those 
other multi-function board features The I/O-Plus 
II™ comes standard with a clip-on battery powered 
clock/calendar, an asynchronous communication 
port (RS232C serial). SuperDrive™ electronic disk, 
and SuperSpooler™ print spooling software 

Optional is a second asynchronous port (DTE. or 
DCE). a parallel printer adapter, and the best game 
paddle adapter on the market It is an IBM standard 
game port, but it can also use Apple compatible 
paddles and joysticks Options are all socketed so 
they may be added later should the need arise 

Both boards come with a one year factory 
warranty and the Qubie' satisfaction guarantee If 
for any reason you are not satisfied with the 
performance of your board within thirty days of 
purchase, you may return it for a full refund, 
including the postage to return it 



TO ORDER 
BY MAIL INCLUDE: 

-complete description of products requested 
-daytime phone number 
-California residents add 6% sales tax 
-check or credit card number with 

expiration date (personal checks take 

18 days to clear) 



^5. 5Q 



TO ORDER BY PHONE: 

In California (805) 987-9741 

Outside California TOLL FREE (800) 821-4479 

PRICES: 

l/O-Plus 2™ with Clock/calendar, serial (asyn- 
chronous) port, SuperDrive™ and SuperSpool™ 

-$119 

MegaPlus II™ no memory, with clock, serial. 
and software - S229 

SixPakPlus™ no memory, with clock, serial port, 
printer port, and software - S229 

Each 64k of memory installed and tested on 

MegaPlus. SixPakPlus or alone $55 

Parallel Printer Port S35 

Second Asynchronous Port S35 

Game Adapter (I/O or SixPakPlus) $35 

MegaPak™ with 256k of Memory S299 

128k of Memory SI99 

GamePak for MegaPlus!! S40 

ConnectAII Cable Bracket SI9 

Cable to Parallel Printer S3 

Cable to Modem or Serial Printer S25 

Diagnostics Program SI 

SUPERWRITER by Sorcim Si 79 

SUPERCALC by Sorcim S159 

dBASE II by Ashton-Tate S409 

Word Processing Keyboard S229 

Keyboard/Superwnter Package S399 

SHIPMENT 

Normal shipment is day after receipt of order 
We pay UPS surface charges on all items except 
keyboards For keyboards add S5 for surface. SI0 
for 2 day air All COD shipments add S3 
handling 

QUANTITY PURCHASES? 

If your corporation, institution, or users group 
has needs for quantities of boards, call us for 
details on our quantity purchase program. 



.10 



us for 



QUBIE' 

4809 Calle Alto, Camarillo, CA 93010 

Tempo House 

IS Falcon Road. Ijondon, SVX/ 11, UK 

BYTE January 1984 305 




Mil ,™«^' 8t * ! 






« 



APPLE/ 
FRANKLIN 



Complete Graphics/ 
Apple Tablet 



ASHTON-TATE 

d-Bose II $ 399 

ASPEN SOFTWARE 

Grommotik $ 60 

Proofreader 42 

BEAGLE BROS. 

Apple Mechanic. . . 

DOS Boss 

Utility City 



22 

17 

22 

BRODERBUND 

Bonk Street Writer ... $ 49 

General Ledger w/AP . 305 

Payroll 275 

CDEX 

Visicalc Training $ 45 

CHARLES MANN 

Closs Scheduling $ 299 

CONTINENTAL SOFTWARE 

Home Accountant ..'..$ 49 

DOW JONES 

Market Analyzer $ 245 

Market Manager 219 

Microscope 569 

HOWARD SOFTWARE 

Tax Preporer $ Call 

LINK SYSTEMS 

Dotofox $ Call 

Dotolink 79 



B6 

SIERRA DESIGN 

Homeward $ Call 

SOFTECH 

Basic Compilers' 

Runtime 

Softeoch 

UCSD P-system Set 

SOFTWARE PUBLISHING 

PFS: File $ 79 

PFS: Graph 79 

PFS: Report 79 

SUPERSOFT 

Basic Tutor 

Fortran 



169 

94 

469 



.... $79 

.... 299 

SYSTEMS PLUS (Z80 req.) 

Landlord $ 375 

VISICORP 

Visicolc (II or HE) $ 179 

Visischedule 225 



CP/M 
SOFTWARE 



COMPUVIEW 

•V-Edit 8080 Z80, 
I8M/PC ....... 

•V-Edit CP/M 86, 
MS DOS 



.$ 130 



DIGITAL RESEARCH 

•Pascal MT+ W/SPP ..$ 



160 



389 



LOGO CORNER 

Krell Logo 



MICROPRO 

Wordstor (Special) 

(w/CP/M Cord, 

7 col. & 64K) $ 

Infostor (Includes 

CP/M, 70 col., 64K) . . 
Pro Pok 

(WS/MM/SS/lndex) . . 



375 



425 



MICROSOFT 

Cobol-80 $ 499 

Fortran-80 145 

TASC Compiler 125 

A.L.D.S 95 

Multiplan (DOS) 169 

OMEGA 

Locksmith $ 69 

PEACHTREE (CP/M) 

Peochpok 40 G/L + 

A/R + A/P (Special).. $ 237 
Series 40 

G/L, A/R, A/P eo. . . 1 95 
Series 9 

Peochcolc 279 

Telecommunications . . 279 

PENGUIN SOFTWARE 

Complete Graphics. .. $ 53 
Graphics Magician ... 45 

306 BYTE January 1984 



MAC 85 

ZSID (Z80) Debugger . 90 

CP/M 2.2 180 

C Basic 2 110 

PL/1-80 375 

C Basic Compiler 

(CB-80) 299 

Access or Display Mgr. 299 

C Language/compiler 260 

Concurrent CP/M 2.0 . 225 
All 8" - 86 Version 

of Above $ Call 

INFOCOM 

•Deadline $ 49 

*Storcross 39 

'Suspended 39 

•Zark, I, II, III (each) ... 39 

Planet Fall 49 

LEXISOFT 

•Spellbinder $ 239 

MARK OF THE UNICORN 

•Final Word $ 209 

MICROPRO 

•WordStar $ Call 

•InfoStar $ Call 

•Pro-Pock (WS/MM/SS 

Index) $ Call 

All others $ Call 



ORYX 
SYSTEMS 

QUALITY DISCOUNTS 



d-BASE II CORNER 

Ashton-Tate 

d-Base II 


$ Call 


Bottom Line Strategist 

FPL 


269 

475 




199 


Human Soft 

d-Bose Plus 


$ 89 


Fox & Geller 


$ 1 99 


D Util 


60 


Software Banc 

d-Bose II User's Guide: 

w/ d-Bose II Purchase 

w/o d-Bose Purchase 

Anderson-Bell 

Abstot 


$ 15 

20 

$ 349 


Tylog Systems 

d-Bose Window 


$ 199 



*A// above available on PC-DOS 



MICROSOFT 

Basic 80 $ 239 

Basic Compiler 249 

Fortran 80 330 

Cobol 80 449 

Macro 80 130 

MuMoth/MuSimp 1 85 

MuLisp/MuStor 1 42 

'Multiplan 175 



PICKLES & TROUT 

CP/M for TRS-II $ 180 

PRO/TEM SOFTWARE 

•Footnote $ 105 

REVASCO 

ZB0 Disassembler $ 85 

SORCIM 

•Supercalc III $ Call 

Superwriter 

(w/Speller& Mailer) . $ 179 



PEACHTREE CORNER 

► PeachPak 4 (GL, AP, AR) $ 237 

► General Ledger / Accounts Payable / Accounts 
Receivable / Soles Invoicing / Inventory Control / 
PeachPoy Payroll Each 399 

► PeachText 1 60 

► PeachText w/ Random House Thesaurus 1 95 

► Spelling Proofreader 95 

► PeachCalc 90 

► Job Cost System 399 

► Client Posting & Accounting 399 

► Graphics Language 275 

► Business Graphic System 1 99 



MICROSTUF 

•Crosstalk $ 



15 



NORTHWEST ANALYTICAL 

•Statpok $ 365 

OASIS 

The Word Plus $ 1 20 

Punctuation and Style 99 

ORGANIC SOFTWARE 

• Datebook $ 229 

•Milestone 229 



SELECT 

Select Word 

Processor $ 356 

STAR SOFTWARE SYSTEMS 

*Legal Time, Billing. . . . 845 

Property Mgmt 845 

•Acc't Portner 299 



SUPERSOFT 

'Diagnostic II 
Disk Doctor. 



89 
74 



Formats Available* 

All prices below are for 8" standard. Other formats are 
available. Some formats subject to "Download" fee and 
require minimum 2 weeks for delivery. Please inquire. 



'Fortran 4 

Bosic-8086 

k C Cross Assembler . . . 
'ScratchPod 

T MAKER III 


299 
225 
400 
199 

??n 






IBM /PC 


J 



Please see CP/M 
listing. All products 
with a * in front are 
also made for 
PC/DOS and are 
priced the same 
unless otherwise 
specified. 



ALPHA SOFTWARE 

Data Base Mgr. II . . 
Mailing List ........ 

Executive Pkg 

Type Faces 

Question 

Apple-IBM 
Connection 



....$ 195 

72 

.... 105 

. . . / 87 

35 

.... 130 

CENTRAL POINT 

Copy II PC... $ 34 

CONDOR III 

w/Training $ 445 

CONTINENTAL 

Home Accountant .... $ 95 

DIGITAL RESEARCH 

Concurrent CP/M 86..$ 225 

CP/M-86 40 

Cobol 86 499 

Pascal MT + 86 

(MS DOS) 375 

SPP 86 1 30 

SID 86 113 

C Basic 86 135 

Pascal PC/DOS 385 

DR Logo 109 

DOW JONES 

Market Analyzer $ 245 

Market Manager 219 

ECO-SOFT 

Microstat $ 230 

FINANCIER 

Tax Series 

Personal 



105 

$ 119 

GRAPHIC SOFTWARE 

Super Chartman II $ 299 

Super Chartman I V . , . 1 99 

Both (above) 350 

LEXISOFT 

SpellBinder $ 259 

LIFETREE 

Volkswriter $ 135 

LOTUS 123 $ Call 

PEACHTREE 

Please see listing 
under CP/M. 
PeachText 5000. 



. $ 237 



SUPERSOFT 

C Compiler - 8086 ... $ 350 

Star Edit 180 

Disk Edit 75 

Basic Compiler 225 

Fortran IV PC/DOS 

or 8086 

8087 Support .... 
Diagnostics II .... 
Scratch Pod 



299 
40 
89 

199 



SYSTEMS PLUS 

Landlord (prop mgmt) $ 375 
Runtime Basic 
(req'd tor above) 45 

. . . and many more! 



APPLE/ 

FRANKLIN 

BOARDS 



ALS CP/M Cord 3 

ALS Smorterm 

ALS Z-Cord II 

ABT Keyboard 

Axlon Romdisk 128K .. 
Bit 3 Dual Comm-plus . 
CCS 7710 Asynch Serial 
Central Point Alaska . . 
East Side Wild Cord . . 
Microsoft 16K Romcard 
Microsoft Soft cord .... 
Microsoft Softcard + . . 
Microsoft Premium 

Softcord (HE) 

Microtek Printer l/F . . . 
Microtek Dumpling-16 
Microtek Dumpling-GX 
Mourtain A-D/D-A . . . 
Mountain Music 

System w/Software . . . 
PCP 4 MHZ Appli- 

Card + 88 Cord 

PCP 88 Card 16 Bit 

+ 64K 

Prometheus Versocard 
Prometheus Grophitti 

Cord 

SSM ASIO Serial l/F 

w/cable 

SSM AIO-2 Serial/ 

Parallel 

Street Echo II Speech 

Synthesizer l/F 

Tymac Parallel l/F 

w/cable 

Videx Display 

Enhancer 

Videx Display 

Enhancer II 

Videx Func. Strip 

Videx Videoterm 

VT-600 

Videx Ultraterm 

Wesper 16K Ram Cord 



299 
249 
142 

99 
299 
209 
119 
119 
110 

69 
235 
429 

395 
75 
195 
119 
279 

299 

599 

475 

159 

99 

129 

179 

129 

79 

99 

99 
59 

235 

299 

69 



IBM /PC 
BOARDS 



AST RESEARCH 

ComboPlus 64K Clock/ 
Calendar, Serial & 
Parallel, l/F, Expand- 
able to 256K $ 279 

MegaPlus 64K, Clock/ 
Calendar, Serial Port, 
Expandable to 512K 
w/Megapok 269 

Extra ports available 
for Megaplus and I/O 
Plus II includes Game, 
Parallel & Serial 40 

Megapok 256K upgrade 
for Megaplus $ Call 

I/O Plus II Clock/Calen- 
dar and Serial Port ... 115 

LNW Products $ Call 

MAYNARD ELECTRONICS 

Floppy Drive 

Controller $ 155 

Floppy Drive Control- 
ler w/Parallel Port ... 209 

w/Serial Port 249 

Sandstor Mem. Card 
— 3 modules cop. . . 194 
Sandstor Multifunction 
Cord -6 modules cap. 93 

Sandstar Modules .... $ Call 

QUADRAM 

Quadboard 64K, Clock/ 
Calendar, Serial & 
Parallel Ports, 
Software $ 279 

Microfozer Stack Printer 
Buffer (expandable to 512K) 

► Parallel/Parallel BK . . 145 

► Parallel/Parallel 64K 188 

► Serial/Parallel BK ... 170 

► Serial/Serial BK 170 

Quadlink 64K Memory, 

Game Port allows 
Apple Software to 
toon IBM/PC $ Call 

TECMAR Products . . . . S Coll 

XEDEX/MICROLOG 

Baby Blue $ 475 

TALL TREE 

512K JRAM Mem. 
Board S 699 



f 


\ 


MONITORS 


v 


j 


Amdek Video 300A 




Amber 


.$ 159 


Amdek RGB 


425 


NEC 12" Hi-Res Green 


. 1B7 


Sanyo 12" Hi-Res 




Green 


199 


USI Hi-Res 12" Amber 


160 


NEC JB-1260 Green . . 


. 119 


PGS RGB Color 


$ Call 


NEC JC-1203RGB.... 


560 


Panasonic 




Monitors 


.$ Call 


Quadram 




Quodchrome 


.$ Call 


Taxan 12" Amber .... 


139 


Taxan 1 2" Green .... 


. 132 


Taxan 12" Med. RGB . 


323 


Taxan 12" High RGB . 


. 512 


Taxan RGB 




Coble for PC 


17 


Sony Profeel 




12/19/25" 


$ Call 



DISK DRIVES 



Teac Half-Hgt 

Superftve Holf-Hgt 

(App) 

Panasonic Half-Hgt . . . 

Tandon TM-55-2 

Tandon TM-100-2 

Davong DSI-501 Hard 
Davong DSI-512 Hard 
Davong DSI-519 Hard 
Corona 5 MB Hard . . . 
Corona 10 MB Hard .. 

CDC 1800 

Corvus 

Tall Grass 

Vista Solo 143K 

Vista Solo & Controller 



S 259 

9 

205 

$ 275 

239 

$ Coll 

S Call 

$ Call 

1.395 

1,795 

270 

$ Call 

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S 259 

329 



PRINTERS 



C. Itoh Startwriter F10.S 1,149 
C Itoh Prowriter B510 . 379 



TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORNER 
*** SPECIAL *** 

Hayes Smortmodem 12000/Hoyes Smortcom II Software 
AST I/O Plus II Clock Calendar and Serial Port .... $ 689 

Above w/Smortmodem 300 399 

Hayes Smortmodem 1200 & Smartcom II Software . 575 



MODEMS 



Novation 

Apple-Cot II $ 269 

Hayes Micromodem II . 259 

Anchor Mark I B4 

Anchor Mark VII 1 29 

Hayes 
Smortmodem 300 ....$ 205 

Hayes 
Smartmadem 1200 ... 495 

Hayes Chronograph .. 189 

Novation 212 
Auto-Cat 579 

US Robotics Auto- 
Dial (full auto 
answer 300/1200) 459 

US Robotics Auto- 
Link (auto answer 
300/1200) 379 

US Robotics Password 395 



C Itoh Prowriter 1550 . 689 

NEC 3550 $ Call 

NEC 8023A 475 

Okidata Microline B2A 389 

OkidataMicroline B3A 599 

Okidata Microline 92 . 499 

IDS Prism B0 

(w/4 options) 1.399 

IDS Prism 132 

(w/4 options) 1.547 

IDS MicroPrism 399 



DISPLAY CARD CORNER 



Hercules Graphics Boord 

Orchid Monochrome Graphic Adapter 

Plantronics Colorplus 

USI Display Cord (color/monochrome) 

Amdek MAI Card 

Tecmar Graphic Master 



369 
360 
389 
Call 
Call 
Coll 



Silver-Reed 

Daisy Wheel 


.$ Call 


Star Micronics 

Gemini 10X 


325 


Star Micronics 

Gemini 15 

GE Printers 


449 

.$ Call 


Epson FX-80 


599 


Transtar T-130-P 


699 


Transtar T-315P Color 
Transtar T-120P 


519 
499 


Mannesman Tally 

MT160I 

MT160L 


475 
585 



Esprit $ Call 

. . . and much more. 



Please: 

► Wisconsin residents add 5% for sales tax. 

► Add S3.50 for shipping per software and light 
items. For multiple and other items, call. 

► Foreign — odd 15% handling & shipping for 
prepayment. (Int'l money order.) 

► Prices are subject to change without notice. 

► All items subject to availability. 
Store prices are strictly retail. 

ORYX SYSTEMS, INC. 

425 First St. • P.O. Box 1961 
Wausau, Wl 54401 



DISKETTES 



3M 5" DS. DD. Box ... S 40 
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Maxell 5" DS, DD, 

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CP/M is a registered 
trademark of Digital 
Research. IBM and the 
IBM logo are registered 
trademarks of 
International Business 
Machines. Apple and the 
Apple logo are registered 
trademarks of the Apple 
Computer Company. 
Franklin and the Franklin 
logo are tradematks of 
the Franklin Computer 
Company. 



We welcome: 

► COD (Add $2.00 per shipment. Cash or certified check required.) 

► Visa, MasterCharge & American Express. (Add 4%.) 

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Working Hours: 

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For technical information and 
in Wisconsin: 715-848-1374 



Int'l Telex: 260181 

ORYX SYS WAU 



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« 



^Vi 



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m& 




Circle 274 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 307 





Unix 






Program 


Version 7 


Xenix 


TRSDOS CP/M 


repeat last command 




!(csh) 


again 


execute command at time 


at 


at* 




execute on log-in 


.profile 


.profile 


auto 


create shell script 


ed 


ed 


build ed 


schedule programs 


cron 


cron 




shell with C-like syntax 




csht 




echo arguments 


echo 


echo 




evaluate expression 


expr 


expr 




return false 




false 




fix last command line 






fc 


get string from input 




gets* 




signal process 


kill 


kill 




run command with priority 


nice 


nice* 




run immune to hangups 


nohup 


nohup* 




return a random number 




random 


* 


read line from terminal 


read 


read 




execute a shell script 


sh 


sh 


do submit 


suspend for interval 


sleep 


sleep 




return true 




true 




duplicate output 


tee 


tee* 


dual 


condition command 


test 


test 




shell with TRSDOS syntax 




tsh 




wait for completion 


wait 


wait 




output unit end of pipe 




yes 




'Available with the optional Radio Shack Development System. 


"tFrom the Berkeley implementation of Unix 






Table 6: Program-control 


interface 


facilities 


available on four 


operating systems. 









search files for patterns or words, and cmp, diff, and diff3 
are file-content comparison programs. 

Xenix Shells 

The program control interface for Unix systems is im- 
plemented by a shell program. This shell is the outer- 
most skin of the operating system onion. Xenix has three 
shells available. You are assigned a shell when your user 
account is created on the system. Changing shells is a 
simple matter. It is possible, but not easy, to write a 
whole new shell and use it instead of one of the shells 
provided. An easier matter is to write "shell scripts'' 
within either the standard Bourne shell or the Berkeley 
C-shell. Shell scripts can help make user environments 
that are much easier for unsophisticated users than the 
standard environments. Menu interfaces, for example, 
can be implemented without excessive difficulty. Radio 
Shack has also provided tsh, which implements an 
emulation of the TRSDOS environment and its com- 
mands (such as dir) for users familiar with that interface 
and unwilling to tackle the standard Unix fare. Table 6 
is a comparison of the program-control interface facilities 
available on Unix, Xenix, TRSDOS, and CP/M. 

Communication 

Unix has supported intersystems communication for 
some time and as a standard part of the system. Xenix 
has expanded the complement of communications pro- 





Unix 






Program 


Version 7 


Xenix 


TRSDOS 


reminder service 


calendar 


calendar* 




call up Xenix (terminal 








emulation) 


cu 


cu* 


terminal 


send or receive mail 


mail 


mail* 




permit or deny messages 


mesg 


mesg* 




write to user 


write 


write* 




Unix-to-Unix copy (file transfer) 


uucp 


uucp* 


host 


uucp log summary 




uulog* 




Unix-to-Unix execution 




uux* 




write to all users 


wall 


wall 




*Available with the optional Radio 


Shack Development Systen 


i. 


Table 7: Communication utilities. Note that Unix supports both 


communications among users on one system and communications 


among separate systems. 









grams available. Of particular note is uux, a program that 
lets you specify separate systems for program input, ex- 
ecution, and output. Naturally, these systems must be 
linked by auto-dial modems or by a local-area network. 
Table 7 is a comparison of utilities available within Unix 
version 7, Xenix, and TRSDOS. 

File-Access Control 

Unix files have sophisticated access controls. Each 
named file has an owner who, in turn, belongs to a 
group. The file has a set of access permissions and is 
marked with the date created and the date last modified. 

Changing shells is a simple matter: 

it is possible to write a whole new 

shell and use it instead of one of 

the shells provided. 

The utilities mv (move a file— the same as renaming it), 
chown (change owner), chmod (change mode— the same 
as changing access attributes), chgrp (change file group), 
settime, and touch are all used to change these access at- 
tributes. A directory is a special file that has special at- 
tributes and that contains references to other files. Thus, 
several of the listings in table 8 are directory-control func- 
tions. The utility In (link) allows a file to appear in more 
than one directory under different names. Table 8 
presents a comparison of Unix, Xenix, TRSDOS, and 
CP/M on file-access control. 

Terminal Handling 

Unix provides an easy method for handling nearly any 
terminal in a way that is (usually) transparent to users 
and their application programs. Settings include speed 
(data rate), parity, echo (i.e., full or half duplex), the char- 
acters to use for backspace and kill, and the end-of-file 
characters. The Berkeley enhancement tset uses the 
terminal-capabilities database /etc/termcap to set terminal 
modes. Note that in Xenix, it is impossible to set terminal 



308 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




ISSfcSJ 



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BYTE January 1984 309 






Unix 






Program 


Version 7 


Xenix 


TRSDOS CP/M 


change working directory 


cd 


cd 




change file group 


chgrp 


chgrp 




change file owner 


chown 


chown 




change file mode 


chmod 


chmod 


atrib stat 


find files 


find 


find* 




make a link 


In 


In 




make a directory 


mkdir 


mkdir 




move files, directories 


mv 


mv 


rename ren 


remove files 


rm 


rm 


kill, purge era 


remove directories 


rmdir 


rmdir 




change file dates 




settime* 




change modified date 




touch* 




'Available with the optional Radio Shack Development System. 


Table 8: File-access control functions of four 


operating systems. 





Unix 






Program 


Version 7 


Xenix 


TRSDOS 


set key click 






click 


clear screen 






els 


set terminal options 


stty 


stty 


setcom 


set terminal tabs 


tabs 


tabs* 




set terminal modes 




tsett 




'Available with the optional Radio Shack Development System 




tFrom the Berkeley implementation of Unix. 






Table 9: Terminal commands. 









Unix 




Program 


Version 7 


Xenix TRSDOS CP/M 


line editor 


ed 


ed ed 


encode/decode 


crypt 


crypt* 


permuted index 


ptx 


ptx* 


find spelling errors 


spell 


spell* 


non-English spelling 


typo 




screen editor 




vi*t 


'Available with the optional Radio Shack Development System. 


tFrom the Berkeley implementation of Unix 




Table 10: Text-manipulation facilities of four operating systems. 



tab stops unless you purchase the optional Development 
System. See table 9 for terminal commands. 

Much program development time is spent in an editor. 
A good editor makes program development much easier 
and much less error-prone. Note, however, that an editor 
is not a word processor. The vi editor is a very powerful 
screen-oriented editor that comes from the BericeJey 
Computer Science Labs. It relies on the termcap file to tell 
it how to make magic things happen, even with com- 
paratively dumb terminals. This editor takes consider- 
able effort to learn, but once you know it well, it allows 
very fast text manipulation. Table 10 compares editing/ 
text-manipulation facilities on four operating systems. 

System Access 

Unix was conceived as a timesharing system. Accord- 
ingly, the access-protection facilities on Unix and Xenix 
are far better developed than on either of the single-user 
operating systems shown in table 11. Users have a pass- 
word that may be changed by use of the passwd com- 
mand. Files are protected by user (the file owner) and 
by group. A user may belong to more than one group. 
As a safety measure, on some systems repeated unsuc- 
cessful attempts to log into a Unix system may trigger 
a software disable of the terminal port being accessed. 

Unix has for some time had standard support for 
limited line and curve drawing on a number of different 
graphic devices. Although not very comprehensive and 
not nearly as user-friendly as some current commercial 
packages, simple graphics can be done on a basic Unix/ 
Xenix system. Table 12 shows the three routines generally 
available (in the Development System for Xenix). 

Unix/Xenix has a general-purpose printer spooler that 
works on whatever has been set up as the system's printer. 
In contrast, TRSDOS has several explicit and useful in- 
dividual commands. These are shown in table 13. 





Unix 




Program 


Version 7 


i 
Xenix 


draw a graph 


graph 


graph* 


interpolate smooth curve 


spline 


spline* 


graphics filters 


plot 


plot* 


'Available with the optional Radic 


) Shack Development System. 


Table 12: Unix and Xenix 


graphics routines. 





Program 


Unix 
Version 7 


Xenix 


CP/M 


sign on 

log in to a new group 

change log-in password 


login 

newgrp 

passwd 


login 

newgrp 

passwd 


user 


Table 11: Access-protectior 


i facilities. 







Unix 
Version 7 

Ipr 



Program 

line-printer spooler 
print current screen 
controls spooler 
set to top of form 



Table 13: Printer-handling commands. 



Xenix 

Ipr 



TRSDOS 

print 

screen 

spool 

t 



310 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




%r 



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The TI-55-II also gives you 
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Unix 






Program 


Version 7 


Xenix 


TRSDOS 


print calendar 


cal 


cal* 




CAI 


learn 


learn* 




system manual 


man 


man* 


help 


conversion program 


units 


units* 




•Available with the optional Radio Shack Development System. 




Table 14: Miscellaneous 


software features of Unix version 7, Xenix, 


and TRSDOS. 











Unix 






Program 


Version 7 


Xenix TRSDOS 


CP/M 


current date and time 


date 


date date, time 




disk free space 


df 


df free 


stat 


disk usage summary 


du 


du 




determine file type 


file 


file* 




information on user 




finger*t 




input/output statistics 


iostat 






directory contents 




1 dir 


dir, stat 


directory by column 




let files 




directory contents 


Is 


Is 




file system ownership 


quot 


quot 




print out environment 




printenv*t 




process status 


ps 


ps 




system statistics 




pstat* status 




working directory name 


pwd 


pwd 




terminal name 


tty 


tty 




logged-in users 


who 


who 




•Available with the optional Radio Shack Development System. 




tFrom the Berkeley implementation of Uni> 


c. 




Table 15: Status utilities of four operating systems. 









Real User System 


compile sieve 


cc -0 sievac -o sieve 


33.0 


5.4 


5.9 


execute sieve 


sieve 


10.0 


9.0 


0.2 


simultaneous sieves 


sieve&sieve&sieve&time sieve 


38.0 


9.0 


0.2 


compile terminal 


cc -0 terminal.c -o terminal 


34.0 


6.8 


6.5 


one terminal 


terminal 1 


16.0 


0.4 


7.5 


two terminals 


terminal 2 


31.0 


1.2 


13.5 


three terminals 


terminal 3 


46.0 


1.9 


19.7 


compile disk 


cc -0 disk.c -o disk 


36.0 


6.4 


6.4 


one file 


disk 1 


5.0 


2.0 


0.5 


two files 


disk 2 


8.0 


3.7 


1.2 


four files 


disk 4 


13.0 


75 


2.1; 


eight files 


disk 8 


32.0 


15.4 


4.0 


simultaneous sorts 


sort fl >f1s&sort f2>f2s&sort 










f3>f3s&time sort f4>f4s 


63.0 


67 


2.8 


multifile sort 


sort fl f2 f3 f4 > sorted .file 


97.0 


379 


12.8 


Table 16: Model 16B benchmark results. Entries in t 


"he Real col- 


umn represent total elapsed time; entries in the User column rep- 


resent time in the 


user process; and entries in 


v he System column 


represent kernel time. Times are given in seconds. 







Miscellaneous Features 

Because Unix is a fairly mature system, a lot of soft- 
ware has been written for it that is generally useful but 
hard to classify. Among the nice things available are 
those shown in table 14. The on-line system manual is 
handy for those who need access to specific manual 
pages fairly quickly. Note, however, that you need to 
know the name of the function you want to read about— 
you can't say, 'Tell me about the utility that changes 
ownership of a file." The on-line computer-aided instruc- 
tion (CAI) on Unix is nice, but using it tends to be a bit 
tedious. The conversion program for units is useful for 
those of us who have trouble converting from one mea- 
surement system to another in our heads. 



Informal comparisons on other 

systems have shown the Model 16B 

to be about what you'd expect of a 

6-MHz M68000-based machine 

running Unix and using the C 

language. 



Unix and Xenix provide a number of valuable utility 
programs that inform you about system status and cer- 
tain other data. Table 15 compares the facilities in Unix 
version 7, Xenix, TRSDOS, and CP/M in these areas. The 
finger utility from Berkeley retrieves information from 
your password file in a more readable format than con- 
tained in the file itself. You can list the status of processes 
running on the system with ps. This utility is useful in 
general but is especially useful to the system manager. 
Used in combination with the kill command, the ps utility 
allows the manager to free hung terminals or terminate 
runaway processes and unwanted processes. (Some 
microcomputer manufacturers don't make this feature 
available to their customers, claiming that their system 
software security scheme could be broken if it were avail- 
able. However, this feature is an essential part of any 
Unix-style system and we applaud Microsoft and Radio 
Shack for making it available.) A System III utility called 
pstat prints out the kernel tables, which are loaded with 
useful information, if you know what you are doing. 

TRS-80 Model 16B Performance 

We subjected the Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 16B to 
an extensive list of performance tests. One of these tests 
was a compute-bound microprocessor speed test (the 
Sieve of Eratosthenes, used by Jim and Gary Gilbreath 
in "Eratosthenes Revisited: Once More through the 
Sieve," January 1983 BYTE, page 283), and others were 
designed by us for this article. We have done some in- 
formal comparisons on other systems available to us and 
have found the Model 16B to be about what you would 
expect of a 6-MHz M68000-based machine running Unix 
and using the C language. The Model 16B we tested had 



312 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 205 on inquiry card. 



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512K bytes of memory and the 12-megabyte hard disk. 
Terminal I/O was, according to Radio Shack literature, 
done by the second processor in the system, a 4-MHz 
Zilog Z80. The kernel seems to be particularly slow, 
especially as it attends to terminal I/O. In contrast, the 
kernel is rather efficient on disk I/O, but the overall 
system is hampered by slow hardware. Note, however, 
that long average disk-access times are a consequence 
of efforts to keep the system price down— you have to 
pay for the speed you get. Performance times were col- 



lected by executing the test using the Unix time com- 
mand. This command monitors the time it takes to ex- 
ecute a process. Tabel 16 shows the results of the bench- 
marks in seconds. Total elapsed time ("Real"), time in 
the user process ("User"), and kernel time ("System") 
are reported individually. The Sieve program is shown 
in listing 1. Trie disk and terminal programs are shown 
in listings 2 and 3, respectively. The disk program is 
designed to provide a disk-intensive I/O load while the 
terminal program is designed to provide a serial-port I/O 

Text continued on page 318 



Listing 1: The Sieve of Eratosthenes program used as a compute-bound microprocessor speed test on the Model 16B. 

#define TRUE 1 
#define FALSE 
#define SIZE 8190 

char flags [SIZE + 1 ] ; 



main () 
{ 



mt 
int 
int 
int 
int 



count ; 

i; 

iter ; 
k; 
prime ; 



printf ("10 iterations\n") ; 

for (iter = 1; iter <= 10; iter++) 

{ 

count = 0; 

for (i - 0; i <= SIZE; i++) 

flags [i] = TRUE; 
for (i = 0; i <= SIZE; i++) 
if (flags [i]) 
{ 

prime = i + i + 3 ; 

for (k = i + prime; k <= SIZE; k += prime) 

flags [k] = FALSE; 
count++; 

printf ("%d primes. \n", count); 



Listing 2: The disk benchmark program. 



^include <stdio.h> 



FILE 
char 

{ 



*fp [8]; 
*file [] 

"fl", 
"f2", 
"f3", 
"f4", 
"f5", 



Listing 2 continued on page 316 



314 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



SuperSof t FORTRAN 

For CP/M-86; MS DOS, IBM PC DOS* and CP/M-80® 



SuperSoft FORTRAN is the answer to the 
growing need for a high quality FORTRAN 
compiler running under CP/M-86 and IBM PC 
DOS. It has major advantages over other 
FORTRAN compilers for the 8086. For example, 
consider the benchmark program used to test 
the IBM FORTRAN in InfoWorld , p. 44, Oct. 25, 
1982. (While the differential listed will not be the 
same for all benchmark programs, we feel it is a 
good indication of the quality of our compiler.) 
Results are as follows: 



IBM FORTRAN: 
SuperSoft FORTRAN: 



38.0 Seconds 
2.8 Seconds 



In its first release SuperSoft FORTRAN 
offers the following outstanding features: 




"At last, a FORTRAN compiler that works great on 
my 8086, 8087, and 8088 and Z-80 based systems!" 



1. Full ANSI 66 standard FORTRAN with 
important extensions 

2. Standard data types, double precision, 
varying string length, complex numbers 

3. Free format input and free format string 
output 

4. Compact object code and run time support 

5. Special functions include string functions, 
dynamic allocation, time/date, and video 
access 

6. Debug support: subscript checking, good 
runtime messages 

7. Full IEEE floating point 

8. Full 8087 support-available as option 
($50.00). 



Program developers: 



SuperSoft's family of FORTRAN compilers 
means you can write your programs once and 
they will run under CP/M-80, CP/M-86, and 
MS DOS. This lets you get your applications 
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SuperSoft FORTRAN: available 
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Requires: 128K with CP/M-86 or MS DOS, 

32K with CP/M-80 
Price: $425 (in each environment) 



In conjunction with SuperSoft, SuperSoft FORTRAN 
was developed by Small Systems Services, Urbana, IL, a 
leader in FORTRAN development. 

CP/M-80 and CP/M-86 are registered trademarks of 
Digital Research. IBM PC is a registered trademark of 
International Business Machines Corp. 

Japanese Distributor: 
ASR Corporation International, TBL Building, 7th Floor, 
1-19-9 Toranomon, Minalo-Ku, Tokyo 105, Japan. 
Tel. (03)-5025550, Telex: 222-5650 ASRTYO J. 

European Distributor: 

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Tel. 0892-45433. Telex: 95441 Micro-G. 

SuperS ft 

FIRST IN SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY 

P.O.Box1628 Champaign, IL61820 (217)359-2112 Telex270365 



The current compiler allows 64K code space 
and 64K data space with expansion anticipated 
in future releases. 

Circle 342 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 315 



Listing 2 continued: 



}; 

main 

int 

char 

{ 



"f6", 

"f7", 
•. f8 „ 



(argc, argv) 
argc ; 
*argv [ ] ; 



mt 
int 
int 



num ; 
x; 

y; 



num « *argv [1] - '0'; 
for (x « 0; x < num; x++) 

fp [x] = fopen (file [x], "w"); 
for (y - 500; y > 0; y — ) 

for (x «= 0; x < num; x + + ) 

fprintf (fp [x], "%50d\n", y); 
for (x ■ 0; x < num; x++) 

f close ( f p [x] ) ; 



Listing 3: The terminal benchmark program. 



^include <stdio.h> 



FILE 
char 

{ 



}; 

main 

int 

char 

{ 



*fp [8]; 
*dev [] = 

"/dev /console' 

"/dev/ttyOl", 

"/dev/ttyOa", 

"/dev/ttyOS", 

! 7dev/tty04 fl , 

f 7dev/tty05 n , 

"/dev/tty06 n , 

"/dev/ttyO?" 



(argc, argv) 
argc ; 



*argv [ ] ; 



int 
int 
int 



num; 



num = *argv [1] - '0'; 
for (x = 0; x < num; x++) 

fp [x] = fopen (dev [x], "w"); 
for (y = ; y < 500; y++) 

for (x = 0; x < num; x++) 

fputs ("how fast are your terminal s \n", fp [x]); 
for (x =0; x < num; x++) 

f close (f p [x ] ) ; 



316 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



SuperSof t BASIC Compiler 

for CP/M-86? MS DOS, and PC DOS 



Compatible with Microsoft BASIC 

The SuperSoft BASIC compiler, available under 
CP/M-86 and MS DOS, is compatible with 
Microsoft* BASIC and follows the ANSI standard. 
If you want to compile BASIC programs under 
CP/M-86, PC DOS, and MS DOS, SuperSoft's 
BASIC compiler is the answer. 

Greater accuracy with BCD math routines 

If you have used other languages without BCD 
math, you know how disconcerting decimal round 
off errors can be. For example: 



With IBM PC* 


With SuperSof t 


BASIC 


BASIC with 




BCD math 


10 A=.99 


10 A=.99 


20 PRINT A 


20 PRINT A 


30 END 


30 END 


Output: .9899999 


Output: .99 



As you can see, SuperSoft BASIC with BCD 
provides greater assurance in applications where 
accuracy is critical. 

SuperSoft's BASIC is a true native code compiler, 
not an intermediate code interpreter. It is a 
superset of standard BASIC, supporting numerous 
extensions to the language. Important features 
include: 

• Four variable types: Integer, String, and Single 
and Double Precision Floating Point (13 digit) 

• Full PRINT USING for formatted output 

• Long variable names 

• Error trapping 

• Matrices with up to 32 dimensions 

• Boolean operators OR, AND, NOT, XOR, 
EQV, IMP 

• Supports random and sequential disk files with a 
complete set of file manipulation statements 

• IEEE floating point available soon as an option 

In addition, SuperSoft BASIC has no run time 
license fee. SuperSoft's line of fine language 
compilers includes FORTRAN, BASIC, C, and 
Ada. 



Requires: 128K memory 

BASIC compiler: $300.00 




SuperSoft BASIC lets me run compiled BASIC 
programs under either CP/M-86 or MS DOS. 



*SuperSoft BASIC is compatible with Microsoft 
BASIC interpreter and IBM PC BASIC. Due to 
version differences and inherent differences in 
compilers and interpreters some minor variations 
may be found. Machine dependent commands 
may not be supported. The vast majority of pro- 
grams will run with no changes. 



Japanese Distributor: 

ASR Corporation International, TBL Building, 7th Floor, 
1-19-9 Toranomon, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 105, Japan. 
Tel. (03)-5025550, Telex: 222-5650 ASRTYO J. 

European Distributor: 

SuperSoft International Ltd., 51 The Pantiles, 
Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England TN2 5TE. 
Tel. 0892-45433. Telex: 95441 Micro-G. 



SuperS ft 

FIRST IN SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY 

P.O.Box1628 Champaign, IL61820 (217)359-2112 Telex270365 



SUPERSOFT LANGUAGES: THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE. 

Circle 343 on inquiry card. 



Microsoft is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. 

IBM PC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. 

CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research. 

BYTE January 1984 317 



Text continued from page 314: 

load. We noted the compile times for each program and 
for various conditions of execution of each program. 
These times and conditions are shown in table 16. The 
Sieve was executed alone and as four background tasks, 
the last of which was executed under time. The terminal 
program used the console and either one or both of the 
terminal ports, each set to 9600 bps (bits per second), 
full duplex. The disk program wrote data to one, two, 
four, or eight files simultaneously. The Unix sort facility 
was then used to sort the resultant files under two con- 
ditions: a simultaneous sort of each file to its own 
destination file, and a multifile sort of each file to a single 
destination file. We believe these benchmarks to be a fair 
and accurate picture of the various activities that com- 
bine to form "system performance." 

Analysis 

The Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 16B is a fairly well-im- 
plemented and apparently well-supported Xenix system. 
Business-oriented software is available from the manu- 
facturer, and it should be possible to get third-party 
"Unix-compatible" software for the machine in the near 
future. The machine we tested was not as reliable as we 
would have hoped. On several occasions, the display 
screen seemed to roll like a TV with a maladjusted verti- 
cal-hold control. We let the display roll for 5 to 10 minutes 
and the problem corrected itself on every occasion. More 
seriously, for unknown reasons, the 12-megabyte hard 



disk went down for an afternoon. After a couple of at- 
tempts to reformat the disk (23 minutes per attempt), 
we finally succeeded and were able to reload the oper- 
ating system and development software. Everything 
went fine after that. This incident illustrates the three 
cardinal rules to be followed by all users of nonremovable 
hard disks: 1) back up your data and software, 2) back 
them up again, and 3) back them up a third time and 
put the media in another room. 

When we opened the back of the system unit to look 
at the card cage, we found that one of the rivets used 
to attach a card-edge guide to the card cage wall had 
come loose, leaving the card in that slot partly unsup- 
ported. Such mechanical strain could result in premature 
board failure. 

Despite these problems (we regard them as new-prod- 
uct teething pains), we thought the system was a useful 
and well-executed product. Radio Shack has come a 
long, long way from the TRS-80 Models I and III. With 
Radio Shack's customary attention to providing software 
and a wide variety of compatible peripherals, this system 
could become one of the more interesting offerings in 
its price class. It has already met and exceeded some of 
its competition in the area of available business software. 
Its only failing in addressing its target market is its use 
of the standard Unix shells. A turnkey business user ex- 
pects a gentler user interface, such as has been provided 
by some of Radio Shack's competitors. We also have to 




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liiii 



318 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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comment on the system manuals. There are eleven of 
them: six for Xenix and the Development System, and 
five for the single-user operating systems, the assembler, 
and hardware owner's manuals. The manuals are long, 
neat, well indexed, illustrated, and index-tabbed. They 
are, however, rather difficult to use, especially for the 
intended purchasers of the machine. The documenta- 
tion for the hardware and single-user software is 
moderately informative, but tends to brush the surface 
of topics that require detailed treatment. There is no clear 
documentation path, either. One manual says to read 
it first (the 16B's Operator's Manual); it deals entirely 
with the single-user operating systems and basic use of 
the machine. Although it is relatively lengthy, the Xenix 
documentation is only a mild improvement over stan- 
dard Unix manuals. There are some custom-written sec- 
tions, and the organization and indexing of the manuals 
is much better than for standard Unix manuals. How- 
ever, we feel that naive purchasers could not use this 
machine without a lot of careful handholding from their 
dealers. We hope that Radio Shack dealers are better able 
to handle the complexities of Unix than are most com- 
puter retail stores today. 

Conclusions 

The Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 16B computer is a 
good competitor in the race to computerize America's 
small businesses. Its drawbacks for an unsophisticated 
user relate to the traditional Unix user interface and the 
lack of any real help to a novice from the large stack of 
manuals shipped with the system. Its advantages include 
good initial software offerings and the support of a very 
large company with many dealers and service centers. 
While there is certainly better executed hardware and 
software available in the same price category, Radio 
Shack has a significant potential advantage in its exten- 
sive support capabilities. It's not clear whether Radio 
Shack can or will invest in the educational program nec- 
essary to make sure its dealers can cope with the very 
sophisticated Xenix environment. The Microsoft imple- 
mentation of Xenix is fairly complete and has many 
useful extensions to the basic Unix software set. Surpris- 
ingly, to us, the Model 16B appears to be a very good 
choice for people who need a small Unix development 
environment. Radio Shack has done a good job on this 
machine, and it deserves serious consideration. ■ 



References 

Kernighan B. W. and D. M. Ritchie. The C Programming Language. 
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1978. 
Weinberg, P. N. "The Multiuser UNIX Benchmark." UNIQUE. June 
1983, pages 3-8. 



Steven H. Barry is a senior scientist with Systems Research Laboratories 
Inc. (Eastern Division, 6231 Leesburg Pike, Suite 300, Falls Church, VA 
22044). He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Rochester and an M.A. 
from California State University, Los Angeles. 

Randall Jacobson is a software manager for Systems Research Laboratories. 
He was educated at the University of Maryland. 



320 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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BYTE January 1984 321 



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Software Review 



Naturallink to Dow Jones 
News/ Retrieval 

Texas Instruments' new software makes it easy 
to get complex financial information 

by Mark Haas 



One of the problems of the Information Age is that 
it isn't always easy to get the exact information you want. 
Several large databases, such as The Source, Compu- 
Serve, Knowledge Index, Dialog, Delphi, and others, 
offer their services to individual users and businesses. 
Each of these databases, however, works in a different 
way, using a unique command structure. In fact, even 
within a single database there may be several individual 
services, each working in a different way. To ease con- 
nection to one of those databases— the Dow Jones News/ 
Retrieval Service— Texas Instruments has designed a soft- 
ware package that speeds and simplifies access proce- 
dures. 

The Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service, a division of 
Dow Jones and Company Inc., which also publishes the 
Wall Street Journal and Barron's, is used primarily by busi- 
nesses and individuals interested in business. This ser- 
vice provides financial information on any company 
listed on the New York and American stock exchanges 
as well as selected over-the-counter companies. You have 
access to 15-minute-delayed stock quotes, historical 
stock-quote information, disclosures, and price/volume 
data. The service also provides information on a large 
number of industries, news stories from various finan- 
cial newspapers, transcripts of "Wall Street Week," movie 
reviews, weather information, and access to an encyclo- 
pedia. It's all in there— if you know how to access it. 

The major problem with Dow Jones News/Retrieval is 
the cryptic way in which its information is accessed. To 
give you an idea of how complicated this process can 
get, I'll quote from the Operating Guide for the system: 

1. Type the appropriate character to obtain the desired 
database. 



CHARACTER DATABASE 

Comma (,) Common and preferred stocks 

and warrants 
Slash (/) Corporate and foreign bonds 

Plus ( + ) Mutual funds 

Small hyphen (-) Options 
Number (#) U.S. treasury issues 

2. Immediately type in the symbol for the desired quote. 
Symbols are in the Operating Guide. SPECIAL NOTE 
FOR COMMON STOCKS. To access a quote from a 
specific exchange, not the composite, first type in the 
number of the exchange and then the stock symbol. 
No number is required for OTC stocks. 

1 New York 3 Pacific 

2 American 4 Midwest 

To access preferred stocks add a plus ( + ) immediate- 
ly after entering the symbol. For warrants add a per- 
cent (%) immediately after entering the symbol. For 
when issued stocks on the NY and AMEX, add a (@) 
immediately after entering the symbol, for the OTC 
exchange, add a V after the symbol. 

3. Up to five different quotes can be obtained with each 
request by hitting the space bar between each sym- 
bol. Do not mix databases in a single request. 

4. Hit the Return key following the last symbol in a 
request. 

You can imagine how much time it would take you to 
get information for even a short list of stocks. Requests 
for other types of information have a similarly cryptic 
nature. 

Enter Naturallink 

Texas Instruments Data Systems Group, maker of the 
TI Professional Computer, has developed Naturallink to 



324 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



At A Glance 

Name 

Naturallink to Dow Jones News/Retrieval 



Type 

Simplified interface to the Dow Jones databases 

Manufacturer 

Texas Intruments Inc. 
Data Systems Group 
POB 1444 
Houston, TX 77001 
(713) 895-3000 

Format 

Double-sided, double-density, 5 *A -inch, MS-DOS formatted disk, 
copy-protected 

Language 

Machine language 

Computer 

Tl Professional Computer with at least 25 6K bytes of memory, 
MS-DOS, an internal a external modem (asynchronous com- 
munications card needed for external modem) 

Documentation 

User Guide, approximately 60 pages 

Price 

SI 50 (includes Dow Jones membership) 



make the user's interaction with Dow Jones News/ 
Retrieval more natural. This package provides owners 
of the TI Professional Computer with an easy-to-use 
method for retrieving information from the Dow Jones 
database. It will dial the phone, log you onto Tymnet 
or Telenet (Canadian subscribers, however, must log on 
to Datapac manually), and even use your password to 
connect you to Dow Jones. It can then query the database 
with questions you have previously set up, store the 
resulting data, and get you off line in a fraction of the 
time you would need to complete the process man- 
ually—with a resulting cost savings, too. 

Naturallink's best feature, however, is that it enables 
you to build English-like questions that are then con- 
verted by the software into the cryptic commands used 
by Dow Jones. This works as follows: from the main 
menu, the Build Questions option presents you with the 
screen shown in photo 1. The topmost window contains 
the word "What" and is used to show the present state 
of the question being built. Each of the other windows 
contains a list of phrases used to construct queries. 
Queries to the database are constructed by selecting from 
the several groups of phrases shown to form complete 
sentences. Queries can be built offline and stored either 
individually or in groups for later use. 

Phrases are selected from each window by use of the 
cursor. Initially, the cursor is on the first entry in the 
upper left-hand window, just below the word "What." 
All questions must begin with a phrase selected from 
this window. The cursor can be moved up and down 
within the window by using the up and down cursor 



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Photo 1: The Build Questions screen is the heart of the Naturallink 
system. Divided into windows, each window contains a specific set 
of phrases that are combined to form English-like sentences used to 
query the Dow Jones database. Small arrows at the bottom of some 
windows indicate that more phrases exist and can be scrolled into the 
window. The window across the top of the screen is used to view the 
progress of the sentence being constructed. The narrow window across 
the bottom of the screen contains information on controlling the system 
with the function and other keys. The stock list can be customized 
to your particular needs. 




Photo 2: Context-sensitive Help screens can be called up at any time 
by pressing the F9 key. Further help is available to explain the pur- 
pose of an entire screen or window by pressing Shift-F9. Help ap- 
pears on the screen in its own window as shown. 

keys. It can also move from the first to the last phrase 
and back by use of the Home key. Additional phrases 
scroll into the window when the cursor is at the bottom 
of the window. 

To select a phrase, all you have to do is move the cur- 
sor over the phrase and press the Return key. The 
selected phrase is then added to the contents of the top- 
most window, where you can see how the question you 
are constructing is progressing. At any point you can 
press the F9 key to get help on a particular phrase, and 
a window containing the help information will appear 
on the screen (photo 2); alternatively, you can press 
Shift-F9 to get an explanation of the particular window 
you are in. You can also press F10 to back up, or undo, 
the question you are constructing. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 325 



Is the current quote for McGrau-Hill, Inc. 

is tbe option price for Apple Computer 

Commodore 
: iuiu mi International 

is the fundamental data for IBM 

are the Dow Jones averages McDonalds Corp. 

happened on wall Street week Coleco Industries 

are the estimated earnings for Coca-Cola Co. 

is the Disclosure II info for national Lampoon 

are the headlines Texas Instruments 



on tbe composite tape 
on the Hew York exchange 
on the Anencan exchange 
on the Pacific exchange 
on the Midwest exchange 
over the counter 




Press: F9 for Help FIB to Back Up SHIFT-Fil to Quit RETURN to Select 



(3a) 




'..'hat were the stock prices for 



(3b) 



(3c) 



current quote for 
option price for 



are the estimated earnings for 
"' i Disclosure II info for 



the wall Street Journal 



McGraw-Hill, Inc. 
Apple Computer 
Commodore 

International 
IBM 

McDonalds Corp. 
Coleco Industries 
Coca-Cola Co. 



on tha composite tape 
on the New York exchange 
on the American exchange 
on the Pacific excr— 
on the Midwest exc] 



for each tenth in 
for each quarter in 
for the last 12 days 

for the last 13-24 days 



Press: Fll to Back Up Fli to Start Over SHIFT-Fil to Quit RETURN to Select 



Uhat were the stock prices for Texas Instruments 



Is the current quote for 
is the option price for 
tare the stock prices for 
is tbe price/volume info for 
il the fundamental data for 
are the Dow Jones averages 
happened on wall Street week 
are the estimated earnings for 
is the Disclosure II Info for 
are tbe headlines 

1 

of the hour 

concerning the company 
covering the topic of 
in the Ccocoilc Update 



McGraw-Hill, Inc. on tbe composite la 



International 
It'i 

McDonalds Corp. 
Coleco Industries 



on tbe As«r lean exchange 
on the Pacific exchang 
on the Midwest exchang. 
over the counter 



for each month In 

for "lb idit IZ d 

for the last 13-24 days 



Press: Flfl to Back Up FU to Start Over SHIFT-Fil to Suit RETURN to Select 



Uhat were the stock prices for Texas Instruments 



■ay-Hill, Inc. 
le Computer 

International 



on tbe composite ti 
on the New York exi 
ma thl Ammtlc il ixi 



mre loo iuiu itilbs for Comwdore 

lis the price ''vol use info for International 

lit the fundamental data for IE 

are tbe Dow Jones averages McDonalds Corp. 

happened on Wall Street week Coleco Industries 

are the est lasted earnings for Coca-Cola Co. 

is the Disclosure II info for Mational Lampoon 

are the headlines Texas Iwlrw 



of the hour for each month in 

concerning tbe company for each quarter in 

covering tbe topic of for the last 12 days 

in tha Economic Update for the last 13-24 days' !1 . 

in the Wall Street Journal 

Fl» to Back Up Fll to Start Over SHIFT-Fil to Quit RETURN to SelecJ 



(3d) 



Photo 3: In this sequence, a question is constructed by selecting 
phrases from the various windows using the cursor. Here, the ques- 
tion '"What were the stock prices for Texas Instruments for each quarter 
in 1982?" is being built. Note that as each phrase is selected, the cursor 
automatically moves to the next appropriate window. You cannot build 
invalid questions. After the last phrase is added (in photo 3e), you 
can execute the question or save it to disk using the F6 key. 

Phrases can also be chosen by typing the first letter 
of a phrase. If more than one phrase begins with this 
letter, the cursor will move to the first entry with this 
letter. Typing the second letter of the phrase will move 
the cursor again, until you have identified a unique 
phrase. This procedure usually doesn't take more than 
two keystrokes. 

After you have selected a phrase, the cursor will then 
move to the next appropriate window, depending on 
which phrase you have selected. In some cases, merely 
selecting a phrase from the first window will complete 
a query, such as "What happened on 'Wall Street 
Week'?" or "What movie reviews are available?" Some- 
times additional windows will appear on the screen. The 
sequence of screens shown in photo 3 demonstrates how 
you can build a question using phrases from several 
windows. 

After a question is complete, it can be saved by press- 
ing the F6 key. Questions are stored individually at first 
but can be arranged in groups later from the main menu 
by selecting the Get Saved Questions option. 

Most of the queries on Dow Jones will inevitably 
revolve around a selected group of companies listed on 
the various stock exchanges. Normally, this would in- 
volve having the codes for these companies handy. The 
Naturallink system allows you to build your own per- 
sonalized group of stocks so that you can eliminate the 
constant necessity of looking up stock codes (remember, 
there are 6000 of them). The Create or Change Stock List 
option on the main menu takes you there. As with the 
rest of the Naturallink system, this operation is entirely 
menu driven with choices designated by the cursor. 
Besides creating a new group of stocks, an existing group 
can be modified. The stock group you create is eventually 
saved on disk and then appears in one of the windows 
of the Build Questions screen. 



326 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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The User Interface 

Though the entire Naturallink system could be viewed 
as a user interface to Dow Jones News/Retrieval, I will 
limit my discussion here to the way in which the Natural- 
link system itself operates. It is obvious that a lot of 
thought went into the design of this system, not only 
to create a useful tool for accessing information, but also 
to make it work in a way that is easy to use. 

Naturallink, however, is not really a natural-language 
system. It does not interpret sentences you type in. 
Rather, TI has analyzed the Dow Jones system and estab- 
lished a finite group of phrases that, when strung to- 
gether in permissible combinations, form English-like 
sentences that can be converted into the symbols under- 
stood by the Dow Jones system. These phrases, the deci- 
sion tables associated with them that determine what 
combinations of phrases are valid, and the correspond- 
ing symbols understood by the database are stored in 
separate files on disk. There is every reason to believe 
that the kernel of this software package could be used 
with different phrase, decision-table, and symbol files 
to provide a similar interface to a variety of databases. 
This may be only the first in a series of Naturallink pack- 
ages. 

The software prevents you from 

choosing an inappropriate action: if 

a menu option doesn't make sense, 

it doesn't appear. 

The developers of the Naturallink system have taken 
advantage of every feature of the TI Professional Com- 
puter. Naturallink is a large system, requiring 256K bytes 
of memory. A program such as this could exist only on 
a 16-bit computer. Also, color is used throughout to pro- 
vide status information. For instance, the active window 
on the Build Questions screen has white type, while the 
inactive windows have green type. A gentle beep of the 
speaker warns of inappropriate actions. The TI PC's abil- 
ity to mix text and graphics is used throughout to pre- 
sent information on the screen in an organized way 
through the use of windows. Function keys provide one- 
stroke action on certain commands. 

All this is achieved in a completely consistent way. The 
same keys perform the same functions no matter where 
you are in the system. Menu choices are selected by mov- 
ing the cursor over the desired action and then press- 
ing the Return key. The software prevents you from 
choosing an inappropriate action. You cannot, for example, 
ask for the weather on the New York stock exchange. 
Furthermore, the menus themselves are dynamic. If, for 
example, you haven't yet built a group of questions, then 
the Delete a Group of Questions option does not appear 
on any of the menus. In all cases, if a menu option 
doesn't make sense given a particular set of circum- 
stances, it doesn't appear. 

It is generally recognized that a menu-driven system 



328 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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is easy for the uninitiated to use but tends to slow down 
the more experienced user. As mentioned earlier, TI has 
taken this into consideration by allowing you to choose 
menu options by typing the first letter of that option. 
If more than one option begins with the same letter, then 
you have to keep typing until you have uniquely defined 
the option. Again, this usually requires no more than 
two keystrokes. Combined with the TI Professional's 
ability to buffer keyboard input, you could enter a series 
of commands rapidly while the system is fetching data 
from disk and it will catch up to you. 

Anyone who has used the popular new generation of 
spreadsheet programs— for example, Lotus Development 
Corporation's 1-2-3 or Microsoft's Multiplan— is familiar 
with the use of the cursor I have just described and the 
keystroke option, too. Where Naturallink departs from 
these other programs is in its ability to use this method 
to also select from Dow Jones menus, menus that are 
not an integral part of the Naturallink software. For ex- 
ample, let's say you've just asked the database, "What 
are the headlines concerning the company IBM?" Dow 
Jones will then send you about five screens full of 
headlines (which change almost every day). If you want 
to read the text of the story, you normally have to enter 
one of the two-letter codes appearing next to each head- 
line. Naturallink, however, provides you with a cursor 
to make your choice. All you have to do is scan the head- 
lines with the cursor and press Return when you want 
to read a particular story. How TI does this is beyond 
me, but it makes the process of receiving stories extreme- 
ly easy. After reading the story, you merely press F10 to 
bring you back to the list of headlines— at the same point 
where you left it— and continue to scan. 

The Naturallink system, in essence, provides you with 
the same method of selecting information from Dow 
Jones as it does with its own menus. Manual selection 
of menu items by entering certain keystrokes is not sup- 
ported directly, however, but it can be done by entering 



what is called "terminal" mode. 

There are, however, a few places on Dow Jones where 
you cannot get all the information you want via cursor 
selection. For example, after you ask the question, "What 
weather data is available?" Dow Jones presents you with 
a short menu of selections, and Naturallink lets you 
choose the desired item by moving the cursor. Below this 
menu, though, is the instruction to enter N for national 
weather or F for foreign weather. These letters must be 
entered manually. Naturallink allows you to shift into 
"terminal" mode very easily, however. All you have to 
do is press F12. Then you just enter your choice manual- 
ly. When the next menu appears, you're back in "auto- 
matic" mode and can again choose by using the cursor. 

At present, Naturallink's cursor selection capability is 
not available for Dow Jones' encyclopedia database or 
for its free-text mode. These services must be accessed 
manually. 

Setting Up 

The Naturallink system is provided on a 5V4-inch copy- 
protected disk. TI rationalizes the use of copyprotection 
by stating that it is for your own good, preventing 
unauthorized use of your Dow Jones account, thus act- 
ing as a key of sorts. 

You are provided with two copies of the master disk 
and directed to make a working copy on another disk 
or transfer the files to a hard disk. When you subse- 
quently start the program, one of the master disks must 
be in the A drive, but only until the main menu appears. 
I had some problems copying the files onto the hard 
disk, but eventually they all made it. 

If a company wants to protect its software, fine, but 
it shouldn't try to convince us that it's for our own good. 
At least TI provides two copies of the master disk, and 
this disk is used for only the briefest moment during 
startup. Other companies force you to use the master 
as the working copy. 



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330 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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C' t. sfc ** ft cy &r . 









fiaturalLink to Dow Joan Hew/Retrieval 






Ham tie nit: 






Get Saved Quest tons 

Use Pou Jones Terolnal Mode 
Create or Changs Stock List 
Select or Change Data Storage Options 

Create or Change User Profile 

Create or Change Coweunlcatlons Profile 

Take the Tutorial 

Quit 

Press: F9 for Help SHIFT-Flt to Quit RETURN to Select 





Photo 4: After logging onto Naturallink, you are presented with the 
Main Menu. From here you can perform the various functions listed. 
Only those functions that can be performed appear on the menu. For 
instance, the Get Saved Questions option appears on the menu only 
when there are questions to retrieve. 



The next step is to set up your User Profile, i.e., infor- 
mation the system needs to establish your files. Here you 
give your data file a name and store your Dow Jones 
password. You also designate whether you want to log 
on automatically or manually. Automatic log on is avail- 
able only for Tymnet and Telenet. 

In order for the software to work properly with your 
system, you have to tell it what equipment you are using. 
Naturallink calls this process "Creating a Communica- 
tions Profile." Here you can choose between internal and 
external modems, automatic and manual dialing, port 
selection, choice of network (Tymnet, Telenet, etc.), and 
phone number. I found it interesting that I had to 
manually designate the port used by my TI's internal 
modem. This requirement is strange because, in order 
to determine what port my internal modem occupied, 
I had to run TI's Diagnostics disk, which automatically 
determines the port. If the Diagnostics software can do 
this, why can't Naturallink? 

Beginners are advised to use the excellent tutorial disk 
provided with the system. It demonstrates the question- 
building process and provides a hands-on opportunity 
to use the system; helpful prompts even appear in one 
of the windows on the Build Questions screen. All in 
all, it provides a nonthreatening way to begin to use the 
software. 

A Typical Session 

After you've installed your user and communications 
profiles, a typical session with the Naturallink system 
begins with the construction of questions. After enter- 
ing the appropriate user ID and password (different from 
the Dow Jones account password), you are presented 
with the main menu (see photo 4). If you haven't already 
done so, now is the time to create your own personal- 
ized group of stocks. But let's assume this has been done 
previously. The cursor is already over the Build Ques- 
tions option, so all you have to do is press Return. 



1 




Question Gronp Operation 












Delete a question 
Slip lay a question 
Quit 




Questions In group naaed TODAY: 

fund Coleco 

Ql 

p/y acgraw 


Available questions; 
81 
02 
03 

todayl 

today? 

f/v ocgrau 

p/V apple 

fund Coleco 

est earn laapoon 

prices 82 Redone Ids 

dj avg 

HIJ 

I 


Priti; FS for Help Fll to Start Over SHIFT-Fli to Quit RCTJW to Select 









(5a) 



tuestlons in group named TODAY: j Available questions: 



Uh t is the price/volute Info for McCraw-Hi 1 1 , Ik. ? 



Press the RETURN key to continue. 



est earn taipoon 
prices BE Hddo&alds 
djavg 



Press: F9 for Malp F II to Start Over SHIFT-FU to felt IOJW to Select 



(5b) 

Photo 5: Questions that have previously been saved individually from 
the Build Questions screen can be organized into groups from this 
menu. Again, only those options that are relevant appear on the menu. 
By organizing questions in groups, you can eliminate the need to pre- 
sent each question individually. At any point you can display a ques- 
tion's contents by placing the cursor over its name after selecting the 
Display Question option, as shown in photo 5b. 



The Build Questions screen, with its associated win- 
dows, appears after a couple of status messages tell you 
what is happening. Questions are constructed as de- 
scribed earlier and saved onto the disk. 

One of the ways to use this system most efficiently is 
to arrange your questions into groups. From the main 
menu you select the Get Saved Questions option, which 
presents you with another menu. From this second 
menu you select the Build Question Group option. This 
allows you to view all the questions you saved using the 
Build Questions screen, arrange them in groups, give 
these groups names, and save them on disk. Photos 5a 
and 5b show this process. 

Once the groups of questions have been stored, it is 
possible to execute a group. No, this doesn't mean lin- 
ing them up and shooting them. Rather, executing a 
group of questions causes Naturallink to begin the pro- 
cess of automatically logging on to Dow Jones. First, 
diagnostics are performed on the the TI's asynchronous 
communications card or internal modem, depending on 



332 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



MICROPRO' SOFTWARE BUYER'S GUIDE 



Finally a data base management system 
that lets you do just that. 

Manage. . 



You probably know more 
about managing people than 
managing a data base. That's 
why we designed a system 
that's easy to use ; yet so 
sophisticated it will increase 
the productivity of every 
person in your office. 



*#* 



**' 



of 



^ 



^ 



^ 



^ 



INTRODUCING 
INFOSTAR+ 




rffHr 



The data 
base manage- 
ment system 
the added plus of 
StarBurst! a systems 
building tool that 
integrates your software to 
let you create your own custom applications. 






**" 



gM ■■ WIMTO8S 



T«r-raln«l Starve 



feature that lets you 
simply design and 
draw your report on 
the screen to format, 
manipulate and merge 
information in count- 
less different ways. 
Plus a quick report fea- 
ture that lets you gen- 
erate a pre-formatted 

report in 60 seconds, 

or even less. 

All without 

knowing a program- 
ming language or 
special code. Just 

English, or the lan- 
guage of your choice. 



A SYSTEM THAT SPEAKS YOUR LANGUAGE. 

InfoStar-f makes accurate, 
efficient data entry easy 
by letting you design 
any form for custom 
data entry — mailing 
lists, inventories or 
sales figures — simply 
by drawing it on your 
screen. 

■— *J I Want to sort things 

mm out? InfoStar-h sorts in- 

formation five to six times 
faster than any other DBMS. 
What's more, InfoStar+ has a custom report 




A GOOD MANAGER ALWAYS DELEGATES. 

The StarBurst portion of Inf oStar-h integrates all 
your MicroPro software products as well as other 
popular software. StarBurst lets you set up and dele- 
gate any sequence of data entry, sorting and 
reporting. 

So see your computer dealer now, and ask 
about InfoStar-f. The sooner you start using 
InfoStar-f, the better. 

For the dealer nearest you, call (800) 443-0100 
ext. 948. 







When you start with MicroPro, 
there's no stopping you. 

Circle 480 on inquiry card. 



MicroPro, 



For name of the dealer nearest you, phone (800) 443-0100 Ext. 948. For more information write MicroPro, 33 San Pablo Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94903. (415) 499-1 Z00. 



which is being used. Next, assuming you have either 
the built-in modem or a programmable external one, the 
program dials the appropriate network, let's say Tymnet, 
and establishes connection. Naturallink then directs 
Tymnet to connect you to Dow Jones and uses your pass- 
word to log you onto the system. While all this is going 
on, a series of status messages keeps you informed of 
the system's progress. After you are logged onto Dow 
Jones, your group of questions is presented to the system 
and the information you requested appears on your 
screen. 

Instead of wasting costly connect time reading this 
data, however, you can simply press F6 to save the data 
on your disk and proceed to the next group of questions. 
After the last question is answered, you can disconnect 
and review your data file at your leisure. 

An excellent tutorial disk 

demonstrates the question-building 

process and provides a hands-on 

opportunity to use the system. 

At almost any time while connected to Dow Jones, you 
can call up the Build Questions screen to ask individual 
questions that may arise from the data you see coming 
in. You can also interact with the Dow Jones system 
manually, if you know the appropriate codes and have 
a masochistic streak. 

Documentation 

After viewing TTs new BASIC manual for the PC (see 
my review of the TI Professional Computer on page 286 
of the December BYTE), I had high hopes for this 
manual. Unfortunately, this manual suffers from the 
same problems as most of TI's others. Although the argu- 
ment could be made that the tutorial disk obviates the 
need for a good manual, the manual should at least be 



a good reference. This manual isn't. In fact, in many 
places it reads like advertising copy. I think the section 
I liked the best was entitled "Using the Main Menu Ef- 
fectively." Oh boy, I thought, here's a way to get the most 
out of the software— perhaps some sort of strategy. In- 
stead I read about how the program uses the main menu 
effectively by limiting the user to valid choices. 

Conclusions 

Now, I'm not a financial wizard. I wouldn't know a 
price/earnings ratio from a gear ratio. But I do know that 
TI has produced a system that makes retrieving infor- 
mation easy. With this system you can 

•prepare your database queries off line at great savings 
•automatically dial and log onto Dow Jones News/ 

Retrieval 
•save the data resulting from your queries for off-line 
review 
•prepare a personalized stock list 

Naturallink lets you do this with a series of menus and 
screens that allow even the novice to use it with ease. 
A tutorial provides most of the information you need 
to get started, and context-sensitive Help screens are 
available at all times. 

By combining the central logic of this Naturallink pack- 
age with other phrase, decision-table, and symbol files, 
it would seem possible for TI to develop a series of 
Naturallink packages for a variety of databases. To do 
so would mean that you could interact with a number 
of diverse data services through an interface that would 
always work in a familiar way. It could provide a "soft- 
ware bus" to on-line databases. Now that's something 
to ponder. ■ 



Mark Haas, a former managing editor of BYTE, is technical director of 
Osborne/McGraw-Hill (2600 Tenth St., Berkeley, CA 94710). 



ROM PROGRAMMER & (IV ERASER FOR THE 80s 

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OTHER COMPLETE SYSTEMS 

S 15 R (remote) $695 
S15P (4 key) $795 
S15B (bipolar) $@95 
S15G (gang) $1095 



334 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 51 on inquiry card. 




*> 






Fat City™ 

Knock uown buildings in your 
wrecker while dodging bricks, 
rocks, cans and tomatoes. 10 
rounds. Poster, stickers, user's 
manual, vinyl binder included. 
Ages 8 and up. Only $39-95- 

Old Ironsides™ 

Thrilling 2-player naval battle! 
Use the wind, cannons, compass 
to outwit rival ship. Detailed 
graphics recreate true sailing ex- 
perience. Poster, log book, vinyl 
binder included, Ages 8 and up. 
Only $39.95- 

Chivalry™ 

The days of yore are recalled in 
this unique combination of board- 
game and computer game. Rescue 
the king by playing 20 animated 
games of skill — jousting, sword- 
play, etc. 1 to 4 players. Sturdy, 
colorful gameboard, playing 
pieces, poster, instructions. Ages 
8 and up, Only $49-95. 



'SP 



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Circle 481 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 335 



DIGITAL BULDS THE 
FWEST PERSONAL COMPUTERS 

YOU CAN BUY. 



And after you buy them, 
nobody does more to make 
sure you'll be satisfied. 

That's because Digital 
is the only major computer 
company that supports its 
promise of quality and 
commitment to customer satis- 
faction with a comprehensive 
investment protection plan. 

This plan will minimize 
your risk. Relieve your con- 
cerns about owning a 
personal computer. And it's 
included when you pur- 
chase any one of Digital's 
Personal Computers, 
including the Rainbow™ and 
the new Rainbow 100+, from 
a participating dealer, distrib- 
utor, or Digital Business 
Center. 

Digital's Rainbow now 
lets you run the widest 
range of popular busi- 
ness software— including 
Lotus™ 1-2-3,™ dBase II,™ 
TKlSolver ,™ and Multi- 
plan™ 



With Digital's Rainbow, 
you can choose from hun- 
dreds of different software 
programs because only 



Digital's Rainbow can run 
these five operating systems: 
MS™ -DOS, CP/M^ -86/80, 
Concurrent CP M* 
and p-System .** That means 
you'll have access to the 
broadest array of solutions for 
your business, today and 
tomorrow 

The new Rainbow 100+. More 
storage and more main 
memory. 




The Rainbow 100 is 

Eerfect for most businesses, 
ut if you need more 
power, Digital introduces the 
Rainbow 100+. It lets you 
store the equivalent of 5,000 
typewritten pages on a 
built-in 10 Mbyte hard disk. 
You'll also run the most 
advanced business programs 
faster and easier— thanks 
to 128 Kbytes of main 
memory, expandable to 
896 Kbytes. 



A wider choice of options 
and accessories, too. 

With either Rainbow; 
you get a choice of monitors: 
white, green, amber, or 
high-resolution, full-color 
display A choice of high- 
quality printers. A graphics 





option that lets you create 
bar charts, pie charts, and 
line graphs. And more. 
Including personal 
computer accesso T 

lies and furniture 
custom designed by 
Digital to help you get the 
most out of your computer. 

Calll-800-DIGITAL. 

Ask for the Rainbow 
desk and get more details 
on Rainbow and Digital's 
Investment Protection Plan. 

Not even the world's 
largest computer company 
gives you so much. But the 
second largest does. Digital 
Equipment Corporation. 

•Concurrent CP/M is available from Digital Research, Inc. 
**p-System is a trademark of SofTech Microsystems, Inc.; 

available from Ticom, Inc. 

Rainbow is a trademark of Digital Equipment 

Corporation. 

1-2-3 and Lotus are trademarks of Lotus 

Development Corporation. 

dBase II is a trademark of Ashton-Tate. 

TKlSolver is a trademark of Software Arts, Inc. 

Multiplan and MS-DOS are trademarks of 

Microsoft Corporation, 

CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research, Inc. 

© Digital Equipment Corporation 1983. 

Circle 130 on inquiry card. 



AND NOW YOU CAN 

BUY THEM 

VIRTUALLY RISK-FREE. 




BDSDQBD 
Investment Protection Plan 

This comprehensive plan is included with the purchase of 

every Personal Computer Digital makes - including the Rainbow™ 

Professional 1 * 1 and DECmate™ II. 

One- Year On-Site Computer Warranty. 

Digital will provide limited warranty service including 

repair and replacement of defective parts wherever 

your computer is located in the Continental US. 

One- Year Software Warranty. 

Digital will provide limited warranty support for operating 

systems including updates to selected operating systems, 

documentation and replacement of defective media. 

On-Site Options Warranty. 

If you add agf of Digital's personal computer options 
(including printers) at the time of system sale, 
these options will fee covered by your one-year 

On-Site Computer Warranty. Options purchased after 
system sale are covered fer 9@ dja)& 

One- Year "Hotline" Advisory Service. 

Digital's toll-free "Hotline" Advisory Service will 
answer questions about operating systems, Digital Classified 

Software and general use. There's no extra charge, use 
this service as often as you like during the warranty period. 

30-Day Money Back Return Policy. 

Covers your entire Digital system, including Digital 

Classified Software and Digital options purchased at time 

of computer sale. Limited to one return per customer. 

Offer expires January 31, 1984. 





TKISOLVER 

THE WORLD'S FIRST EQUATION PROCESSOR 
FOR PERSONAL COMPUTERS 



lovisioue 



The TKlSolver™ program is a 
professional tool that allows you 
to work easily with equations. 
Whether your problem is a 
simple formula or a model consis- 
ting of many equations, TKlSolver 
can help improve your produc- 
tivity. Once the equations are 
written, enter the known values, 
press the ! key, and TKlSolver 
gives you the answer. 

Engineers, scientists, architects, 
financial analysts and planners, 
educators, researchers, and 
other professionals who use equations 
and mathematical models can work more 
creatively with TKlSolver. 

TKlSolver provides you with: 

BACKSOLVING 

If the programs you use now require you to 
rewrite the same equation to solve for different 
unknowns, TKlSolver can dramatically improve 
your productivity. Enter your problem once and 
then solve for the unknowns no matter where 
they are in your equation. 

ITERATIVE SOLVING 

If TKlSolver can't solve an equation directly, take 
an educated guess at the answer. Type the I 
key and the TKlSolver program starts with your 
guess and performs repeated approximations 
to converge on the answer. 

LIST SOLVING 

Given a list of input values, TKlSolver automati- 
cally calculates the equation for every value in 




your list. For example, if you 
want to know how different 
interest rates will affect monthly 
loan payments, enter a list of 
interest rates and let TKlSolver 
calculate the payment amount 
for each value. 

UNIT CONVERSIONS 

Any type of unit conversion - 
Fahrenheit to Celsius, meters to 
feet, dollars to deutsch marks, 
newtons to dynes - ca n be made 
without altering your equations. 
Justdefine the numerical relation- 
ship between two units of measure- 
ment and the TKlSolver program 
automatically converts the vari- 
able value to the unit you specif/. 

TABLES AND PLOTS 

Quickly generate tables and plots of your results 
on your screen or printer. 

If you can define a problem mathematically, 
the TKlSolver program can help you find the 
answer. It's a flexible problem-solving tool that 
you can apply easily to a variety of mathe- 
matical problems. 

AVAILABLE NOW 

You can run the TKlSolver program on the 
IBM® PC and XT and compatible machines, 
the Digital™ Professional™ 350, the Digital™ 
Rainbow™ 100, the Wang Professional Computer, 
Apple® //e, and on the following personal 
computers using MS™-DOS: Tl Professional 
Computer, GRiD Compass Computer™ Canon 
AS-100, Eagle® 1600, Toshiba T300, and the 
Zenith Z-100™ 



Software Arts!" 

The creators of VisiCalc® and TKlSolver" 



TK, TK!, TKlSolver, TKISolverPack, The Problem Cruncher, the stylized ! and the slogans "NOW YOU DON'T HAVE TO THINK LIKE A COMPUTER TO USE ONE !" 
and "THE WORLD'S FIRST EQUATION PROCESSOR FOR PERSONAL COMPUTERS" are trademarks or reqistered trademarks of Software Arts, Inc. TKISATN and 
DIF are trademarks of Software Arts Products Corp. Software Arts is a trademark of Software Arts, Inc. and Software Arts Products Corp. The TKlSolver program and the 
TKISolverPack applications packages are products of Software Arts, Inc., which is solely responsible for their contents. VisiCalc is a registered trademark of VisiCorp. 
GRiD Compass Computer is a trademark of GRiD Systems Corporation. Z-100 is a trademark of Zenith Data Systems. Eagle is a registered trademark of Eagle 
Computer, Inc. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Wong is a registered trademark of Wang Laboratories Inc. Digital, 
Professional, and Rainbow are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation. Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. MS is a trademark of 
Microsoft Corporation. 

338 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 458 on inquiry card. 



Hardware Review 



The Vamp DVM-1 
Computer/TV Interface Kit 

Interface a computer's video and audio outputs directly into a TV 

for enhanced picture quality 

by Richard F. Gillette 



. !' ;? J ; "^-, ' , }T 



The DVM-1 kit can help you overcome the display 
degradation that often disappoints users of systems 
employing an RF (radio-frequency) modulator to inter- 
face a computer's video output to a standard color televi- 
sion. The DVM-1 lets the computer's output bypass the 
TV's RF section; it applies the computer's audio and 
video outputs directly to the TV's audio and video 
amplifiers, eliminating the need for an RF modulator. 

Shortly after I had purchased a computer for text and 
graphics applications, I became disappointed with the 
display quality of my RF-modulator/color-TV combina- 
tion. I had no right to expect better; after all, a color TV's 
tuner and IF (intermediate-frequency) stages pass only 
a 4-MHz video signal to 
prevent interference among 
adjacent TV stations; even 
the cheapest black-and- 
white monitor has twice 
this bandwidth. Although 
the 4-MHz bandwidth is 
fine for TV, most computer 
text and graphics applica- 
tions require a wider band- 
width to take advantage of 
their higher resolution 
capabilities. 

To solve this problem I 
thought I could simply 
bypass the TV's RF section 
and connect the computer 
signal directly into the TV's 



— — 




Photo 1: The DVM-1 kit, including the instruction manual. 



video amplifier. Right? Wrong. My TV, like most modern 
TVs, has its chassis connected directly to one side of the 
110-V power line. TV manufacturers have eliminated the 
60-Hz power transformer found on older models to make 
the new sets lighter and less costly. If I had input the 
computer's video directly into the TV, I would have burnt 
out the computer and given myself a potentially lethal 
electric shock. Obviously, safety considerations dictate 
isolation of some sort. 

My solution at the time (the DVM-1 was not yet avail- 
able) was to purchase a bulky 110-V, 60-Hz isolation 
transformer and wire it permanently into the TV's line 
cord. The transformer would not fit in the TV, and when 

it was close to the TV's pic- 
ture tube, or CRT (cathode- 
ray tube), it distorted the 
picture. I then added a jack 
(with an integral switch) to 
connect the microcom- 
puter's video directly to the 
TV's video amplifier. The 
TV had a video test point 
with a composite video 
signal at the same level as 
the computer; thus, no bias 
was required, and unplug- 
ging the computer auto- 
matically switched the CRT 
back to TV. The results 
were spectacular. It looked 
almost as good as any of 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 339 





I 

> ■: 


** If, « wr* 




£■* 


fy. •_£■*. 


« i*^ 


2 ( ^ 


* / 
■' 




Photo 2: TTze assembled DVM-1 printed-circuit board, mounted in 
a TV (All photos were taken by the author.) 



Photo 3: The flyback-transformer pickup coil (the white twistedpair 
in the center of the photo) that derives power for the DVM-1 board. 



the composite video monitors I saw at the computer 
store. It was just as spectacular when used with a video- 
cassette recorder. 

I decided to upgrade the computer monitor from a 
9-inch TV to a 12-inch Sony KV-1207 TV (my daughter 
was planning to take the 9-inch set to college). The larger 
TV required a larger isolation transformer, and while 
looking for this transformer I found the Vamp DVM-1. 
This kit provides all the circuits necessary to interface 
both the computer or videocassette recorder and audio 
directly into the TV. The required isolation is provided 
by a pair of optoisolators, one for video and one for 



audio. The conversion fits inside the TV and requires no 
bulky isolation transformer. 

The optoisolator consists of a light-emitting diode 
(LED) coupled optically to a photo diode. The isolator 
can couple signals across a 3-kV potential difference, 
much more than is required for the TV set. 

Another feature of the DVM-1 kit is that it uses the TV's 
flyback transformer to supply power for the optoisolator 
LEDs and their drivers, eliminating the need to take 
power from the computer (or videocassette recorder) or 
to provide a separate power supply. 

The kit comes in a small box complete with all parts 



J2 
AUDIO IN 



t± 



3 TURNS 
ON TV 
FLYBACK 



VIDEO IN 



t! 



COMPUTER GROUND 



TV GROUND 



-r 



L^° 



OPTOISOLATOR 

L 



+ 12V 

POWER 

SUPPLY 



t>- 



V 



% 



TV 



+ 12V 

REGULATOR 



OPTOISOLATOR 

L 



t 



^r 



MON 



^ 



PHASE 
JUMPER 



"H 



I 



o- 



AUDIO INJECTION 



0-130V 
POWER SUPPLY 



"^7 



VIDEO DET. 

W— 



~LfN, G ~ !f I Y MON 



3, 




■LEVEL 
■ DC BIAS 



DVM-1 PCB 



VIDEO INJECTION 

( "X"S INDICATE 
CIRCUIT OPENED) 



TV CHASSIS 



Figure 1: The DVM-1 block diagram, showing interface wiring. 

340 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




Photo 4: Video and audio connections to the TV. 



and straightforward instructions (see photo 1). Only one 
printed-circuit board is involved; you just follow the parts 
list and insert the components into a well-marked board, 
solder, and trim the leads. You have to provide your own 
solder. The assembled printed-circuit board as mounted 
in my TV set is shown in photo 2. 

Figure 1 shows the DVM-1 block diagram and the TV 
interface wiring. The combination of optoisolators and 
use of the TV's flyback transformer for the power sup- 
ply to drive them provides complete isolation of the com- 
puter from the TV. The computer's video and audio 
signals are coupled across this interface (the dashed line 
on the block diagram in figure 1) by a light beam. No 
RF modulator is used, and thus cross-hatch interference 
due to modulator operation is eliminated from the other 
TVs in my home. The DVM-1 provides independent 
video and audio level settings and includes an adjustable 
bias supply for the TV's video; this feature allows an easy 
interface to TVs that have their video detector operating 
at a DC (direct current) voltage offset from ground. I 
needed this feature to use the DVM-1 with my Sony. (See 
'Add A Video Input to Your TV," Radio-Electronics, April 
1983, for more technical details.) 

Included with the kit are insulated jacks and a switch. 
The switch allows easy selection of either monitor or TV 
operation. 



After the printed-circuit board is assembled, the next 
step is interfacing with the TV set. For this task, the 
DVM-1 manual provides a wealth of information. How- 
ever, if you are not qualified to service your TV set, you 
will need help. If you are qualified or if you have a friend 
who is, you will have few, if any, electrical problems. The 
manual provides a good section on checking the kit. All 
parts are covered by warranty. Your challenge will be 
mechanical: where to mount the board, the input jacks, 
and the TV/monitor switch. The kit's small size enables 
it to fit inside any TV suitable for use as a monitor. 

I am tempted to go into detail on the installation; how- 
ever, each TV will pose unique requirements. My Sony 
KV-1207 installation is best described with pictures: photo 
2 shows mounting details, and photo 3 shows the fly- 
back-transformer pickup coil (the white twisted pair in 
the center of the photo) that derives the DVM-Ts power. 
As you can see, installation was easy once I decided 
where to mount the hardware and route the wires. Photo 
4 shows the video and audio wiring to the TV. You can 
see the cut video-printed circuit trace between the two 
coaxial cables (the audio trace that was cut cannot be 
seen in this photo). 

After I installed the interface and adjusted the video 
and audio gain and the DC offset (simple procedures 
explained in the manual), I found that I wanted to touch 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 341 



Listing 1: A color dot-generator program written in Applesoft. 



COLOR DOT GENERATOR 

* TO EXIT TYPE * 

* CTRLC RETURN * 

* TEXT RETURN * 
R.F.GILLETTE 9/25/83 



10 REM 

11 REM 

12 REM 

13 REM 

14 REM 
20 HGR2 

30 HCOLOR= 3 

40 FOR X = TO 279 STEP 8 

50 FOR Y = TO 191 STEP 8 

60 HPLOT X,Y 

70 NEXT Y 

80 NEXT X 

90 END 



up the TV's convergence. I followed Sony's instructions 
using a software-programmed dot generator. The pro- 
gram for an Applesoft dot generator is provided in listing 
1. At my wife's urging I adjusted the TV's color so the 
white would appear more green, as she finds green 
easier on her eyes. Color monitor owners may want to 
try this; all that is required is to turn down the red and 
blue CRT drive controls. 

While giving the interface a thorough checkout, in- 
cluding a number of RF modulator to DVM-1 compari- 
sons, I found horizontal instabilities on large-area graph- 
ics displays output from my Apple II. The top of the 
graphics display had a wave (horizontal displacement), 
as photo 5 shows. This large-area graphics display was 
generated using the program from listing 1, modified by 
changing the step size in lines 40 and 50 from 8 to 1. 
Close examination revealed that the wave could appear 
with either the RF modulator or the DVM-1. The AC 
(alternating current) coupled video signal from large-area 
graphics upsets the DC-restore circuits in some TV sets 
because the sync level (most negative level) is close to 
the level of the video signal preceding it. This small level 
difference can be seen on a scope, as photo 6 shows. 



At a Glance 

Name 

DVM-1 kit 

Use 

Converts a television set into a composite video (not red-green- 
blue) computer/videocassette record (CPU/VCR) monitor while 
retaining the TV function 

Manufacturer 

Vamp Inc. 

POB 411 

Los Angeles, CA 90028 

Dimensions 

2/ 2 by 4 inches single-sided printed-circuit board 

Price 

Complete kit: S64.95 plus S2.00 shipping (S4.00 foreign) 

Features 

Provides wide-band video and audio channels that are isolated 
from a hot TV chassis; uses two optoisolators 

Tools Needed 

Soldering iron, screwdriver, drills (10-, 7-, and 4-mm or %-, %-, 
and y 8 "'r"ich), voltmeter, wire cutter, and schematic of TV set 

Documentation 

10-page manual 



One solution to this problem involves a simple modi- 
fication to the Apple II, and it works with both the RF 
modulator and the DVM-1. The video, sync, and color- 
burst signals are summed at the base of the Apple II's 
video-output transistor (Q3), which is connected as an 
emitter follower. Adding a fourth summing resistor 
(5.6KQ, V 4 W) from Q3's base to + 5V increases the 
amplitude of the sync pulse, solving the instability. I 
called Apple and the person I spoke with stated that the 
change is not approved by Apple; hence, such modifica- 
tions to your Apple will be at your own risk. 

How well does the DVM-1 coupler work? Judge for 




Photo 5: A horizontal instability accompanying a large-area graphics Photo 6: A scope photo showing a laige-area-graphics video signal 
display. 



342 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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VAMP OVH-1 



Photo 7a: Forty-column text displayed on a TV screen via an RF 
modulator. 



Photo 7b: Forty-column text displayed on a TV screen via the DVM-1 




Photo 8a: A color-graphics display interfaced to a TV via an RF 
modulator. 



Photo 8b: The same color-graphics display interfaced to a TV via 
the DVM-1. 



yourself. Photos 7a and To show 40-column text with the 
RF modulator and the DVM-1, respectively. The DVM-1 
provides a bandwidth in excess of 8 MHz; mine extended 
past 10 MHz. These photos show the bandwidth/resolu- 
tion improvement. Photo 8 shows high-resolution color 
graphics from the game Mad Rat (Phoenix Software), 
first via the RF modulator (photo 8a), then via the DVM-1 
(photo 8b) (the TV was adjusted for as close a color 
balance as possible). The shadow mask on the screen 
of the color CRT reduces resolution, and TV video cir- 
cuits can also reduce bandwidth. The Sony can almost, 
but not quite, let you use 80-column video with the 
DVM-1 adapter. (I tried a wider band video input and 
obtained the same results; the TV is the limitation.) 
Adding the DVM-1 to a black-and-white TV will allow 
80-column operation. As you can see from the photos, 
my converted color TV set has the video quality of an 



expensive composite video monitor. The kit also pro- 
vided me with an audio channel including volume 
control. 

When considering the upgrade of a TV to a monitor, 
I recommend that you consult the TV's manual to make 
sure you understand the video and audio circuits before 
you invest in the DVM-1. If you do understand the cir- 
cuits, then I wholeheartedly recommend this kit. One 
note of caution: the TV set's warranty may be voided by 
this monitor conversion. (My applause to Vamp, as it 
noted the warranty problem in its manual.) A letter to 
the TV manufacturer, however, may get you conversion 
approval. In any case, most warranties do run out.B 

Richard F. Gillette (311 W. Daniels Rd., Palatine, IL 60067) is an engineering 
manager with Northrop Corporation's Defense Systems Division. He holds 
both a B.S.E.E. in communications and an M.B.A. in operations research. 



344 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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348 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 478 on inquiry card. 



Software Review 



The Einstein Compiler 

This Applesoft BASIC compiler also serves as a helpful 

programming tool 

by Peter Callamaras 



The Einstein compiler, one of several BASIC compilers 
for Apple computers, is both easy to use and effective. 
Although other compilers claim they can provide com- 
piled programs that run 2 to 20 times faster than their 
Applesoft BASIC counterparts, they cannot reveal what 
they're doing during compilation, nor can they do any- 
thing other than compile programs. 

The Einstein, however, is not only a BASIC compiler: 
it's a useful programming tool as well. It provides a great 
deal of statistical information about the programs it com- 
piles, and, when you enable the line-trace mode, you 
can also use it to debug a program. 

The major task of a BASIC compiler is to convert a pro- 
gram written in BASIC into an equivalent assembly-lan- 



At a Glance 

Name 

The Einstein compiler 

Type 

Applesoft BASIC compiler 

Manufacturer 

The Einstein Corporation 
H340 W. Olympic Blvd. 
Los Angeles, CA 90064 
(213) 477-4539 

Price 

$119 

Computer 

Apple ll/ll Plus/lie 48K bytes 
Apple III in emulation mode 
One 5 ] A -inch disk drive 

Format 

5/4 -inch DOS 3.3 disk 

Free backup disk upon return of warranty card 

Audience 

Novice or experienced Applesoft programmers interested in 
speeding up BASIC programs 



guage program. Much of the conversion performed by 
Applesoft compilers is based on a series of calls to 
routines in the Apple's monitor. By eliminating the need 
to interpret each line of program code, the compilation 
reduces program execution time. 

Size vs. Speed 

Although compilation speeds program execution, it 
also increases the size of the original program. The Ein- 
stein compiler, however, uses a code-compression tech- 
nique to limit this increase; nevertheless, its compiled 
versions may be twice as long as the BASIC programs 
it began with. If the program is very large or made up 
of a series of modules, then the modules can be com- 
piled and chained as a set of integrated modules. 
Modular programs are useful if you wish to later enhance 
certain parts of the program: you need only compile new 
modules to replace the ones you want to change. The 
manual explains this feature well. 

The code-compression feature can be disabled, but 
program size will then increase dramatically in some 
cases. In one workout I gave the compiler, the original 
program took 5 sectors, the compressed compiled pro- 
gram filled 12, and the uncompressed compiled version 
20. I prefer to use the compressed version. 

Many manufacturers claim that their compilers pro- 
vide twentyfold speed increases, but you can reasonably 
expect a compiled program to run about five to six times 
faster than the original BASIC program. I realized an ap- 
proximate fourfold increase in execution speed each time 
I used the Einstein compiler. To make your own com- 
parison, load a program on a cassette tape into the com- 
puter and then load the same program from a disk. The 
difference in the time you saved using a disk drive is 
about the same as the time you'll save running a com- 
piled version of your BASIC program. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 349 



Number of 
Primes Used 


BASIC Program's 

Execution Time 

(seconds) 


Compiled Program's 

Execution Time 

(seconds) 


55 


63.95 


11.21 


1006 


132.7 


28.07 


1437 


210.09 


42.91 


Table 1: This data compares execution times for an Applesoft 
BASIC program with a version compiled with the Einstein com- 
piler. Data collected from three tests using the Sieve of Eratosthenes 
benchmark prime-number program show that the compiled pro- 
gram runs about five times faster than the original 



Ease of Use 

To compile your first program, simply 

1. Load the BASIC program into memory. 

2 . Insert and run the Einstein program. 

3 . Press "Y" (for yes) to accept the standard Einstein 
parameters. 

4 . Save the compiled program. 



That's all there is to it. The compiled program can be 
listed, but you will see only one line of code: 1 Call 4864. 
This line will start the compiled program running. 

To test the time savings and size differences between 
BASIC programs and their compiled versions, I first ran 
a program I use to predict winners in professional foot- 
ball games. I have always been frustrated by the length 
of time it takes the program to determine the point 
spread and predict a winner when the program already 
has information from the preceding four or five games 
on which to base a decision. I selected six teams and 
had the program predict winners of the three games. 

A BASIC program averages 23 seconds to figure a win- 
ner and point spread. The compiled version of that pro- 
gram (the compilation took about 65 seconds) calculated 
the point spread and predicted the winner in 5.3 sec- 
onds. For calculations on 28 teams (14 games), the wait- 
ing time decreased from 322 to 74.2 seconds— a 77 per- 
cent time savings. 

The second test I ran was based on the Sieve of Era- 
tosthenes benchmark prime-number program (featured 
in January 1983 BYTE, page 283). I decided not to run 
the full 8192 prime numbers and instead ran three tests: 
one with 55 prime numbers, another with 1006, and a 
third with 1437. The time savings, shown in table 1, were 
substantial. The execution rate of the compiled version 
was about five to six times faster than that of the original. 
The program did, however, expand from 3 sectors in the 
original to 15 sectors in the compiled version. 



Compiler Components 

The Einstein compiler disk contains three separate 
binary programs. The first is the Einstein program itself, 
which compiles the programs. The second program, 
Remark Remover, is a utility program used to remove 
remarks from the BASIC program before it's compiled. 
Because a program is converted from Applesoft into as- 
sembly language, the compiled program does not need 
the extra code required by the Remark statements. The 
third program, Remake Compiler Disk, is a special utility 
used to reconstruct the Einstein compiler should it be 
"blown up" through a destructive error. You can 
"destroy" the compiler by accidentally putting a write- 
protect tab on its disk and then attempting to use it, or 
by pressing the Reset key while the compiler is running. 

If you damage the disk, contact the manufacturer for 
a replacement. When you send in the 90-day-warranty 
registration card, Einstein Corporation will send you a 
free backup disk. The compiler disk is copy-protected, 
not write-protected, because it constantly reads and 
writes to itself while compiling a program. 

While you are compiling a program, various statistics 
concerning the compilation process appear on the video 
display. The compilation is carried out in several phases. 
In the analysis phase, variables are analyzed and stored, 
and the syntax of the program is checked. If a syntax 
error is detected, you can ignore it and continue the com- 
pilation or you can stop immediately. The Einstein soft- 
ware will compile a program with syntax errors in it. 
When I tried an "incorrect" program, it compiled and 
ran until the syntax error was encountered. After the 
analysis, the program stops and asks whether you wish 
to use any particular parameters. 

The program then proceeds to the next phase, where 
the variables are defined in a symbol table, which you 
can examine for information about the assembly-lan- 
guage program being created. Specifically, the symbol 
table provides the name of each variable function in the 
original program, truncated to two characters. You also 
get a one-character display of the variable type. Real 
numbers are represented with a blank, integers with a 
percent sign, and strings with a dollar sign. A defined 
function is displayed as an asterisk. The hexadecimal ad- 
dress of the first byte of each variable (or variable array) 
is also provided. Next to the address, the length of the 
array, or variable, is expressed in hexadecimal units. 
Three special notes include 17-byte For . . . Next loops, 
defined functions of 8 bytes, and fixed-length strings that 
are 1 byte greater than their specified size. Information 
on dimensioned arrays is also included. 

The program then proceeds into the compression 
analysis phase and creates a set of compression optimiza- 
tion tables. The final phase handles code generation, 
where the compiled code is generated and stored on the 
compiler disk. While the program prints each line num- 
ber as it is compiled, a running tally of the percentage 
of source code compiled is reported. (You can compare 
this data with the compiled information in the symbol 
table.) Any address reference problems are then re- 



350 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



solved, and the full compilation statistics are displayed 
on the screen. 

The compilation statistics include information on the 
amount of space occupied by the compiled program, the 
area used by any global variables, the local area used 
by local variables, and the area reserved for use by 
dynamic strings (called the string pool). Other displayed 
information details additional facets of the compiled pro- 
gram. The compiler also creates a run-time library to get 
the compiled program up and running. The library con- 
sists of a set of machine-language routines the program 
uses when it runs. The amount of space saved by using 
the compression feature is also indicated. 

The last phase of the compilation is the resolution of 
relocation information, of interest mainly to experienced 
programmers. 

Once the compilation is finished, the program resides 
in memory, ready for you to run immediately or to save 
on disk. (I always save a program before running it.) Be 
sure you give the compiled program a different name 
than that of the original source program (I add the suf- 
fix .com), because once you overwrite the original BASIC 
source code, it is lost unless you have a backup copy. 
Some restrictions apply if you use relocatable code (these 
are covered in the user's manual). 

A set of available compiler parameters covers the as- 
signment of the printer slot, string information, ad- 
dresses for the program, strings, different variable types, 
line tracing, code compression, reserved memory, loops, 
display addresses, and pause on errors. 

The printer-slot parameter allows you to get a hard- 
copy printout of the compilation information for later 
use. You can select the other parameters depending on 
the program you are compiling and/or your use of the 
compiler for debugging purposes, such as enabling the 
line-trace mode. The manual details each of the 
parameters. 

You can place certain embedded compiler directives 
inside the compiled program. They are a series of special 
annotated Remark statements that are not removed from 
the source code as are normal Remark statements. For 
instance, you could use one of the special Remark state- 
ments to call an uncompiled subroutine from within the 
compiled program. Other directives are available for the 
advanced programmer; these are thoroughly explained 
in the manual. 

The manual is well-written and packed with informa- 
tion. It will be of help to both the novice and experienced 
programmer. The manual has a table of contents, an in- 
dex, and an error-message section. It covers each com- 
piler feature in separate task-oriented chapters. A set of 
sample tables illustrates the use of the symbol table and 
a set of sample programs permits practice compiling. 



Conclusion 

The Einstein compiler is an excellent program for con- 
verting Applesoft BASIC programs into assembly- 
language equivalents. It is easy to use, requiring only 



three steps to compile a program (if the user does not 
take advantage of the special parameter settings 
available). This ease of use has prompted me to use this 
program to compile all my BASIC programs to obtain 
faster execution speeds. 

The Einstein compiler is packed with features to sup- 
port use by both experienced and novice programmers. 
The parameter settings, for example, should accommo- 
date the needs of any programmer. In addition, a com- 
prehensive set of compilation statistics provides details 
about the compiled program. 

Programs compiled with the Einstein software exhibit 
speed increases five to six times over those of their 
Applesoft BASIC counterparts. The user's manual is well 
written. In fact, it would make a good model for docu- 
mentation writers to follow. 

This compiler can be useful for all owners of Apple 
computers, even those who don't do much program- 
ming. It can speed up their BASIC programs and it might 
even encourage them to start programming in BASIC. 
Thus, it gives users the best of both worlds, easy pro- 
gramming in BASIC combined with the speed that 
assembly language affords. ■ 



Peter Callamaras, an officer of the Air Force, can be reached at AFCC/EPPB, 
Scott AFB, IL 62225. The recipient of degrees in computer technology and 
biological sciences, he recently received his master's degree in systems manage- 
ment. He has been interested in computers since 1966 and used to be the ser- 
vice department manager of a computer store. 



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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 351 



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352 BYTE January 1984 



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BYTE January 1984 353 



Hardware Review 



The Basis 108 

A sleek import from Germany combines CP/M Plus 
with Apple compatibility 

by Seth P. Bates 



Flexibility, low cost, and abundance of software are the 
qualities that have made the Apple II a success. Now 
these qualities are available in a machine that comes 
already equipped with a variety of upgrades as stan- 
dards. As well as providing complete compatibility with 
Apple II software and peripherals, the Basis 108 offers 
serial and parallel interfaces, 128K bytes of RAM 
(random-access read/write memory), an 80-column 
display, an RGB (red, green, blue) monitor interface, and 
a Z80 processor card. The Basis 108 was designed to meet 
the needs of professionals rather than hobbyists, but it 
is flexible enough for both. 

Basis 

Since 1979, Basis ("Bah-zis") Microcomputer GmbH, 
of West Germany has been the exclusive Apple dis- 
tributor for Western Europe. The company produced 
keyboard encoders for upgrading the Apple II and 
helped establish requirements for the European version 
of the computer. In addition to the 108, Basis also pro- 
duces two more sophisticated systems for business ap- 
plications: the Basis 208 and 216. 

In 1982, however, Apple began to market its own prod- 
ucts in West Germany. On learning of Apple's plans in 
1981, Basis decided to develop a proprietary, low-cost 
microcomputer that was both hardware- and software- 
compatible with the Apple II. The result was the Basis 
108, which was introduced to the European market in 
January 1982. It was an immediate success. A short time 
later it was introduced in the United States by Basis Inc. 
of Scotts Valley, California. Last summer the distribution 
rights to the computer were bought by Computer Sys- 
tems Designs of Ridgef ield, Connecticut, which is now 
selling the Basis 108 at a much reduced price: $2595 for 
a complete system. It previously cost $3500. 



The Basis 108 System 

The 108 is structurally similar to the IBM Personal 
Computer (PC) (see photo 1), with a detached keyboard 
and two 5V4-inch disk drives. It has a 50- watt power sup- 
ply (the Apple II has a 35-watt supply), a motherboard 
(photo 2), and mounting planes for two 5V4-inch drives. 
The back panel (photo 3) provides DB-25 sockets for 
serial and parallel I/O (input/output) and has cutouts for 
as many as six connectors. It also has RGB, black-and- 
white, and NTSC (National Television Standards Com- 
mittee) video outputs; cassette I/O; a fuse socket; and 
power input. Two power outlets allow you to add a video 
display and printer that are switched on and off with 
the system. 

The keyboard was designed to meet European 
ergonomic standards and is attached to the unit by a five- 
foot coiled cable. The keyboard has an 18-key numeric 
keypad, a 9-key cursor control block, and 15 program- 
mable function keys (photo 1). The layout is similar to 
that of an IBM Selectric. The cursor block provides four 
standard cursor controls as well as Home, four Apple 
control-code keys (for clear-to-end-of-line and clear-to- 
end-of-page functions), and four directional codes. These 
keys allow single-keystroke cursor control in Apple soft- 
ware (standard in CP/M and Pascal), and they make a 
nice "bleep" when they are used. 

Basis at one time offered a beautiful European-made, 
ergonomically designed high-resolution monitor with a 
25-MHz bandwidth. This unit was quite expensive, how- 
ever, and Basis discontinued it. I've found that the Elec- 
trohome 1302-2x monitor and Taxan's RGB Vision I 
monitor work well with the system, but the Electrohome 
cable needs a simple modification to work properly. The 
technical bulletin that explains this change is available 
from Basis. The latest word from the new distributor is 



354 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



that a monitor will now be bundled with the Basis 108 
system. 

The Motherboard 

The Basis 108's motherboard (photo 2) is an economical 
design that has enabled Basis to manufacture it inexpen- 
sively, while offering standard features that would be 
costly to add to an Apple II. Both of the motherboard's 
microprocessors (a 6502 and a Z80) reside on the board, 
and both have direct access to the bus and address lines. 

Apple Emulation 

The 6502 mimics the operation of the Apple II pro- 
cessor, providing the same clock rate (1 MHz) and mem- 
ory-mapping scheme. The monitor program for this pro- 
cessor resides in ROM (read-only memory) and fully 
supports both 40- and 80-column operation. The Z80 is 
dormant while the Basis is in 6502 mode. 



. 



At a Glance 

Name 

Basis 108 

Manufacturer 

Basis Microcomputer GmbH. 
Muenster, West Germany 

American distributor 

Computer Systems Designs 
99 Danbury Rd. 
Ridgefield. CT 06877 
(203) 431-4540 

Standard system configuration 

Basis 108 system unit with I28K bytes of RAM, two disk 
drives, monitor, keyboard, and power cables, CP/M Plus, 
Perfect Software packages, system disks, and operator's manual 

Price 

S2595 

Processors 

6502 (1 MHz) and Z80 (2 MHz) 

Memory 

128K bytes of RAM installed; sockets for 12 K bytes ROM- or 
EPROM-based software 

Features 

Text and graphics options. Black-and-white, NTSC, and RBG 
video outputs. Game-control socket with 3 TTL inputs and 1 
TTL output. Cassette, serial, and parallel interfaces. Six Apple II- 
compatible expansion slots. Detached keyboard with numeric 
keypad, 15 function keys, and a cursor-control block 

Software Included 

CP/M Plus operating system; Perfect Writer, Perfect Calc, Perfect 
Filer, Perfect Speller; three disks of system utilities 



Software options 

Write Away word processor (by Midwest Software): 

Hardware options 

256K-byte RAM pseudodisk board: 
Basis green-phosphor monitor: 



SI75 



S695 
S995 




Photo 1: The Basis ("Bah-zis") 108 is a microcomputer, configured 
like an Apple II, with Z80 and 6502 microprocessors and 128K bytes 
of RAM. The 108 comes with two Basis disk drives. The earlier model 
(shown here) has Micro-Sci drives. The keyboard provides all the fea- 
tures required of a business system. 




Photo 2: The motherboard's expansion slots (similar to the Apple 
II's slots 2 through 7) are at the left. The character -set ROM chip 
is just above and to the right of the top expansion slot. Sockets for 
resident software in ROM are at bottom center', just below the Z80 
processor. The 6502 chip is at right bottom, and the memory chips 
are just to the right of the center (shown here with only 64K bytes 
of memory). 




Photo 3: The aluminum casting of the chassis is finned for strength 
at the rear. A cutout provided for a fan is not used (or needed). Six 
cutouts for DB-25 connectors are available, as are cassette, composite 
video, and RGB connectors. A flat-cable clamp can hold any loose 
wires and cables not using the connectors provided. Along with an 
easily accessible fuse, two switched outlets are provided in this Euro- 
pean version. The U.S. version provides 110V outlets in their place. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 355 



Basis Users Groups 
NY B.U.G. 

William Cook, President 
239 Demarest Ave 
Closter, NJ 07624 
(203) 729-1600, ext. 286 
(201) 767-0176 

California Basis Users Group 

Jim Fitch 

35 National St. 

POB 3068 

Salinas, CA 93912 

Table 1: A list of users groups for the Basis 108. These users groups 
receive technical and customer-support mailings. 



Hardware products tested 

Apple Graphics Tablet 

Echo II voice synthesizer 

Grappler 

Amlyn disk controller 



Hayes Micromodem 
Applecat modem 
J-Cat 1200 bps modem 



Table 3: Apple peripherals found to be compatible with the Basis 
108. 



Graphics modes 




40 horizontal by 48 vertical 


— 1 5 colors 


80 by 48 


— 15 colors 


280 by 192 


— 6 colors 


Combined text/graphics modes 




40 by 40 plus 4 lines of 40 characters 




80 by 40 plus 4 lines of 80 characters 




280 by 160 plus 4 lines of 40 characters 




280 by 160 plus 4 lines of 80 characters 




Table 2: The graphics and text modes for the Basis 108. 



Software products tested 

Wordstar (Apple version for Videoterm 80-column card) 

Apple Visicalc 

Word Handler 

Magic Window 

Educational software from Spinneker Software and 

The Learning Company 
Cfox and Aztec games 

(Frogger and Pie Writer do not work with the Basis 108.) 
Table 4: Apple software found to be compatible with the Basis 108. 



CP/M 

The Z80 has a clock rate of 2 MHz, the rate used by 
Microsoft's Softcard for the Apple II. It runs under a 
customized version of CP/M Plus (or CP/M 3.0), which 
is standard with the machine. This version of CP/M 
makes full use of the machine's 128K bytes of RAM by 
using a bank-selection technique. That is, small parts of 
the 128K memory are automatically switched into and 
out of the 64K memory space of the Z80. Fortunately, 
this procedure is user transparent. 

This version of CP/M furnishes several other features, 
including three levels of file protection (password-based), 
three modes of automatic date and time stamping (a 
clock board is not required), and a 44K-byte print spooler. 
[Editor's Note: According to Basis, two versions of CP/M Plus 
are offered. One has a printer spooler for the parallel port and 
a real-time clock. The other has a spooler for the serial port 
but no clock, because it handles the timing of the serial 
port. . . . R.M.] 

When running under CP/M, the Z80 uses the 6502 as 
a high-speed processor for I/O. The 6502 acts as an in- 
terface between the Z80 and the keyboard and the 
parallel and serial ports. When you start CP/M opera- 
tion, the 6502 loads the operating system from disk and 
then passes control to the Z80. The Z80 then accesses 
memory directly but uses the 6502 for I/O functions. 

Processor timing is critical in this system; the 6502 is 
a dynamic processor and would "lose itself" if it were 
not refreshed periodically. The Basis version of CP/M in- 
cludes instructions to ensure that the Z80 controls the 
6502's refresh process. 



Text and Graphics 

The Basis 108 provides four software-selectable char- 
acter sets. They are programmed in a memory chip, a 
2732 EPROM (erasable programmable read-only mem- 
ory), which can be replaced or reconfigured by the user. 
In fact, Basis users groups (table 1) are developing some 
alternate character sets. The standard set includes the 
64 Apple characters, the 128-character ASCII (American 
National Standard Code for Information Interchange) 
set, a full set of APL characters, and a special set of Ger- 
man characters. French, Spanish, Swedish, and Italian 
character sets are available from Basis in Europe. 

The video-text-screen memory resides in static RAM 
chips, parallel to main memory, and is refreshed by high- 
speed interleaving. Video outputs are available for black- 
and-white, NTSC-color, and RGB monitors. The black- 
and-white mode provides a true gray scale for very 
professional-looking black-and-white graphics. Table 2 
describes the various graphics and text modes. 



Resident Software and RAM 

In addition to the character sets in ROM, the Basis pro- 
vides for up to 12K bytes of ROM-based software (or 
firmware). As mentioned above, the Basis 108 also comes 
with its own monitor program in ROM, which lets the 
user choose between a 40- or 80-column display. This 
selection may be made during initial system booting or 
any other time by pressing a certain key sequence. The 
owner's manual includes a complete listing of the moni- 
tor program code. 



356 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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The standard system comes with 128K bytes of RAM, 
which is handy because CP/M Plus takes up a sizable 
portion of the lower 64K bytes. Basis also offers a 256K- 
byte RAM-disk board for $695. 

Bundled Software 

The Basis 108 comes with a bundle of software from 
Perfect Software. This set includes Perfect Writer, Perfect 
Speller, Perfect Calc, and Perfect Filer. 

Expansion Slots 

The Basis 108 has six slots that accommodate Apple 
expansion boards. They are equivalent to slots 2 through 
7 of the Apple II. Since the connections for these slots 
are supposed to be identical to the Apple's, the Basis 108 
should be 100 percent compatible with Apple II boards. 
I tested these slots with several products (see table 3). 
Of course, any board that must go into slots that corre- 
spond to the Apple's or 1 slots will not work; but since 
the Basis already has an extra 16K bytes of memory 
(which would go into slot 0) and a parallel printer port 
(slot 1 on the Apple II), this discrepancy in the number 
of slots should not be too much of a problem. 

The system is configured to recognize the serial inter- 
face at logical slot 9. This interface provides two hand- 
shake circuits and transmission rates from 50 to 19.2K 
bps (bits per second). Several cards useful in an Apple 



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II or He are not needed here because their functions are 
already provided. These cards include serial and parallel 
interfaces, a RAM card, and an 80-column uppercase/ 
lowercase text-display card. The six remaining slots 
should meet the needs of most users. 

Optional Hardware and Disk Systems 

Until the spring of 1983, the Basis 108 had been sold 
in versions with a choice of two disk drives, one, or none. 
It is now sold in only one version, which will provide 
two German-built Shugart-based disk drives offering 100 
percent Apple compatibility and is controlled by a pro- 
prietary diagnostic controller card that automatically 
checks all system functions on power-up. This facility 
can be disabled or accessed at any time while the 
machine is on. The controller is built for Basis by Pro- 
metheus, which also developed the popular Ap- 
pleshurance disk controller. 

One slot of the 108 is taken up by this diagnostic disk 
controller, but since parallel and serial interfaces and a 
full 128K bytes of memory all reside on the motherboard, 
the five remaining slots are free for more exotic uses, 
such as modem cards and A/D (analog to digital) con- 
verters. 

Eight-inch disk-drive controllers for the Apple will 
work with the 108, although such drives will not fit the 
108's front-panel 5V4-inch cutouts. Basis uses 8-inch 
drives in its 208 and 216 models and might decide to offer 
an 8-inch modification kit for the 108 as an option. 

Another interesting possibility would be to use two 
half -height 5V4-inch drives in one side of the 108 and a 
5V4-inch hard disk in the other, thus providing a power- 
ful, compact system. Davong, Xebec, and Corona hard- 
disk drives should all work with the 108, but since CP/M 
Plus is new, no manufacturer has yet written the BIOS 
to interface its hard-disk drive to this operating system. 
Apple users who own the Microsoft Sof tcard (and hence 
have the old CP/M version 2.2) can use the hard-disk 
drives immediately. The Amlyn 8-megabyte removable 
minipak drive works beautifully with the system and has 
been popular. 

For those seeking 16-bit computing compatibility, 
Metamorphic's 8088 card for the Apple works without 
problems. It provides MS-DOS, the 16-bit UCSD P-sys- 
tem, and CP/M-86 compatibility. With this card, the Basis 
contains three separate and independent processors— a 
6502, a Z80, and an 8088. It would also be compatible 
with seven of the current predominant operating sys- 
tems—Apple DOS 3.3, Apple Pascal, CP/M, Turbodos, 
MS-DOS, CP/M-86, and 16-bit Pascal. 

Software 

Besides the CP/M Plus disk, the 108 comes with three 
disks of system utilities. One, The Filer from C.P. Soft- 
ware contains three excellent disk-management utilities, 
an operating system compatible with Apple DOS 3.3, 
and an Apple-compatible floating-point BASIC inter- 
preter. Unfortunately, this operating system and BASIC 
interpreter cannot be used apart from these utilities. Pur- 



358 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 53 on inquiry card. 



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5.25" Fixed /Removable Winchester Cartridge Drive Systems 
For The IBM Personal Computer/Compatibles 




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Circle 169 on inquiry card. 



BEST IN 
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AMPEX-INTERTEOTEXAS INSTRUMENTS-GENERAL DATA 

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INTERTEC SUPERBRAIN II 

64KDD* $1874 

64K QD* $2249 

64K SD* (96TPI) $2689 

'(Includes M/Sofl BASIC) 

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CALLAN 16/32 BIT Call 

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NEC 

7710 Ser $1899 

7715 $1949 

7730 Par $1899 

7720 $2449 

7725 $2496 

Std. Tractor 77xx $ 199 

3510 $1364 

3515 $1394 

3530 $1390 

3550 (IBM) $1709 

DATASOUTHDS180 Call 

DATASOUTH DS220 Call 

DIABLO 

620-SPI $ 889 

630-R-1 02/147 $1949 

630ECS $2389 

630-R155* $1709 

'(for IBM PC, Apple II, TRS-80) 

630K104(KSR) $2265 

QUME 

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Interface $ 76 

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Sprint 9/55 FP $2080 

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351 $1673 

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DM5 Call 

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QVT-102 $ 549 

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CIT 161 (64 Colors) Call 

CIT 201 (Graphics for 
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810 Package $1439 

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850 Tractor Feed $ 549 

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d Base II $ 489 

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InfoStar (8") Special $ 249 

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WordStar Professional 
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ReportStar $ 199 

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PlanStar Call 

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We also make EIA RS 232 or RS 449 cables to your order, can supply you with 
ribbons, printer stands, print wheels, thimbles for all printers listed. Plus 
many, many more items. Most items In stock. CALL NOW. 

All items shipped freight collect either motor freight or UPS unless otherwise speci- 
fied. All prices already include 3% cash discount. Purchase with creditcard does not 
include discount. Virginia residents, add 4% Sales Tax. For fastest delivery send 
certified check, money order or bank-wire transfer. Sorry, no C.O.D. orders. All 
equipment is in factory cartons with manufacturers r^^^^j 
warranty (honored at our depot). Prices subject to i ^5* 'rfC*£T^' 
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Terminals Terrific, Inc., P.O. Box 216, Merrifield, VA 22116 
Phone: 800-368-3404 (In VA, Call Collect 703-237-8695) 



chasers wishing to use Applesoft BASIC for program- 
ming must purchase the software on disk or in ROM 
chips. A ROM chip set is available from Computer Dis- 
count Products (860 South Winchester Blvd., San Jose, 
CA 95128) for about $125. The Apple UCSD Pascal can 
be purchased on disk as well, for about $230. 

Another disk that is provided, the System Booter, can 
reconfigure a 40-column Apple BASIC interpreter to a 
40/80-column selectable version for the Basis system. 
Most users, however, will want the dealer to take care 
of this reconfiguration because the booter runs only 
under Pascal. But if you own Pascal, you can do your 
own configuration. 

The remaining disk is the Basis utility disk, which 
modifies the Apple UCSD Pascal operating system to rec- 
ognize special features of the 108. Also, this utility will 
modify Apple DOS 3.3 to recognize the serial port at 
logical slot 9 and to allow the saving and retrieving of 
upper- and lowercase-text files. 

Advanced users will probably want to turn their mod- 
ified Applesoft BASIC interpreter into an EPROM chip 
set and thus end up with a system that strongly resem- 
bles an Apple II Plus. 

A software deal that is offered by Basis is Perfect Soft- 
ware's CP/M-based products, including Perfect Writer, 
Perfect Speller, Perfect Filer, and Perfect Calc as a package 
with the 108 for $275. Basis users should stay in touch 
with the company (or dealers) because more software 
is being optimized for the systems. 

Dealer Support 

Basis is establishing a dealer network and is most in- 
terested in dealers who will provide full-service system 
support. The former distributor maintained a commit- 
ment to its dealers to provide parts replacements within 
24 hours of a request. 

Conclusions 

The Basis 108 is a beautifully designed and constructed 
product that offers Apple II and CP/M compatibility in 
addition to features that both writers and businessmen 
need. Some users will be disappointed by the system's 
size and weight (it's a bit larger than an Apple II). But 
professionals and hobbyists will appreciate the quality 
of its construction, and both its structural and electronic 
design. The system is also ideal for school and univer- 
sity applications. 

The quality of the video section is excellent, and the 
40-character Apple-like screen is stunning. The chassis 
cutouts allow the disk drives to be installed inside, 
resulting in a clean, attractive appearance. The detached 
keyboard, in addition to being well thought out, is a ma- 
jor improvement on any Apple II upgrade. The Basis 108 
may indeed provide more built-in flexibility than any 
other computer on the market. ■ 

Seth Bates (Division of Technology, San Jose State University San Jose, CA 
95014) is a doctor of industrial technology. His interests include programming, 
trvut fishing, and reading science fiction. 



360 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 492 on inquiry card. 




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Bubbles on the S-100 Bus 



Part 1: The Hardware 

Build a fast-access 128K-byte bubble-memory board 
for your S-100 system 



Before beginning work on this ar- 
ticle, I checked back issues of BYTE 
for any previous articles on the sub- 
ject of bubble memories. It was a 
short list— the loneliest number of all. 
A. I. Halsema's "Bubble Memories: 
A Short Tutorial" (June 1979, page 
166) contains a lot of good informa- 
tion on how bubble memories work. 

There was an earlier mention of 



by Louis Wheeler 

bubble memory in BYTE. The July 
1977 issue contained an editorial by 
Carl Helmers, entitled "This 
Elephant Never Forgets." In it he dis- 
cussed the then-new Texas Instru- 
ments TBM0103 bubble-memory 
chip. The editorial wound up by call- 
ing for some "technologically enter- 
prising reader" to "purchase the early 
sample versions of the bubble mem- 




mma&g&m 



Photo 1: The Intel Magnetics Inc. BPK 72 Bubble-Memory Prototype Kit comes complete 
with a 4- by 4-inch PC board, all components, and extensive documentation. A simple inter- 
face and some software are all you need to build an S-100 disk emulator. 



ory chips along with documentation, 
and design a homebrew computer in- 
terface which we can publish for the 
benefit of all BYTE readers." Ap- 
parently, no one ever answered the 
call. Perhaps that early version was 
either too expensive or the circuit re- 
quirements too complicated. Any- 
way, here's (perhaps) the article he 
requested. 

In part 1 Til provide some basic in- 
formation on bubble memory in gen- 
eral. Using Intel's BPK 72 Bubble- 
Memory Prototype Kit (see photo 1), 
I'll show you how to build a 128K- 
byte bubble-memory board for your 
S-100-bus system. Part 2 will cover the 
software testing and modifications 
necessary to realize the potential of 
the bubble-memory system. The 
completed project will function as 
either a floppy-disk replacement (or 
augmentation) or a cache memory. 

Since the 1979 article and 1977 
editorial were written, Texas Instru- 
ments has dropped out of the bub- 
ble-memory business. However, in 
1979 Intel introduced its first bubble- 
memory system and, fortunately, has 
kept the concept alive. The Intel 
Magnetics Inc. version, the 7110 
Megabit Bubble Memory, stores 
1,048,576 bits (128K bytes) of data and 
has a transfer rate of 100,000 bits per 



362 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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© 1983 RRR Computers, Inc. Avatar is a trademark of RRR Computers, Inc. 
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp. 












Circle 4 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 363 



second (bps). That's a lot of data to 
store in one small component. It has 
more than 10 times the capacity and 
twice the speed of the earlier TI bub- 
ble memory. Although bubble mem- 
ories have been slow in coming for a 
number of reasons, including diffi- 
culties in fabrication and the cost of 
manufacture, it appears that they 
have finally arrived. 



What Will It Cost? 

Recently, several ads for disk- 
emulator, disk-simulator, and 
cache-memory systems have ap- 
peared in computer magazines. The 
prices of these systems range from 
$900 to several thousand dollars. 
Since March of 1983, 1 have seen two 
ads for bubble-memory boards: one 
for the Apple and one for S-100 
systems. The Apple board, Bubdisk, 
from MPC Peripherals, lists at $875 
and was reviewed in the July 1983 
BYTE on page 226. When I called the 
company advertising the S-100 board, 
I was informed that lack of interest in 
the board had caused the company 



to discontinue marketing it. 

How do these prices compare with 
this project? The latest price I have for 
the Intel BPK 72 Bubble-Memory Pro- 
totype Kit is $550. The S-100 pro- 
totype board and other components 
will cost about $50. The approximate 
total cost of $600 compares favorably 
with the disk emulators and bubble- 
memory boards now available. 

The bubble-memory 

board is piggybacked 

onto the S-100 

wire-wrap board. 

Inside the Bubble 

Bubble-memory technology is a 
highly compact, reliable, nonvolatile 
storage medium. It is more properly 
called magnetic-bubble memory be- 
cause it stores data in the form of 
movable magnetic domains on a thin 
film of magnetic material divided into 
tiny magnets. The word "bubble" 
comes from the fact that viewed 
under a microscope these magnetic 



domains resemble tiny bubbles (Don 
Ho, take note). The bubbles are 
moved about under the influence of 
an external rotating magnetic field. 
The small internal magnets 
themselves do not rotate, only the 
magnetic field, which is created by 
phasing currents through two coils 
surrounding the film of magnetic 
material. This nonmechanical aspect 
of bubble memory is what makes it 
so reliable when compared to other 
high-capacity storage media such as 
the floppy disk. 

For many applications, bubble 
memories afford a number of advan- 
tages over both floppy disks and 
cache memories. Bubble memories 
are two to four times faster than 
floppy-disk drives. They are also 
many times more reliable because 
there are no heads to load and move 
or disks to turn and, therefore, 
nothing to wear out. A bubble-mem- 
ory system's compactness lets it easily 
fit inside a computer enclosure 
without the usual boxes and cables 
that can clutter up your desk. Both 
floppy disks and bubble memories 



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364 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



800-448-1422 

im-4pm ET 

Circle 70 on inquiry card, 



A portable computer needs 
a portable surge suppressor. 

The PC Saver line cord. 





The beauty of your portable computer 
is that it goes everywhere you go. 

Unfortunately, it meets power 
line problems all along the way. 

In a recent PC Magazine cover 
story it is estimated that 70-90% of all 
microcomputer malfunctions can be 
traced to power line problems. Prob- 
lems that are magnified with a port- 
able, since you never know what 
situation awaits you. 

With the PC Saver, power line 
problems are no problem. 

No matter where you plug in your 
portable computer, the PC Saver im- 
mediately acts to suppress surges, 
spikes and line noise. This prevents 
damage and allows your computer to 
function at its maximum efficiency 





The PC Saver clips surges and 
spikes to a safe 133 Volts RMS/175 
Volts DC level in less than 50 nano 
seconds. An 1' type filter attenuates 
common and transverse mode noise 
by a minimum of 20dB from 600 kHz 
to 30 mHz with a maximum attenua- 
tion of 50dB. All the circuitry con- 
forms to standards established by the 
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Elec- 
tronics Engineers) and UL (Underwri- 
ters Laboratories). 

The PC Saver is as portable as 
your portable. 

The PC Saver is.so light and compact 
it will fit right into your briefcase. 
We've put all the protective circuitry 
right into a power cord. To use, simply 
replace your factory supplied cord 
with the PC Saver line cord. 

Will PC Saver fit your computer? 
The chances are it will. Almost 
all portable computers, Compaq,™ 
Kaypro,™ Eagle,™ Corona,™ Hyperion,™ 
Columbia Data Systems,™ and others 
use the standard style power cord. 



A ffordable 
protection 

$49.95 is a small 

investment for keeping 

your portable at top efficiency. 

You'll find the PC Saver line cord 
at computer stores everywhere. 
Or order direct from Kensington 
Microware Ltd., 251 Park Avenue 
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(212) 486-7707, Telex: 236200 KEN 
UR. For phone or mail orders please 
include $2.50 shipping and handling. 
New York State residents add sales tax. 
Visa and MasterCard accepted. 



^KENSINGTON 
km MICROWARE 



© 1983 Kensington Microware Ltd. 



Circle 210 on inquiry card. 



Why it's worth every nickel. 







If you laid every nickel this 
terminal cost end to end, it would 
lead to a real bargain. 

Because if you're the kind of 
professional who buys an Ann 
Arbor terminal, you put the em- 
phasis on what you get out of it. 
Not what it costs to get into it. 

The best way to explain that 
is by telling you about one of our 
best-selling terminals: the Ann 
Arbor Ambassador™. 

The Ambassador offers in- 
credible value for the money. 



Starting with a full 15-inch screen, 
portrait or landscape. A 60-line 
display with vertical zoom. (You 
won't find that anywhere else.) A 
hard-working keyboard with 
dozens of programmable keys. 

Then there's the fully 
buffered peripheral port with 
separate, user-settable baud rate. 
ANSI-standard coding. Multiple 
page and window capability. 
Pause and Meta functions. Tilt- 
swivel or rack mounted frame. 
And dozens of other ergonomic 
features that have made the 
Ambassador a favorite among 



value-minded professionals 
nationwide. 

Now that you know all that, 
take another look at the nickels 
on this page and ask yourself this: 

Is it really true that money 
can't buy happiness? 

For more information about 
the Ambassador and our other 
fine terminals, write Ann Arbor 
Terminals, Inc. at 6175 Jackson 
Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103. 
Or call us at 313/663-8000. You'll 
find it worthwhile. 



nnn rrbor 

TERMINALS 
Once you've worked with them, you won't work without them. 



366 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 27 on inquiry card. 



+ 12V 
6ND 
+ 5V 



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AO 



D7 

D8 

INT 



7220 CS 

DRQ 

ERR.FL6 

CLK 

BUS RD 
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7250 COIL PREDRIVE* 








A 






















. 1 






M 




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1 


7220 
BUBBLE- 
MEMORY 
CONTROLLER 
(BMC) 




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DRIVE 
TRANSISTORS 




H i 










J 
































1 i 




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7242 

FORMATTER/SENSE 
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(FSA) 














7110 

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10 






11 




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18 i 






19 




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7230 

CURRENT-PULSE 
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9 


1 








8 














E 






C 






D 







CARD EDGE CONNECTOR PIN NUMBERS 



Figure 1: A block diagram of the BPK 72 Bubble-Memory Prototype Kit. 



offer nonvolatile storage, which isn't 
true with most of the cache-memory 
systems now on the market. Because 
cache-memory systems use standard 
RAM (random-access read/write 
memory) chips, when the power 
fails, the data is lost. To overcome this 
problem, some cache-memory sys- 
tems rely on bulky batteries that suf- 
fer the need for periodic replace- 
ment. Of course, all three storage sys- 
tems have advantages; a library of 
bubble memories is still too expen- 
sive for most of us, and although they 
are fast, nothing is faster than RAM. 
If you want to know more, obtain 
a copy of A Primer on Magnetic Bubble 
Memory from Intel, which is well 
worth reading. And even if you do 
not yet thoroughly understand 
bubble memory, don't let that stop 
you from enjoying this project. After 
all, learning is a major part of what 
building it yourself is all about. 

The Bubble-Memory Kit 

Bubble-memory chips and the re- 
quired support circuitry are quite 



complex. Not only are they complex, 
but sensitive, low-level signals and 
stringent layout requirements prob- 
ably preclude the use of wire-wrap 
techniques. However, thanks to Intel, 
the BPK 72 Bubble-Memory Proto- 
type Kit solves most of these design 

Intel Magnetics' 
prototyping kit 
includes ICs, resistors, 
capacitors, test 
hardware, and 
documentation. 

and construction problems. A word 
of caution, though: this is not a 
Heathkit-type kit. Rather, it is an 
evaluation kit intended for engineers. 
Therefore, the user's manual is heavy 
on theory and light on assembly 
instructions. 

The kit comes complete with a PC 
(printed-circuit) board, all resistors 
and capacitors, a test module, a sub- 
assembly to "reseed" the bubble 



memory (should this be necessary), 
and lots of documentation. Figure 1 
is a block diagram of the complete 
BPK 72 circuit. It lacks only an inter- 
face, clock, and power supply. Add- 
ing these three items is not very dif- 
ficult, as you will see. The completed 
bubble-memory system illustrated in 
photo 2 is made up of the following 
active components: a single 128K- 
byte 7110 MBM (Megabit Bubble 
Memory), one transistor, and seven 
ICs (integrated circuits): one 7220 
BMC (Bubble-Memory Controller), 
one 7250 Coil Predriver, two 7254 
Quad Drive Transistor Packs, one 
7230 Current-Pulse Generator, one 
7242 FSA (Formatter/Sense Ampli- 
fier), and one IN75463 OR gate. 

The extensive documentation ac- 
companying the kit details the opera- 
tion of the 7110 MBM and the func- 
tion of each support component. 
Much of the documentation is 
oriented toward the design of a com- 
plete bubble-memory system, includ- 
ing PC-board layout. However, be- 
cause this project treats the BPK 72 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 367 




Photo 2: The assembled BPK 72 with the 7110 
Megabit Bubble Memory installed. The seed 
module (bottom left) is used to restore miss- 
ing seed bubbles. The dummy module (bottom 
right), an electrical equivalent of the bubble- 
memory chip, is used for tests. 

kit as though it were a single compo- 
nent, we are primarily concerned 
with only the 7110 MBM and the 7220 
BMC. 

For the sake of completeness, the 
following is a brief description of how 
it works. The subject is covered 
thoroughly in the documentation ac- 
companying the kit. Refer to figure 1. 

Data flowing in and out of the 
bubble memory passes through the 
7242 FSA. Two channels connect the 
FSA with the 7110 bubble memory (ac- 
tually, the bubble memory is divided 
into two sections). The FSA amplifies 
the weak signals from the bubble 
memory and also masks out the 
defective or unused (spare) data loops 
according to the bit pattern stored in 
the boot-loop registers. Although 320 
data loops are available, only 272 are 
actually used. The extra loops provide 
a greater production yield during the 
manufacturing process. This is a 
common practice in the manufacture 
of memory components. (Normally, 
users are usually unaware of it, and 
this is of little or no concern. 
However, this is not so with bubble 
memories, for even though the selec- 
tion process is done at the factory 
and recorded in the bubble memory, 
we have access to the boot-loop mask 



and can change it if necessary.) The 
FSA also performs automatic error 
detection and correction, a user- 
selected option that eliminates the 
need for things such as software 
checksums. 

From the FSA, the data is fed into 
a FIFO (first-in/first-out) buffer in the 
BMC. The FIFO buffer holds up to 40 
bytes of data. Its primary purpose is 
to alleviate timing differences among 
the user interface, the BMC, and the 
FSA. All communication with the 
bubble memory occurs through the 
BMC, which is addressed as two I/O 
(input/output) ports. One port (hexa- 
decimal El in the schematic and soft- 
ware listings) is for command and 
status, and the other (E0) is for data 
transfer to/from the FIFO buffer. The 
command port has two functions: 
one to initiate BMC functions such as 
READ and WRITE and the other to 
set up a starting address to one of six 
parametric registers. 

I had no difficulty 

completing the 

assembly after 

studying the schematic 

and parts list. 

The parametric registers are akin to 
a disk's parameter block. They deter- 
mine the number of FSA channels to 
be used and block length (pages of 
64 bytes to be transferred); enable 
automatic error correction, DMA 
(direct memory access) operation (re- 
quires DMA controller), interrupt 
conditions, and data-transfer rate 
read); and select which bubble- 
memory chip to address in multibank 
systems and the starting page 
(64-byte record) address within the 
selected bubble memory. The setting 
up of the parametric registers is 
accomplished in the SNDREG sub- 
routine in the driver package to be 
discussed in part 2. Normally, bub- 
ble-memory read/write operations 
proceed as follows. The parametric 
registers are set up with the required 
information, then the desired func- 
tion (READ, WRITE, etc.) is selected 
by sending a BMC command. When 
the status indicates that the FIFO buf- 



fer is ready to receive data or has data 
waiting, data is then transferred 
to/from the FIFO buffer. 

Although I read all the literature 
very carefully, I still found it difficult 
to picture what is actually going on 
in the bubble memory. With 272 data 
loops, boot loops, seeds, input tracks, 
output tracks, and a lot more, it all 
became a bit confusing. I thus sim- 
plified things by looking at it this 
way: the 7110 chip has a capacity of 
1,048,576 bits. Changing bits to bytes, 
the storage capacity is exactly 131,072 
bytes (usually expressed as 128K 
bytes). The smallest block of data that 
can be accessed (read/written) is 64 
bytes, so what we really have is a 
device that can store 2048 (64-byte) 
physical records (Intel uses the word 
"page"). However, it is possible to ex- 
tend the block size in multiples of 64 
bytes, allowing us to effectively have 
records ranging from 128 bytes to 
131,072 bytes. Therefore, for systems 
employing a physical-record size of 
128 bytes (e.g., CP/M), the block size 
is two, with a total of 1024 records. 
For systems with a physical-record 
size of 256 bytes, the block size is 
four, and the number of records is 
correspondingly reduced to 512. 

Assembling the BPK 72 Kit 

Because the BPK 72 kit is intended 
for engineers, so, too, is the 
documentation. A fair knowledge of 
digital electronics and some previous 
experience in electronic kit building 
would be useful, as assembly instruc- 
tions are almost nonexistent. Basical- 
ly, the manual says that this kit in- 
cludes a printed-circuit board on 
which the components supplied are 
to be mounted. Assemble the board, 
referring to the assembly drawing, 
schematic, and parts list. Attach a 
suitable user interface as detailed in 
another section. And that's it. Al- 
though the BPK 72 Bubble Memory 
Prototype Kit User's Manual contains 
about 40 pages, a single paragraph 
covers actual assembly. The remain- 
der of the manual is taken up with 
interface requirements, operating in- 
formation, support components, and 
service information. 

However, the PC board is small, 4 
by 4 inches, with only eight ICs, one 



368 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 







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transistor, and a few other com- 
ponents, and I had no difficulty com- 
pleting the assembly after studying 
the schematic and parts list. If you 
have assembled one of the larger 
Heathkit kits, you should have no 
difficulty in assembling this small PC 
board. The only tools required are a 
low-wattage soldering iron, side cut- 
ters, a small Phillips screwdriver, and 
a magnifying glass to inspect for 
solder bridges. An ohmmeter and a 
10-MHz, or higher, oscilloscope will 
be needed for the preliminary testing 
discussed later. 

I suggest assembling the kit as fol- 
lows: 

1. Locate and mount all the IC 
sockets. The 7110 bubble-memory 
socket must be oriented with the 
two Phillips-head screws on the 
side of the card opposite the 
edge-connector pins (toward the 
top in photo 2). 

2. Install the transistor. 

3. Install all the resistors and diodes. 
The locations are marked on the 
PC board, and the values are in- 
dicated on the schematic and parts 
list. 

4. Similarly, install all the capacitors. 

5. To complete the assembly, install 
all the ICs except the 7110 bubble- 
memory element itself; install the 
dummy module instead. Prelim- 
inary testing requires this dummy 
module. 

The S-100 Interface 

Before we can test the bubble- 
memory system, we will need an in- 
terface, a clock, and a power supply. 
The interface requirements of the kit 
are such that we can look at it as 
though it were a single component. 
The 44-pin edge connector, the PI 
block in the schematic (figure 2), then 
represents the bubble memory and 
all the associated support circuitry. 
The rest of the process is really quite 
simple. The address-decoder circuit 
(ICs 2 and 4) consists of two 8205 
(74LS138) 3- to 8-line decoders. As 
wired, the port addresses are hexa- 
decimal EO and El; however, this can 
easily be changed by selecting other 
output pins on one or both of the 
decoder ICs. ICs 8 and 9 split the 



THE TOUGH 




A budget-management 
report from United Way 

At United Way, 
volunteers carefully review 
the budgets, operating 
patterns and track record 
of agencies asking to 
become part of the United 
Way organization. 

They scrutinize the 
various functions performed 
by the agency, look at the 
kinds of people it helps, 
and evaluate its success 
in delivering its services. 

But what happens when 
a new service agency wants 
to become a United Way 
organization — especially 
when there may be two or 
more equally qualified 
organizations equally in 
need of United Way 
support? Who chooses? 
And on what basis? 

The answer to this 
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And sometimes it can be 
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The people decide 

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Volunteers work free of 
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so administrative costs 
are kept low. 

And that's how 
United Way works so well. 
And why. 




United Way 

Thanks to you it works. 
For all or us. 



c3i«J A Public Service of This Magazine & The Advertising Council 



370 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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BYTE January 1984 371 




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CO 


CO 


+ 


+ 



Figure 2: A schematic of an S-100 interface and clock circuit for the BPK 72. The kit is used as though it were a single component. Only 
the edge connector is shown in this figure. The schematic placement of the edge-connector pins matches that of the actual physical component. 
The completed project functions as either a disk emulator or a cache memory system. 



372 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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multiplexed data bus into separate in- 
put and output buses according to 
S-100 conventions. 

The 4-MHz clock circuit, ICs 1 and 
3 (oscillator/divider, respectively), is 
the circuit suggested in the applica- 
tion note supplied with the kit. It 
should be constructed with care, 
keeping the leads as short as possible. 
Note that the crystal is an 8-MHz 
series-resonant type, 0.1 percent 
tolerance, and should be a high-qual- 
ity component. The clock frequency 
must be stable and within the narrow 
range of 3.996 to 4.004 MHz to assure 
that the bubble-memory rotational- 
field specification is met. This is more 
stringent than many digital-circuit 
clocks. The application note also calls 
for the use of a 74H04 inverter (IC1). 
Unable to obtain a 74H04, I tried a 
74LS04, which did not work and 
resulted in a large number of read/ 
write errors, plus an occasional tim- 
ing error. However, when I sub- 
stituted a 7404, everything worked 
well. 

Several signals appearing on the 
BPK 72 edge connector (table 1) are 
not used in this proj ect. Some of 
these signals, 7242 CS for example, 
are intended for use in systems 
employing more than one 71.10 bubble 
memory. Others are intended for 
special applications. Two of these, 
DACK and DRQ, are for use in 
systems employing DMA. In small 
single-user systems such as mine, 
there is little or no advantage to using 
DMA (considering the added cost 
and complexity). If, on the other 
hand, you want to use the bubble 
memory for real-time data acquisi- 
tion, DMA would become a necessi- 
ty. As for interrupts, floppy-disk 
operating systems generally disable 
interrupts during disk-access opera- 
tions. Therefore, no provision has 
been made for them. The software 
presented here also disables inter- 
rupts during read/write operations. If 
you want to use the interrupt system, 
it will be necessary to add an open- 
collector-type inverter, such as a 
74LS05, connected between pin N of 
the edge connector and one of the 
S-100-bus interrupt lines. 

It might appear that the 
RESETOUT signal, pinH, should be 



Pin 
Number 



Signal 
Name 

GND 



Description 



9 
10 



11 



1 GND Ground (one of five). 

2 — Not used. 

3 — Not used. 

4 CLK Clock input for BMC and FSAs. Frequency should be 
4.000 MHz +/- 0.1 percent with a duty cycle of 50 
percent +/- 1 percent to assure that the bubble- 
memory rotational-field specifications are met. 

5 — Not used. 

6 — Not used. 

7 ERR.FLG A signal generated by the FSA to inform the BMC of an 
error condition. Used in multibank systems. 

8 WAIT A bidirectional signal used in systems with multiple 
BMCs, allowing them to inform each other of an error 

condition. 

BUS.RD Input/output mode signal used between BMC and FSA. 
A0 An address bit that selects which BMC register is 

involved. If A0 is a "1," the command, status, or register 

address counter is selected. If A0 is a "0," the parametric 

registers are being addressed. 
DO Bidirectional data bus carrying data between the user's 

system and the BMC. 

Data bus. 

Data bus. 

Data bus. 

Data bus. 

Data bus. 

Data bus. 

Data bus. 

Parity bit for the data bus. The BMC checks D8 for odd 

parity coming from the user's system and generates odd 

parity for data transferred from the bubble memory. 

Not used. 

Not used. 

Ground. 

Ground. 

+ 12-volt sup ply (one of t wo). 

The same as ENABLE. A, a signal used to select the 

7230 Current-Pulse Generator and the 7250 Coil 

Predriver. Not used. 

Used in multibank systems to select the next 7240 FSA 

in the FSA daisy chain. 

Used in multibank systems as the chip-select signal for 

FSA bank select. In single-bank systems, it should be 

tied low. 

+ 5-volt supply. 

Initiates the Reset sequence to the BMC and support 

circuitry. After a Reset sequence is completed, the next 

BMC command must be an INITIALIZE or ABORT 

followed by an MBM PURGE command. 

J RD Input signal to indicate to the BMC that the user wishes 

to read one of the user-accessible registers. 

K WR Input signal to indicate to the BMC that the user wishes 

to write to one of the user-accessible registers. 

L DACK DMA acknowledge signal; indicates to the BMC that the 

next memory cycle is available for data transfer. If not 

used, it must be pulled up to V cc with a 5.1K-ohm 

resistor: 
M DRQ The data-transfer request signal; it indicates to the user 

system that the BMC is ready to transfer 1 byte of data 

to/from the user system when in the DMA mode; 

otherwise, it indicates that 22 bytes can be transferred. 
N INT Interrupt line from the BMC to the user system. It 

indicates a change in the BMC status and requires 

service. 
P GND Ground. 

R through W — Not used. 

X +12V + 12-volt supply. 

Y 7220 CS The BMC chip-select signal. Except during DMA 

oper ations, a hig h disables the BMC. When disabled, 

only RESETOUT affects the BMC. 
Z GND Ground. 

Table 1: Pin locations and signals for the bubble-memory card. Note the missing letters 
in the Pin Number column. This is the standard numbering sequence for 44-pin cards. 
Many of the signals are not used in this S-100 bubble-memory project. 



12 


D1 


13 


D2 


14 


D3 


15 


D4 


16 


D5 


17 


D6 


18 


D7 


19 


D8 


20 




21 


— 


22 


GND 


A 


GND 


B 


+ 12V 


C 


ENABLE. B 


D 


SELECTOUT 


E 


7242 CS 


F 


+ 5V 


H 


RESETOUT 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 373 







BPK72 
BUBBLE-MEMORY CARD 




> — 6-32 SCREW 


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8.000 MHz 
CRYSTAL 





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-PIN 51 WIRING SIDE PIN 100 WIRING SIDE 

Figure 3: The S-100 bubble-memory board parts layout shown here minimizes the length of signal lines. 



TO ICl PIN 12 



jr 



TO ICl PIN 8 . 
TO IC3 PIN 1 
TO IC2 PIN 6 
TO PI PIN L 
TO PI PIN 8 



8 0- 



510& 

— wv- 



56pF 



56pF 



510& 



5.1 K 

5.1 K 
-W\— 

5.1 K 



5.1 K 



16 ■ 
15 
14 
13 
12 ■ 
11 
10- 
9 - 



TO ICl PIN 11 



TO ICl PIN 13 



+5V 

_J 



Figure 4: This top view of the DIP header wiring diagram includes all the resistors and 
capacitors (except power-supply bypass capacitors) shown in the figure 2 schematic. All resistors 
are 1/4 watt. 



tied to the computer's Re set line. This 
is not the case. The RESET.OUT 
signal is an output signal from the 
on-board power-fail circuit, and, 
therefore, it should be left floating. To 
tie it directly to the computer's Reset 
line causes the on-board power-fail 
circuit to malfunction. Proper opera- 
tion of the power-fail circuit is essen- 
tial to the bubble memory's retention 
of data should the power fail and 
during the normal power-down se- 
quence. It provides for an orderly 



shutdown of the bubble-memory 
system. 

Parts Layout 

Physical placement of the BPK 72 
circuit board and interface com- 
ponents, figure 3, is designed to mini- 
mize the length of the signal lines. 
Looking at the component side of the 
S-100 wire-wrap board, most of the 
S-100-bus signals appear on the right- 
hand side of the signal pins. 
Therefore, to keep signal lines short, 



the S-100 interface circuit was located 
on the right and the BPK 72 PC card 
on the left. For the same reason, 
74LS244 bus buffers (ICs 7, 8, and 9) 
were located at the bottom of the 
board closest to the signal pins. 
Because the oscillator has no off- 
board connections, it was located at 
the top of the S-100 board. All 
resistors and capacitors, except 
bypass capacitors, are mounted on a 
DIP (dual-inline package) header 
(figure 4). 

S-100 Board Construction 

The BPK 72 PC card is piggybacked 
onto the S-100 wire-wrap board 
(photo 3). To prevent shorting out of 
the foil side, I used a Vector Elec- 
tronics wire-wrap board without foil 
pads or bus lines (VC8801-1). The 
44-pin edge connector for the bubble- 
memory card presented the greatest 
problem in construction. I was 
unable to locate an edge connector 
with wire-wrap pins long enough to 
be bent at right angles, pass through 
the holes in the S-100 wire-wrap 
board, and still have sufficient length 
to accommodate two layers of wire- 
wrap. I solved the problem by using 
an edge connector with solder tails 



374 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

FORMERLY SATURN SYSTEMS OF MICHIGAN 



Attention dealers. Ask us about our special demonstrator unit offer. 

Sales and marketing by The MARKETING RESOURCE GROUP, Costa Mesa, CA. 

Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. VisiCalc is a registered trademark of VisiCorp, Inc. DB Master is a registered trademark of Stoneware, Inc. 

Circle 358 on inquiry card. byte January 1984 375 




Photo 3: The completed S-100 bubble-memory board's component side with the BPK 72 in- 
stalled (see figure 4 for the parts layout). 



/\ 



-BEND TO FIT 



\J 



< ^ 



VECTOR ELECTRONICS 
WRAP POST (T46-2-9) 



EDGE CONNECTOR - 



-SOLDER 




Figure 5: A detailed view of the edge-connector fabrication using wire-wrap posts. Alternatively, 
the wiring could be brought up through the S-100 plug-board holes. See the text for details. 



and then bending wire-wrap posts 
(Vector Electronics T46-2-9), inserting 
them in the plug-board holes and 
soldering them to the solder tails on 
the edge connector, as shown in 
figure 5. Alternatively, an edge con- 
nector with wire-wrap pins can be 
used by passing the wires up 
through the holes in the S-100 wire- 
wrap board. I chose the first method, 
and the results are not as neat as I 
would have liked. 



The 44-pin edge connector and all 
the IC sockets were attached to the 
S-100 wire-wrap board using one of 
the super glues. This type of ad- 
hesive has the advantage of being 
quick-setting and is strong enough 
for the task, yet it can be broken loose 
with moderate pressure applied with 
a screwdriver, in case of error or a 
change in design. 

In order to provide additional 
mechanical stability for the BPK 72 



card, I secured it to the S-100 board 
as follows: looking at the component 
side of the BPK 72 card positioned 
with the pins at the bottom, a small 
hole is in the clear area at the top left- 
hand corner. I enlarged the hole and 
drilled a matching hole in the S-100 
wire-wrap board. After inserting the 
BPK 72 card in the edge connector, I 
secured the card to the S-100 board 
using a 6-32 screw and two nuts, with 
one nut between the two boards to 
serve as a spacer. 

The power supply presented no 
special problems. The use of a heat 
sink for the two regulators is op- 
tional. I used red, yellow, and green 
insulated wire to indicate +5 volts 
(V), +12 V, and ground (GND), 
respectively, and white for signals 
(see photo 4). It makes tracing the 
wiring a little easier. Only two bypass 
capacitors are shown in the schem- 
atic, but more may be required, as 
discussed later. If your computer's 
power supply is small and/or heavi- 
ly loaded, you may find it necessary 
to increase the value of the two 
33-microf arad (fiF) capacitors, as it is 
essential for correct operation of the 
power-fail circuit that the supply 
voltages not drop at too rapid a rate 
when either the computer is turned 
off or the power fails. 

Preliminary Testing 

Before installing the BPK 72 card in 
the edge connector or any of the in- 
terface ICs, install the S-100 board in 
the computer (an extender board is 
useful in making the following 
checks). Using an oscilloscope, check 
the output of the + 5- and + 12-V reg- 
ulators for the correct voltage and any 
sign of noise. Also check for +5 V on 
edge-connector pins 8, F, and L, and 
+ 12 V on pins B and X. Remove the 
S-100 board from the computer and 
use an ohmmeter to check the edge- 
connector pins 1, 22, A, E, P, and Z 
for ground. 

Next, install all the ICs— but not the 
BPK 72 card yet. Reinstall the S-100 
board in the computer and then 
check the power-supply voltages 
again. If any noise is evident, bypass 
capacitors should be added to clean 
things up. Try 0.1 or 0.01 /i,F, if 
needed. 



376 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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FORMERLY SATURN SYSTEMS OF MICHIGAN 



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Corporation. Multiplan is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. VisiCalc is a 
registered trademark of VisiCorp, Inc. Accelerator PC is a trademark of Titan Technologies, Inc. 



Circle 359 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 377 













A. » I 




liforffill 




R 

llll 




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i . ..-....• 


W^Sfm^MMMMM 








Li in.FTjf'"™ 













Photo 4: The wiring side of the S-100 bubble-memory board. The following color code applies: 
red = +5 volts, yellow = +12 volts, green = ground, and white = signal. 



Using a 10-MHz, or higher, band- 
width oscilloscope, observe the 
8-MHz oscillator output, pin 6 of IC1. 
The signal should be a reasonably 
clean square wave. If a frequency 
counter is available, measure the fre- 
quency; it should be between 7.992 
and 8.008 MHz. Next, observe the 
clock signal on pin 4 of the edge con- 
nector. Without a load, some ringing 
may be evident; the frequency 
should be one-half the oscillator 
frequency. 

If you haven't already done so, in- 
stall the dummy module in the 7110 
bubble-memory socket. The dummy 
module is an electrical equivalent of 
the 7110 bubble memory. It is intend- 
ed to prevent accidental burnout of 
the 7110 bubble-memory chip during 
testing. Like the bubble-memory chip 
itself, it is keyed and can be installed 
only one way; the resistors should be 
visible once it is in place. A table of 
pin-to-pin resistances is in the users 
manual to check the module. 

Turn off the power and insert the 
BPK 72 card in the edge connector 
and the S-100 board in the computer. 
At this point, a series of tests detailed 
in an application note (AP-119 sup- 
plied with the kit) should be con- 
ducted. The first test ascertains 
whether the power-fail circuit is func- 
tioning corr ectly by observing the 
RESET.OUT signal, pin 2 of the 7220 
BMC. If there's a problem, you 
should not proceed with the remain- 



ing tests until the problem has been 
corrected. 

The remaining tests call for the use 
of a program to condition the 7220 
BMC and to determine its status. The 
software presented in the application 
note is written in 8088/8086 assembly 
language. However, the micropro- 
cessor I used is a Z80, and con- 
siderable differences exist between 
the two assembly languages. Rather 
than spend time translating routines 
that would only be used for the tests 

A seed is a permanent 

bubble from which 

other bubbles are 

generated to represent 
binary ones. 

and then discarded, I decided to use 
BASIC INP and OUT commands. 
The idea worked just fine. In fact, I 
found that all bubble-memory opera- 
tions can be performed using BASIC, 
except the actual transfer of data 
to/from the bubble memory. The 
reason that data cannot be trans- 
ferred is that a BASIC interpreter is 
just not fast enough to keep up with 
a data-transfer rate of 100,000 bps, 
and this results in timing errors. The 
BASIC program in listing 1 is a col- 
lection of subroutines that I used for 
these tests. All that is required to use 
the program is to change the series 



of GOSUBs (lines 1070 through 1100) 
to select the desired functions for 
each test. Details of the tests 
themselves, along with the expected 
results, are spelled out in the applica- 
tion note, so I won't repeat them 
here. 

All the BASIC programs presented 
in this article were written for 
Micropolis BASIC, which uses a 
slightly different form of INP and 
OUT commands. The following ex- 
amples demonstrate how the instruc- 
tions appear in Micropolis BASIC 
along with the more general form 
used in other BASICs (assume "P" is 
the I/O port to be addressed and "D" 
is the data to be written/read): 



Micropolis BASIC 
OUT(P) = D 
D = IN(P) 



Other BASICs 
OUT P,D 
D = INP(P) 



Non-Micropolis BASIC users will 
have to revise the programs accord- 
ingly. 

The last three tests in the series call 
for a program to cause certain signals 
to be generated. This can also be ac- 
complished using the simple BASIC 
program in listing 2. The signal wave- 
forms (as shown in the application 
note) are to be observed on various 
pins of the 7110 bubble-memory 
socket, which presented a problem 
because the solder side of the BPK 72 
card is inaccessible when mounted 
on the S-100 board. Fortunately, all 
the test points can be found on the 
face of the dummy module. Location 
of the test points is easily determined 
from the schematic of the dummy 
module found in the users manual. 

Final Testing 

After successfully completing the 
preliminary tests, the next step is to 
install the 7110 bubble-memory chip. 
Power down and remove the dummy 
module, then install the 7110 bubble- 
memory chip. When p ower is reap- 
plied, again monitor the RESET.OUT 
signal on pin 2 of the 7220 BMC. It 
should perform exactly as it did with 
the dummy module installed. 

Before placing the bubble-memory 
system in operation, one final test is 
to be performed. Again using the test 
program in listing 1, load (write) the 



378 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 360 on inquiry card. 



Listing 1: A collection of BASIC subroutines for preliminary testing of the BPK 72 Bubble- 
Memory Prototype Kit. The GOSUBs (lines 1070 through 1100) must be changed for each test. 

1680 REM ss^^-s^z:*:^ BPK-72 TEST ====:==:-.u=:==:.==r, 

1616 REM 

1626 D--224 £ REM Data Port address 

1636 S-225 "-REM Statu-. Port address 

1646 REM 

1656 GOSUB 1136 s REM Write parametric resu^.t.-r- ,. 

1666 GOSUB 1266 :REM Display status. 

1676 REM 

1686 REM Insert additional GOSUB 's to select the 

1696 REM desired function and function order. 

1188 REM 

1110 STOPs END 

1126 REM 

1136 REM WRITE REGISTERS 

1146 REM 

1156 OUT OS}:- 11 :REM Select -'B' register. 
1 166 DATA 61 , 10, 6S, 66, 66 

1176 FOR I~l TO 5: READ Dl: CUT < DO =€» 1 : NEXT I 
1186 RETURN 

1196 REM 

1266 REM DISPLRV STATUS t IN HEX ] 

1216 REM 

1226 S0=IH<£O -REM Input status. 

1236 GOSUB 1276 

1246 PRINT "STATUS = " ; CHRR$ < S 1 > ;CHRR*<S2> 

1256 RETURN 

1266 REM COMUER DEC TO HEX 

1276 S 1 = I NT < 50/16) +48 
1286 IF Sl>57 THEN Sl-Sl+7 
1296 S2=<S0 AND 15) +48 
136© IF S2>57 THEH S2^:E:2+7 
131© RETURN 

1320 REM 

133© REM WRITE 7226 FIFO 

1346 REM 

1356 FOR H=l TO 4£u 0UT<D>=N = NEXT N 
1366 RETURN 

1370 REM 

1380 REM READ 7226 FIFO 

1396 REM 

1466 FOR 1=1 TO 42 

1416 S0=IN<D::« sREM Get. a bstte from FIFO 

1426 GOSUB 1276 £ REM Concert to Hex 

1436 PRINT CHRR*<Sn5CHRR*<S25; ,, "J 

1446 NEXT I 

1456 PRINT 

1466 RETURN 

1476 REM 

1480 REM 7226 CONTROLLER COMMANDS 

1496 REM 

1566 INPUT "ENTER COMMAND <IN HEX); " 1 C* 

1516 C=0: IF LEN<C$)<>2 THEN STOP 

152© T=fiSC<LEFT£'X$.. 1))- GOSUB 1U66 

153© C=016 

1 540 T=RSC »; R I GHT$ \ C:$ , 1 > ) : GOSUB 1 566 

1550 RETURN 

1560 IF T=MS AND T<=57 THEN D-C+<T AND 15) 

1576 IF T~>£5 AND T\=7'0 THEN C~C~K<T AND 15)+9> 

1586 RETURN 



Listing 2: A simple BASIC program to generate the signals required for testing the BPK 72. 

COIL DRIUE SIGNAL GEhEFHTOF -:C::^.:-.-zr^-.^ 




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1616 REM 

1626 D-224 :REM Dav-a Port 

Listing 2 continued on page 380 



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microcomputer products, see your 
computer dealer or contact: Titan 
Technologies, Inc., P.O. Box 8050, 
Ann Arbor, MI 48107; Telephone 
(313)662-8542. 

Sales and Marketing by The MARKETING 
RESOURCE GROUP, Costa Mesa, CA. 



^s Titan 

— ggg TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

^■BManaar formerly saturn systems of Michigan 

IBM PC and XT are registered trademarks of International 
Business Machines Corp. 

TITAN, PSEUDO-DISK, PSEUDO-PRINT, WHATIME, and 
HARDISK are trademarks of Titan Technologies, Inc. 

January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 379 



Circle 107 on inquiry card. 




68000 

WICAT System 140 




Call or write for our 
newsletter describing 
software and hardware 
available through Concurrent 



• Motorola 68000 

• 512KB memory 

• 10MB Winchester 

• 616KB floppy 

• MCS Operating System 

• Language 



jrfi 



$7950 



A powerful but low-cost 
single-user multitasking 
computer, the WICAT 140 is 
an excellent general-purpose 
system especially suited for 
heavy calculation. 

FOR WICAT USERS 

now available: 

• LEX68™ word processing, 
works with all terminals 
(available in 8 languages) 

• cSTAT™ full statistical tools 
for researchers 

• cACCOUNT™ accounting 
software (GL, AR, AP, PR, 
OE), no programming 
needed to tailor system 

• TOTALC ARE™ complete 
medical office system 




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HIGH PERFORMANCE MICROCOMPUTERS FOR SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY 

LEX68 is a trademark of ACE 
Microsystems, Ltd.; cSTAT, cACCOUNT, 
intergral, and MenuSystem are 
trademarks of Concurrent Corporation 







Listing 2 continued: 

1030 S=225 '-REM Statu •=. Port acidr^-'a. 

1040 REM 

lt350 INPUT "GENERATE READ OR WRITE SIGNALS a«J.-"R> : "JC* 
1060 OUT OS) -25: OUT (SO -30 s 0UT<b>-29 -REM Clear- 7226 

1070 REM 

1080 REM WRITE REGISTERS 

1090 REM 

1100 QUT<b>»ll :REM Select 'B" reiji^ter- 

1165 RESTORE 

1 1 10 DATA 01 , 16, OS, 08, 00 

1120 FOR 1=1 TO 5: READ Dls OUT<D>-Dls NEXT I 

1 13© REM 

114Q IF C$-"\A" GOTO 1230 

1 150 REM 

1160 REM GENERATE READ SIGNAL 

1 170 REM 

1 1 8S OUT < S ) = 13 - REM Send read command \ 1 2 Hex > 

1190 K-IN<D) 

1200 IF <IN<5> AND*32> = GOTO 1190 

1210 GOTO 1130 

1220 REM 

1230 REM GENERATE WRITE SIGNAL 

1248 REM 

1250 QUT<5)»19 s REM Send write command <13 Hex) 

1260 0UTCD)=255 

1270 IF aNOfO AND 12S> <> GOTO 1266 

1303 GOTO 1100 



parametric registers and display the 
status. You should obtain a status of 
40 hexadecimal, indicating that 
operation is complete. The test pro- 
gram can then be modified by chang- 
ing the DATA statement and 
GOSUBs to permit checking the 
seeds, as described in the application 
note. A seed is a permanent bubble 
in the magnetic-bubble memory, 
from which other bubbles are gen- 
erated to represent binary ones. 
Checking the seeds also checks the 
boot loop written into the bubble 
memory at the factory and listed on 
top of the 7110 bubble-memory chip. 
As I explained earlier, the boot loop 
maps defective and unused data 
loops. Should there be an error in the 
boot loot, a simple procedure in the 
users manual shows how to rewrite 
it. If one of the seeds is missing, 
things become a bit more compli- 
cated. Missing seeds can be restored, 
but a special hardware subassembly, 
supplied with the kit, must be used. 
This procedure is also explained in 
the users manual. I did not experi- 
ence any difficulty with either the 
boot loop or the seeds. 

Next Month 

This concludes part 1 of this article. 
Next month, well go beyond the con- 



struction and preliminary testing in- 
to the software requirements needed 
to make the magnetic-bubble-mem- 
ory board work with Micropolis 
MDOS and CP/M.B 

[Editor's Note: As this article went to press, 
Intel announced a change in the configura- 
tion of its BPK 72 Bubble-Memory Prototype 
Kit. Now labeled the BPK 72A, this kit 
comes assembled and tested, but you still must 
add an edge connector, an S-100 bus inter- 
face, and power-supply circuitry as described 
here. A different testing procedure is required, 
but it, too, is documented in the new kit. The 
current chip uses a socketed leadless package, 
but a chip with leads (no socket) and clock 
should be available in January. 

The BPK 72A kit is available for use in three 
temperature ranges: Standard, BPK 72A-1 
(0-75°C), Commercial, BPK 72A-4 
(10-55°C), and Military, BPK 72A-5, 
(~ 2- + 85°C). As a promotional item, Intel 
is offering the Commercial kit for $199 
through any local Intel distributor. If your 
computer environment holds within the 
50-131°F temperature range, the Commercial 
kit could provide 128K bytes of nonvolatile 
memory at considerable savings. ] 



Louis Wheeler is a retired federal government 
employee. He spent 14 years as a programmer, 
teacher, and manager of minicomputer systems. His 
special interest is data processing, in which he has 
an associate degree. He can be contacted at 1323 
Tamera Dr., Oceano, CA 93445. 



380 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



WHY PAY MORE FOR LESS? 




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Sunol Systems, 1072 Serpentine Lane, P.O. Box 1777, Pleasanton, CA, 94566, (415) 484-3322. 



International Distributors: 

HONG KONG: Convergent Microsystems 

Unit 713Hunghom Com. Ctr. 

TW.A. Ma Tau Wei Rd. 

Kowloon. Hong Kong 

Telephone: (3) 636397 



CANADA: McKenzie Brown Ltd. 
267 Richmond St. West 
Toronto. Ontario M5V1W9 
Telephone: (416) 593-6880 



Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computers Inc.. IBM is a registered trademark of Inter- 
BELGIUM: Ditex Diffusion national Business Machines Corp. Xerox is a registered trademark and Xerox 820-II are trade- 

Rue Grisar 46 marks of the Xerox Corp. Atari is a registered trademark and Atari 800 is a trademark of Atari 

1070 Brussels ' nc - Osborne is a trademark of the Osborne Corp. North Star is a trademark of North Star Corn- 

Telephone: 524-01-53 puters Inc. Corvus Systems and Omninet are trademarks of Corvus Systems luc 



Circle 340 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 381 



TERMINALS 

910 S519.00 

910 Plus S599.00 

914 S569.00 

924 S689.00 

925 S739.00 

950 S929.00 

970 S1039.00 

COMPUTERS 

Teleport Portable CALL 

800A S 1099.00 

802. S2699.00 

803 S 1949.00 

802 H S4695.00 

806/20 S4999.00 

816/40. S9 199.00 

1 602 S3399.00 

1603 CALL 



C&TeteVideo 




E3SLE I S 

I COMPUTER I jBfy W& 




Spif'it XL Portable S3999 00 

IIE-1 S1369.00 

IIE-2 S1649.00 

IIE-3 S2399.00 

IIE-4. S3199.00 

PC-E S1579.00 

PC-1 S2399.00 

PC-2 S2799.00 

PC-XI S3599.00 

1620 S3599.00 

1630 .. S5499.00 

1640 S6499.00 

Cyma Software CALL 

-1 H 



^5 SANYO 

M BC-550 PC CALL 

MBC-555 PC CALL 

MBC 1100 S1599.00 

MBC 1 1 50 S2099.00 

MBC 1200 S 1999.00 

MBC 1250 S2399.00 

FDD3200-320K Drive S399.00 

FDD 6400-64K Drive S499.00 

PR 5500 Printer S699.00 

MONITORS 

AMOEK 

300 Green S1 49.00 

300 Amber S1 59.00 

310 Amber S169.00 

Color 1 S279.00 

Color 1 Plus S299.00 

Color2 S399.00 

Color 2 Plus. S4 19.00 

Color 3 S349.00 

Color 4 S699.00 

BMC 

12' Green S79.99 

12"Green HIRES S119.99 

9191-13" Color S249.99 

GORILLA 

12"- Green S88.99 

12- Amber S95.99 

NEC 

JB 1260 Green S 109.99 

JB 1201 Green S 149.99 

JB 1205 Amber S 159.99 

JC 121 5 Color S299.99 

JC 1216 RGB S429.99 

QUAORAM 

Guadchrome S499.99 

TAXAN 

12" Green S119.00 

12" Amber S129.00 

Taxan 1 RGB S279.00 

USI 

Pi 1. 9" Green S99.99 

Pi 2. 12" Green S119.99 

Pi 3. 12" Amber S1 49.99 

Pi 4. 9" Amber S 139.99 

1400 Color S269.99 

ZENITH 

ZVM 1 22 Amber S99.99 

ZVM 1 23 Green S89.99 

ZVM 135 Color/RGB S469.99 




MODEMS 

ANCHOR 

Mark I (RS-232) S79.00 

Mark II (Atari). S79.00 

Mark III (TI-99) S1 09.00 

Mark IV (CBM/PET) S 125.00 

Mark V (Osborne) S9 5.00 

Mark VI (IBM-PC) S1 69.00 

MarkVII(AutoAns/AutoDial) ...S1 19.00 

Mark XII (1200 Baud) S299.00 

TRS-80 Color Computer S99.00 

9 Volt Power Supply S9.00 

HAYES 

Smartmodem 300 S219.00 

Smartmodem 1 200 .S509.00 

Smartmodem 1 200B S459.00 

Micromodem II S265.00 

Micromodem II Plus S299.00 

Micromodem HE S269.00 

Micromodem 100 S299.00 

Smart Com II S89.00 

Chronograph S1 99.00 

NOVATION 

J-Cat - S99.99 

SmartCat 103 S 179.00 

SmartCat 103/212 S399.00 

AutoCat S2 19.00 

212 AutoCat S549.00 

Apple Cat II S249.00 

212 Apple Cat S569.00 

Apple Cat 212 Upgrade S309.00 

Cat S139.99 

D-Cat S149.00 

PC-Cat S339.00 

ZENITH 
ZT-1 S369.00 

APPLE INTERFACE 
CAROS & BUFFERS 

Choose from PKASO. Orange Micro. 
MPC. MicroMax. Tymac. Quadram & 
Practical Peripherals CALL 



IBM 

NEC 3550 S1 699. OO 

P E R C O M/TA NOON 
OR IVES 

5V« 320K Floppy S249.00 

5 Meg Hard w/Controller. .. S1 399.00 
1 Meg Hard w/Controller . . . S 1 699.00 
15 Meg Hard w/Controller .. .S2095. 00 
20 Meg Hard w/Controller . . . S2399.00 
AMOEK 

310 A Amber Monitor S169.00 

DXY 100 Plotter S599.00 

Color II S399.00 

AST RESEARCH, INC. 

Six Pak Plus. ..from S279.00 

Combo Plus II. ..from S279.00 

Mega Plus. ..from S309.00 

I/O Plus II. ..from S139.00 

QUADRAM 

Quadlink S549.00 

Ouadboard...as low as S289.00 

Quad512Plus...aslowas .. .S249.00 

Quadcolor...as low as S219.00 

Chronograph S89.00 

Parallel Interface Board S89.00 

64K RAM Chips Kit S59.00 

MICRO PRO 

WordStar/Mail Merge S369.00 

InfoStar S299.00 

SpellStar S1 59.00 

CalcStar S99.00 

MICROSTUF 
Crosstalk S1 05.00 

MICROSOFT 

Multiplan S1 59.00 

pfs 

APPLE IBM 

Write: 79.00 89.00 

Graph: 79.00 89.00 

Report: 79.00 79.00 

File: 79.00 89.00 

Solutionsvas lowas 16 00 16 00 
•Call On Titles 




PRIM 

AXIOM 

AT-100 Atari Interface S249.00 

CD-1 00 CBM 64/VIC 20 .... S249.00 

GP-1 00 Parallel Interface ...S199.00 

BMC 

401 Letter Quality S589.00 

BX-80 Dot Matrix S269.00 

CENTRONICS 

122 Parallel S499.00 

739-1 Parallel S399.00 

739-3 Serial S449.00 

C.ITOH 

Gorill2 Banana S209.00 

Prowriter 851 OP S379.00 

Prowriter 1 550P S679.00 

A10 (18 cps) 569.00 

F10-40 S999.00 

F10-55 S1499.00 

COMREX 

Com Writer II Letter Quality . . . S549.00 

DIABLO 

620 Letter Quality S949.00 

630 Letter Quality S1 749.00 

DAISYWRITER 

2000 S999.00 

2500 CALL 

Tractor Feed S109.00 

EPSON 
MX-80FT. MX-100. RX-80. RX-80FT. 

FX-80. FX- 100 . CALL 

IOS 

Prism 80.. .For Configurations-. .CALL 

Prism 32... For Configurations. .. CALL 

MANNESMAN TALLY 

160L S589.00 

180L S799.00 

Spirit 80 S309.00 



ASHTON-TATE 

dBASE II $399.00 

IUS 

Easy Writer II S 189.00 

EasySpeller S1 1 9.00 

EasyFiler S229.00 

CONTINENTAL SOFTWARE 
1st Class Mail/Form Letter ... S79.00 
The Home Accountant Plus ... S88.00 

SYNAPSE 

File Manager S89.00 

LOTUS 

1-2-3 S319.00 

PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE 
PC Plus/The Boss S379.00 

VISICORP 

IBM APPLE 

VisiCalc 159.00 

VisiCalc 4 159.00 

VisiCalc-Advanced 269 00 

VisiWord/Spell 249.00 

Visitrend/Plot 199.00 199.00 

VisiLink 169.00 

VisiFile 199.00 169.00 

VisiSchedule 199.00 199.00 

Visidex 159.00 

VisiPlot 135.00 

VisiTerm 75 00 

Desktop Plan 199.00 169.00 
Bus. Forecast Model 75 00 75.00 

Stretch Calc 75.00 75.00 

VisiTutor Calc 59 00 59.00 
VisiTutor-Advanced 75.00 75.00 

VisiTutor Word 59.00 59.00 

Vision Calc 249 00 

Vision Graph 129.00 

Vision Mouse 159.00 

Vision Host 319.00 

TERS 

NEC 

8023 Dot Matrix S379.00 

8025 Dot Matrix..... S669.00 

2050 Letter Quality S999.00 

351 Serial/LetterQuality . . . S1 449.00 
3530 Parallel/LetterQuality . . . S1 499.00 
3550 I BM/Letter Quality... S 1699. 00 
7'710/7730Serial/ParalleL . . S1 949.00 

OKI DATA 

82.83.84.92.93.2350.2410 ...CALL 
SMITH CORONA 

TP-2 S449.00 

Tractor Feed S1 19.00 

SILVER REEO 

500 Letter Quality S469.00 

550 Letter Ouality S699.00 

STAR 

Gemini 1 OX S299.00 

Gemini P15 S449.00 

Delta 10 S559.00 

Serial Board S 7 5.00 

TOSHIBA CALL 

TRANSTAR CALL 

PRINTER CABLES 

Available for Atari, Commodore. IBM. 
Apple. Epson. Kaypro. Televideo. Frank- 
lin. Eagle. Sanyo. Osborne. NEC. 
Zenith and many others. We supply all 
your computer needs! 



PAPER SUPPLIES 

1000shts. 8V2X1 1 Tractor Pa per... 19.99 
1 000 shts.1 4Vax1 1 Tractor Paper.. S24. 99 
1 or 2" Address Labels S9.99 



.CANADA 

800-6*8-53ff 800-268*559 800»233»8950 



ViSA 



In Toronto catl (416-828-0866. Dept O101 

Order Status Number: 828-0866 

2505 Dunwin Drive, Unit 1 B 

Mississauga, Ontario. Canada L5L1T1 



In Toronto call (416-828-0866. Dept. 01 01 tn PA call (71 7)327-9575. Dept 0101 

In NV call (702)588-5654. Dept. 01 01 Order Status Number: 828-0866 Order Status Number: 327-9576 

Order Status Number: 588-5654 2505 Dunwin Drive, Unit 1 B Customer Service Number: 327-1450 

P.O. Box 6689. Stateime . NV 89449 Mississauga. Ontario. Canada L5L1 T1 477 E. Third St., Williamsport. PA 1 7701 

} No risk no deposit on COO. orders. Pre-paid orders receive free shipping within the UPS continental United States with no waiting period for certified checks or 
money orders. Add 3% (minimum $5,00} shipping and handling on all C.O.D. and credit card orders. Larger shipments may require additional charges. NV and PA 
residents add sales tax. All items subject to availability and price change. We stock manufacturers and third party software for most all computers on the market. Call 
today for our catalog. 




P FRANKLIN 




ACE 1 000 Color Computer CALL 

ACE Family Pack System CALL 

ACE PRO PLUS System ...CALL 

ACE 1 2000ffice Mgmt. System . . . CALL 
NOT ME EXPENSIVE 



APPLE/FRANKLIN 
DISK DRIVES 

MICRO-SCI 

A2 S219.00 

A40 S299.00 

A70 S319.00 

C2 Controller S79.00 

C47 Controller S89.00 

RAMA 

Elite 1 S279.00 

Elite 2 S389.00 

Elite 3 ..S569.00 

APPLE lie STARTER PACK 

64K Apple lie. Disk Drive& Controller. 
80ColumnCard. Monitor II & DOS3.3 
COMPLETE S1 499.00 



£ K commodore 



CBM 403 2 S599.00 

CBM 8096 S869.00 

CBM 9000 S999.00 

B1 28-80 S769.00 

CBM 64K Memory Board.... S269. 00 

8032 to9000Upgrade S269.00 

2031 LP Disk Drive S299.00 

8050 Disk Drive S949.00 

8250 Disk Drive S1 199.00 

4023 Printer S379.00 

8023 Printer S569.00 

6400 Printer S 1399.00 

Z-RAM S499.00 

Silicon Office S699.00 

The Manager S1 99.00 

Soft ROM S1 25.00 

VisiCalc S159.00 

PROFESSIONAL 

SOFTWARE 

Word Pro 2 Plus S1 59.00 

Word Pro 3 Plus S 189 .00 

Word Pro 4 Plus/5 Plus,.. each. ..S279.00 

InfoPro , S179.00 

Administrator S399.00 

Power ...S79.00 



CBM 

8032 



s 



CBM 64 . 
VIC SO 



$199 

CALL 



C1541 Disk Drive S249.00 

C1 530 Datasette S69.00 

C 1520 Color Printer/Plotter... S1 69. 00 
C1525 Dot Matrix/Parallel. ..S219.00 
C1526 Dot Matrix/Serial ....S279.00 

C1702 Color Monitor S249.00 

C1311 Joystick S4.99 

C1312 Paddles S1 1.99 

C1600 VIC Modem S89.00 

C1650 Auto Modem S89.00 

Logo 64 S49.00 

Pilot 64 S39.00 

Simon's Basic S19.00 

Word Pro 64 Plus S59.00 

Parallel Printer Interface S69.00 

Calc Result 64 S 129.00 

Code writer 64 S75.00 

Ouick Brown Fox S49.00 

Word Pro 64 Plus S59.00 



We stock a full inventory of software for Commodore, such as: 
Artworx. Broderbund. Commercial Data. Creative Software. 
Epyx. HES. MicroSpec, Nufekop, Romox, Sirius, Synapse, 
Thorn EMI. Tronix. UMI. Victory, Spinnaker. Rainbow ATimeworks! 
CALL FOR DETAILS! 



HANDHELD COMPUTERS 




«41 CV S2Q9 

<*1 CX S259 

HP 10C S51 .99 

HP 11C S69.99 

HP 12C S88.99 

HP 15C S88.99 

HP 16C S88.99 

HP75C S749.99 

HPIL Module S98.99 

HPILCass. or Printer S359.99 

Card Reader S 143.99 

Extended FunctionModule...S63.99 
Time Module S63.99 

NEC 

PC-8201 Personal Computer. . .S599.00 
PC-8221 AThermal Printer. . .$1 49.00 
PC-8281A Data Recorder ...S99.00 
PC-8201 -06 8K RAM Chips. . . S1 05.00 
PC-8206A 32K RAM Cartridge.. .S329.00 



SHARP 



PC-1 500A ... Si 65.99 
PC-1250A $88.99 

CE-1 25 Printer/Cassette. . . . S1 28.99 
CE-150 Color Printer/Cassette. ..S1 7 1.99 

CE-1 55 8K RAM S93.99 

CE 161 16K RAM S 134.99 

CE 500 ROM Library S29.99 

TIM EX/SIM CLAIR 

1000 

Timex/Sinclair 1000 S35.99. 

16K Memory S29.99 

2040 Printer S99.99 

VuCalc S17.99 

Mindware Printer S99.99 




A 

ATARI 



HOME COMPUTERS 




6qoxl $1 eg 

BOOXL $299 

1010 Recorder S74.00 

1020 Color Printer S249.00 

1025 Dot Matrix Printer S449.00 

1027 Letter Quality S299.00 

1030 Direct Connect Modem . . . CALL 

1050 Disk Drive S379.00 

CX30 Paddle S 12.00 

CX40 Joystick each... S8. 00 

CX77 Touch Tablet S64.00 

CX80Trak Ball S48.00 

CX85 Keypad S105.00 

4003 Assorted Education S47.00 

401 1 Star Raiders S33.00 

4012 Missile Command S29.00 

401 3 Asteroid s S29.00 

5049 VisiCalc S 159.00 

7097 Logo S79.00 

7101 Entertainer S69.00 

7102 Arcade Champ S75.00 

8026 Dig Dug S33.00 

8030 E.T. Phone Home S33.00 

8031 Donkey Kong S39.00 

8036 Atari Writer S79.00 

8040 Donkey Kong. Jr S39.00 

8043 Ms. PacMan S39.00 

8044 Joust .S39.00 

DISKETTES 

MAXELL 

5'Af MD-1 S29.00 

5'/4" MD-2. S39.00 

8" FD-1 (SS/DD) S39.00 

8" FD-2 (DS/DD) S49.00 

VERBATIM 

5VV SS/DD S26.99 

5W DS/DD S36.99 

ELEPHANT 

5'/4" SS/SD S 18.49 

5'AT SS/DD S22.99 

5W DS/DD S28.99 

HEAD 
5»/4" Disk Head Cleaner S14.99 

DISK HOLDERS 

INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS 

Flip-n-File 10 S3. 99 

Flip-n-File 50 S17.99 

Flip-n-File(400/8O0ROM)Holder..S17.99 



LJK ENTERPRISES 

Atari Letter Pert ect-Disk(40/80) . . . S79.99 
Atari Letter Perfect-ROM(40 col)...S79.99 
Atari Letter Perfect-ROM(80col)...S79. 99 

Atari Data Peifect-ROM(80 col) S79.99 

Atari Spell Perfect-DISK .....359.99 

Atari Utility/MailMerge S21.00 

Apple Letter Perfect S99.00 

Apple Data Perfect S75.00 

Apple LJK Utility S21 .00 

Apple LowerCase Generator . . . S1 9.00 



12DOXL 
1 4QOXL 



...CALL 
, .. CALL 



PEFOCM 



A T 88-S1 S329.00 

AT88-A2 S259.00 

AT88-S2 S529.00 

AT 88-S1PD S429.00 

AT88-DDA S1 19.00 

RFD 40-S1 S449.00 

RFD 40-A1 S269.00 

RFD 40-S2 S699.00 

RFD 44-S1 S539.00 

RFD 44-S2 S869.00 

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS 

TX 99-S1 S279.00 

RANA 

1000 S319.00 

TRAK 
AT-D2 S389.00 

MEMORY BOARDS 

Axlon 32K S59.00 

Axlon 48K S99.00 

Axlon 1 28K S299.00 

Intec 3 2K S59.00 

In tec 48K ...S85.00 

Intec 64K S99.00 

Intec Real Time Clock ...... .$29.00 

ALIEN VOICE BOX 

Atari S1 19.00 

Apple S 149.00 

KOALA PAD 

Atari S75.00 

Apple S85.00 

IBM S95.00 

CBM 64 S75.00 

CONTROLLERS & 

JOYSTICKS 

WICO 

Joystick S21.99 

3-way Joystick S22.99 

Famous Red Ball S23.99 

Power Grip S21.99 

BOSS Joystick S17.99 

ATARI/VIC Trak Ball S34.99 

Apple Trak Ball S54.99 

Apple Adapter S 15.99 

Apple Analog S37.99 

KRAFT 

Joystick S41.99 

Atari Single Fire S12.99 

Atari Switch Hitter S15.99 

Apple Paddles S34.99 

I BM Paddles S34.99 

IBM Joystick S46.99 

AMIGA 

3100 Single S 13.99 

3101 Pair S19.99 

Joyboard S37.99 

TG 

Atari Trak Ball S47.99 

Apple Joystick S47.99 

Apple Trak Ball S47.9" 



800.648.53f1 

In NV call (702)588-5654. Dept 0101 

Order Status Number: 588-5654 
P.O. Box 6689. Stateline. NV 89449 



„ m n m _ 
800268*559 

In Toronto call (416-828-0B66. Dept 0101 

Order Status Number: 828-0866 

2505 Dunwin Drive, Unit 1 B 

Mississauga. Ontario, Canada L5L1T1 



800*233 -8950 

In PA call |71 7)327-9575. Dept 0101 ^_- 
Order Status Number: 327-9576 MR 
Customer Service Number: 327-1450 HMMj 
477 E. Third St,. Williamsport. PA 1770 ^™ 



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minimum $5.00) shipping and handling. 



minimum S5. 00) shipping and 

Circle 94 on inquiry card. 



Mockingbird: 
A Composer's Amanuensis 

This display -oriented music-notation 
editor can help composers capture their ideas 

by John Turner Maxwell III and Severo M. Ornstein 



The Xerox Mockingbird is a com- 
poser's amanuensis, a computer pro- 
gram designed to aid a composer in 
capturing, editing, and printing 
musical ideas. The purpose of Mock- 
ingbird is not to invent new music or 
to suggest variations to the composer, 
but simply to aid him in recording his 
own ideas by speeding up the no- 
tation process. Mockingbird is not a 
publisher's aid, although it does print 
music, nor is it a performer's aid, 
although it can play; it is strictly 
focused on the composer's need for 
a powerful scribe. 

Mockingbird is an interactive 
music-notation editor. It knows 
nothing about the rhythmic, har- 
monic, or melodic aspects of music 
except as they are represented in 
common music notation. To narrow 
the scope of Mockingbird, we at 
Xerox concentrated on handling 
piano music. The program presently 
cannot handle orchestral scores or 
music for instruments that require 
their own notational devices. 

Mockingbird was written in 1980, 
and we find it surprising that no one 
had previously built such a system. 
We believe there are two principal 
reasons: first, we had at our disposal 
an unusually powerful set of hard- 
ware and software facilities with ex- 
cellent graphics capabilities, and sec- 
ond, we made a number of key deci- 
sions, discussed later, that allowed us 



This article originally appeared, in somewhat 
different form, in a Xerox report of the same 
name. 



to bypass some difficult problems. 

Overview 

Mockingbird is written in Mesa 
(see references 1 and 2), an experi- 
mental language developed at the 
Xerox Palo Alto Research Center 
(PARC). Mockingbird runs on a gen- 
eral-purpose computer called the 
Dorado (see reference 3), a powerful, 
experimental, single-user machine 
also developed at FARC (The Dorado 
is now officially known as the Xerox 
1132.) It has a 60-nanosecond instruc- 
tion cycle, a large memory (typically 
2 to 8 megabytes of RAM), and an 80- 
megabyte disk. It also includes a 
large, high-resolution bit-map dis- 
play, a keyboard, and a mouse. 
Mockingbird presents a picture of a 
score on the display. The mouse pro- 
vides the mechanism by which the 
user can point to locations within the 
score or to particular items, such as 
notes, to which some action is to be 
addressed. It has three program- 
readable push buttons on its top that 
are used for issuing commands to the 
program (sometimes in conjunction 
with keyboard keys). 

The graphics facilities, high speed, 
and large memory make the Dorado 
a particularly suitable tool for music 
editing. The only special hardware 
we provided for Mockingbird was an 
interface to a Yamaha CP-30 electronic 
synthesizer. The Dorado can sense 
key positions and simulate key 
strokes on the synthesizer. Thus, the 
synthesizer can be used to "play in" 
music and to let the computer "play 



back" music without having to syn- 
thesize the sound waveforms by pro- 
gram. The setup is shown in photo 
1 Not shown is an experimental 
high-jesolution, computer-driven, 
raster-scan laser printer that Mock- 
ingbird uses to make hard-copy pic- 
tures. The information for these pic- 
tures is sent over an Ethernet (see 
reference 4) connection from the 
Dorado. (Figures 1 and 2 illustrate 
Mockingbird's hard-copy output.) 

In addition to these hardware 
resources, Mockingbird relies heavi- 
ly on a general-purpose graphics 
software package (see reference 5) 
that provides simple commands for 
displaying characters and drawing 
both lines and curves. It also provides 
a common interface for both display- 
ing material on the screen and print- 
ing high-resolution hard copy. 

Mockingbird is designed to handle 
standard piano-music notation. It 
knows how to deal with notes, rests, 
accidentals, beams, chords, ties, 
grace notes, n-tuplets, time signa- 
tures, key signatures, clef indications, 
ottava, and a variety of different 
kinds of measure lines, embellish- 
ments (mordents, etc.), and sheet 
layouts (see the glossary on page 401 
for definitions of these and other 
musical terms). Mockingbird deals 
with these elements not only in the 
graphics but, where appropriate, in 
the playing as well. Mockingbird 
understands about the key of a piece 
and will propagate and properly sup- 
press accidentals. 

Despite its sophistication, the 



384 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




Photo 1: The Mockingbird user's setup. 



Mockingbird editor is only a research 
prototype. Many features are still 
missing and, in general, we did only 
enough to demonstrate feasibility. For 
example, there are numerous nota- 
tional devices that we never incor- 
porated in the program, such as 
rolled chords, staccato markings, fer- 
mata, and so on. Furthermore, al- 
though Mockingbird can handle ties, 
it cannot handle the more general 
slurs, nor can it display text such as 
lyrics or tempo markings. We do not 
feel that the addition of further 
features would present any insur- 
mountable problems or violate the 
premises from which we proceeded. 

Important Decisions 

We feel that Mockingbird's success 
is largely dependent on the decisions 



we made in the following five critical 
areas. 

Scribe vs. Automatic Transcriber— -We 
decided not to try writing a program 
that converted synthesizer keystrokes 
directly into a score. We made this 
decision for a number of reasons. 
First, we weren't sure that it could be 
done for the class of music we were 
interested in. Rather than pursue that 
question, we wanted to produce a 
tool that worked. Second, we knew 
that an editor would be needed any- 
way, both to correct mistakes and to 
satisfy the composer who did not 
want to use the synthesizer keyboard 
to enter material. So, instead of a 
recognizer, we built an amanuensis, 
or scribe, that provides a human 
transcriber with powerful editing 
tools. Our strategy was to build the 



editing tools first and then work on 
automatic heuristics to augment the 
editing process. The editing tools can 
assist either in performing the con- 
version from played input to score or 
in entering scores graphically. 

Data Structure— We believe that one 
of the most important decisions we 
made was the choice of data struc- 
ture. Mockingbird treats music sim- 
ply as a sequence of events. This 
allows us to simultaneously handle 
raw ("played in") material and more 
finished ("structured") material. Fur- 
thermore, it is convenient for present- 
ing the material in its various external 
manifestations— displayed, printed, 
and played. 

User Interface— In Mockingbird, 
rather than doing a lot of typing on 
the computer's keyboard, the user 
operates directly on the picture of the 
music that appears on the screen. To 
do this, he makes heavy use of the 
mouse. This approach is facilitated by 
a strong correlation between the in- 
ternal representation of the music 
and its visual display (as well as how 
it is played). All of the elements of the 
data structure are displayed, and 
everything shown on the screen cor- 
responds to some part of the data 
structure. If the user moves some- 
thing on the screen, the data struc- 
ture is immediately updated to reflect 
it; if the data structure is changed, 
the screen is immediately repainted. 
Not only is the picture faithful to the 
data structure, but so is the synthe- 
sizer "performance." For example, if 
the user puts a trill marking on a 
note, Mockingbird will trill when 
playing it. 

Piano— Music notation is extensive 
and nonuniform— instruments pre- 
sent individual requirements and 
employ special notational devices. By 
choosing to focus our attention 
specifically on piano music, we 
limited the scope of our ambitions to 
a manageable size. The piano was an 
obvious choice as it is an instrument 
frequently used by composers in try- 
ing out their ideas. Furthermore, be- 
cause of its keyboard structure, it 
lends itself naturally to connection as 
an I/O (input/output) device to a 
computer. 

Voices— Music is broken "vertically" 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 385 



Don't miss a single 
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into separate parts or voices. Such 
partitioning is obvious in multiple- 
instrument music, but it is also an 
essential structural feature in piano 
scores. The recognition of this fact, 
and its explicit representation in 
Mockingbird, greatly facilitates the 
editing and formatting of scores. This 
topic is discussed later. 

The Editor 

Mockingbird consists of a number 
of functionally distinct parts in- 
tegrated into one editor. The editor 
allows the user to record, edit, play, 
and print a single piece of music. 
Commands are issued by making 
selections and typing characters. 
Some commands are invoked by 
pointing the mouse at an object on 
the screen and clicking a button. 
When the user has finished with the 
piece of music, he can name it and 
file it away in the Dorado's filing 
system. Later it can be retrieved by its 
name. 

As it appears on the display, a score 
looks like a piece of sheet music (see 
photo 2). There are usually four to six 
staff sets (lines), each composed of 
two to four staves. At the left of each 
staff is a clef sign and an appropriate 
key signature. Scattered over the 
staves are notes, chords, beams, 
measure lines, and other symbols 
commonly found in music. 

Only about a page of the score can 
appear on the screen at a time, so 
there are commands that allow the 
user to look at different sections. 
Scrolling causes the current section 
of the score to be moved up or down 
so that neighboring lines can appear. 
The user can scroll as little as a single 
line or as much as an entire page. 
Thumbing allows the user to jump to 
an arbitrary point in the score. To 
thumb, the user specifies approxi- 
mately how far into the score he 
would like to be, and the program 
moves the display to that point. Both 
thumbing and scrolling are accom- 
plished by moving the cursor into a 
special "scroll bar" area at the left of 
the score and clicking one of the 
mouse buttons. 

The score can be edited with Mock- 
ingbird just as documents are edited 
with word processors. The usual 




Photo 2: A computer running the Mockingbird program 



paradigm for making an edit is to 
"select" some portion of the music 
and then to issue a command. The 
command will apply only to the 
selected portion. The display is up- 
dated immediately to reflect the 
changes. 

Selection 

A user may select either a con- 
tiguous section of the score or an ar- 
bitrary collection of individual notes. 
Both types of selections are made by 
moving the mouse over the desired 
objects while holding down a mouse 
button. 

If the user selects a section of the 
score, Mockingbird indicates that sec- 
tion by displaying it in reverse video 
(white on black instead of black on 
white). The section may be as small 
as a portion of the measure or as 
large as the entire score. It encom- 
passes all of the notation that appears 
on all of the staves. Section selection 
is typically used for coarse editing 
operations such as copying and de- 
leting. However, it may also be used 
to apply a function to all of the notes 
in a particular region, such as desig- 
nating them all to be sixteenth notes. 

Mockingbird indicates individual 
note selections by painting the 
selected note heads gray. An in- 



dividual note may be selected by 
pointing at it with the mouse and 
clicking the left mouse button. Notes 
may be collected into a selected set 
for combined action either by a series 
of individual mouse clicks or by 
sweeping the mouse over the note 
heads while holding down the 
mouse button. 

Because selection persists after ex- 
ecution of a command, it is possible, 
with a single selection, to issue a suc- 
cession of commands that all apply 
to the same material. 

Voices 

To play notes at the proper time 
and to place them correctly within 
the score, it is necessary to know 
where they occur within the rhyth- 
mic structure of the piece. Measure 
lines provide reference points from 
which rhythmic position is mea- 
sured. For music that has only one 
voice, you start at the beginning of 
the measure and count forward 
through the various note and rest 
values until arriving at the note of in- 
terest. Its position in the measure's 
rhythmic structure is then given by 
the sum of the time values of these 
preceding items. If the music has 
several parallel voices with differing 
time values, you must know which 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 387 




Figure la: A segment of a piano score. 




Figure lb: The same segment showing only voice one. 




Figure lc: The same segment showing only voice two. 



m 



Figure Id: The same segment showing only voice three. 



notes belong to which voice in order 
to count forward properly. Voicing 
thus provides a lateral indication of 
what goes with what. 

Figure la shows a section of a full 
piano score, whereas figures lb-Id 
show its separate voices. To find out 
when the C octave occurs in the sec- 
ond measure of figure lb, add the 
prior eighth chord and sixteenth rest 
and conclude that the octave comes 
three-sixteenths into the measure. 
Now consider the situation in the 
third measure of figure Id. Here a 
voice commences within the measure 
rather than at its beginning, so there 
is no way to count forward to it. In- 
stead, its rhythmic position is deter- 
mined by its synchrony with an ele- 
ment of another voice, in this case, 
the octave in voice one. (To enhance 
visual clarity, the chords are slightly 
separated in the full score shown in 
figure la. However, they are, in fact, 
rhythmically synchronous.) 

In that same measure, consider the 
effect of erroneously placing, say, the 



sixth note of voice two in voice three. 
The effect would be significant: first, 
the note would be incorrectly located 
(played) at the midpoint of the meas- 
ure (i.e., one-eighth after the chord 
in voice three), and second, due to 
the omission in voice two, all the en- 
suing notes of that voice (up to the 
next reference point) would be lo- 
cated slightly earlier than they 
should. Mockingbird contains a 
mechanism to assist the user in find- 
ing such errors. Upon request, the 
program will check to see whether 
the rhythmic "time" of every measure 
is properly filled by the notes and 
rests of the voices it contains (with 
due allowance for parallelism of 
voices). Measures that don't "add up" 
correctly will be marked with a stip- 
ple pattern on the display. 

The voicing of a piece of music is 
hence an important part of its under- 
lying structure, which is revealed by 
the way in which the score is drawn. 
Thus, voicing in a piano score is in- 
dicated by such clues as shared 



beaming, chording, stem direction, 
and staving. The reader uses these 
clues, together with vertical align- 
ment within the score, in deter- 
mining how to play the music, i.e., 
when to play the notes, which hand 
to use, etc. 

In Mockingbird, the problem is the 
converse one of determining what 
the finished score should look like, 
starting from raw notes that have 
neither explicit voicing nor any of the 
structural clues of a completed score. 
Everything must be determined from 
scratch: note values, chords, staving, 
beaming, rests, ties, etc. One of our 
earliest insights was that if we could 
first determine the voicing of a piece, 
it would greatly facilitate determina- 
tion of all of these other features. In 
studying existing piano scores, we 
saw no general way to infer voicing 
automatically, and so instead decided 
to give the user explicit control over 
its definition. Hence, Mockingbird 
includes commands for assigning 
notes and rests to voices and for in- 
dicating synchrony between the ele- 
ments of different voices. 

Once a piece has been voiced, the 
user can designate a particular voice 
for viewing, in which case the notes 
of that voice appear in black on the 
display while the rest of the score ap- 
pears in a light gray for reference. In 
this mode, the user can access only 
items within the designated voice 
(i.e., area selection will select only the 
notes in that voice, and individual 
notes in other voices cannot be 
selected). Any editing commands 
issued when viewing a single voice 
will thus affect only that voice; the 
part displayed in gray is not affected. 

Editing Commands 

Mockingbird's editing commands 
include assigning note values, assign- 
ing notes to voices, transposing 
notes, changing their stem direction, 
changing their spelling, and chang- 
ing the staff on which they appear. 
In addition, various elements of the 
score, such as notes, measure lines, 
and time, key, and clef signatures, 
can be individually deleted or picked 
up and moved to a new location with 
the mouse. There are also commands 
that group notes together with beams, 



388 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



for Performance, Quality and Reliability 



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©1983'eompuPro 



BYTE January 1984 389 




FOR $1595. 



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chords, or slurs. Many of these com- 
mands work with either note or sec- 
tion selection. For instance, the user 
may transpose a single note down an 
octave or an entire voice up a fifth. 
The first of these actions would be ac- 
complished by selecting the note and 
issuing the Transpose command. The 
second would be accomplished by 
designating the desired voice, select- 
ing the entire score, and issuing the 
command. 

The user may also rearrange large 
sections of the score in a "cut and 
paste" manner. To replace one section 
of the score with another, the user 
selects the section to be replaced (the 
primary selection), then the section 
to be copied (the secondary selec- 
tion), and issues the Replace com- 
mand. The primary selection does 
not have to be the same size as the 
secondary one. If there is no second- 
ary selection, the resulting operation 
is a deletion. If the primary selection 
merely points at "empty space" in the 
score, the resulting operation 
amounts to an insertion. 

In addition to changing the struc- 
ture of the music, the user can 
change the way it appears on the 
sheet. For instance, the number of 
staves for each line can be changed 
on a line-by-line basis. The user can 
switch a staffs clef in the middle of 
a measure or designate a section to 
be displayed in ottava notation. 
Changes in key and time signatures 
can also be inserted within the score 
wherever necessary. 

The user can add new material to 
the score by picking up items from a 
pop-up menu that can be made to 
appear under the cursor (see photo 
3). The menu includes a number of 
small symbols (called icons) repre- 
senting various elements of the score. 
There are icons for a note, a rest, bass 
and treble clefs, several kinds of 
measure lines, and a variety of mark- 
ings such as trills, accidentals, etc. As 
the cursor is moved over the menu, 
its shape changes to correspond to 
the icon immediately beneath it. 
When the mouse button is released, 
the cursor retains the last shape. The 
user can then insert instances of that 
icon by pointing to a place in the 
score and clicking another mouse 



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Photo 3: A photo of the display screen showing the pop-up menu. 



button. (Mockingbird automatically 
selects the inserted note or rest for 
the user's convenience. Thus, the 
user may immediately issue com- 
mands that affect the note.) 

The Synthesizer 

The synthesizer is both an input 
and an output device. As an output 
device it can be used to listen to 
music stored by Mockingbird. This is 
especially helpful in proofreading 
scores. Mockingbird "reads" the 
score and plays it by simulating key 
strokes on the synthesizer. As the 
synthesizer plays the notes, a pointer 
tracks the performance on the dis- 
played score. Mockingbird's rendi- 
tion handles polyphonic music cor- 
rectly, taking into account such things 
as grace notes, n-tuplets, trills, ottava, 
and metronome markings. Thus, the 
composer may listen to what he has 
written. Although the performance 
sounds a little mechanical, it is suffi- 
cient for catching erroneous note 
values and pitches. Moreover, the 
music can be played at double speed 
for rapid scanning or half speed for 
careful listening. 

As an input device, the synthesizer 
is used to capture music played by 



the composer. As the user plays, 
Mockingbird "watches" the keys and 
records when every note was struck. 
Music in this form is displayed as a 
note-head time plot, which we call a 
"piano roll," illustrated in figure 2a. 
Mockingbird chooses default staffing 
and spelling. Figure 2h shows the 
final score for this same section of 
music. 

When playing music, the composer 
isn't restricted to a single melodic 
line, nor must he follow a metro- 
nome; he may play whatever he 
wants as freely as he wishes. Mock- 
ingbird captures his idea in a rough 
form that, although a far cry from a 
standard score, nonetheless contains 
enough information to reconstruct 
his original intent. At this point, the 
composer may go on to capture more 
music or start transforming the piano 
roll into a score by editing it. 

Raw piano-roll material can be 
mixed in freely with standard music 
notation, both on a measure-by- 
measure basis and within a single 
measure, as shown in figure 2c. All 
of the commands that apply to stan- 
dard music notation can also be ap- 
plied to the piano roll or to mixed sec- 
tions. Thus, the composer can re- 




Figure 2a: The piano roll input directly from the synthesizer keyboard. 



arrange material, put notes into dif- 
ferent voices, specify the durations of 
the notes, and add structural ele- 
ments such as beams and chords. 
The ability to mix piano-roll and stan- 
dard music notation gives the user a 
lot of freedom; he can work on the 
score in whatever order pleases him. 
Mockingbird even plays correctly 
across the boundaries of mixed sec- 
tions of piano roll and standard 
music notation. 

Another feature of Mockingbird is 
that it is possible to "play against" 
previously entered material. While 
Mockingbird plays, the user can play 
along with it on the synthesizer. The 
combined product is heard as Mock- 
ingbird records the new notes, simul- 
taneously merging them with what 
it is playing. This allows the com- 
poser to build a piece one voice at a 
time or to lay in new material over an 
existing score. It also allows him to 
construct music that cannot be 
played by one person on a standard 
instrument. 

Converting Piano Rolls 

Figure 2 a shows some source 
material recorded by Mockingbird 
directly from the synthesizer. Such 
raw piano rolls are hard for humans 
to read; there are no key or time 
signatures, no measures, chords, or 
beams to group things, nor have the 
notes been separated into voices. Be- 
cause part of the composition process 
includes specifying such syntactic 
structuring, it was necessary for 
Mockingbird to go beyond piano-roll 
notation. The process of converting 
from piano-roll to standard music 
notation is not handled automati- 
cally, but rather involves the user. 
However, Mockingbird does provide 
a number of heuristics that assist in 
the transformation. 

Figure 2 shows a typical succession 
of steps for turning some piano-roll 
input into a final section of score. At 
any point, the composer can use the 
mouse and menu to add material, 
because Mockingbird allows piano- 
roll and standard music notation to 
coexist. 

The first step in converting piano 
rolls is alignment. To remove the in- 
evitable imprecision in playing notes 



392 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




Figure 2b: The piano roll after alignment. 




Figure 2c: The piano roll with key and time signatures, voicing, measure lines, some time 
values, beams, etc., added by the user. 



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Figure 2d: TTie resn/fe o/ timing and beaming heuristics. 




-1 3 3 -T 

Figure 2e: The piano roll justified with too low density. 



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Figure 2f: The piano roll with a more suitable density. 



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Figure 2g: The piano roll after correction by the user'. 



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Figure 2h: TTie piano roll after final "hand" touch-up by the user. 



that should be simultaneous, the 
user can apply a heuristic that runs 
through the piano roll and aligns the 
notes that occur close to the same 
time. Figure 2b shows the results of 
that step. 

Typically, the user provides key 
and time signatures in the next step, 
then he might enter measure lines. 
He can do this by picking up a 
measure-line icon from the pop-up 
menu and depositing copies at suit- 
able places into the piano roll. Alter- 
natively, the user can tell Mocking- 
bird to play the piano roll back on the 
synthesizer, and as it does so, he can 
'Hbeat in" measure lines simply by 
striking the keyboard's space bar on 
the first beat of each measure. Errors 
can easily be corrected by moving, 
deleting, or inserting measure lines 
as appropriate. 

Next, the user would normally 
assign notes to different voices. An 
individual note is assigned to a voice 
when the user selects the note and 
then indicates to which voice it be- 
longs. More typically, collections of 
notes are simultaneously voiced by 
selecting them together and then is- 
suing a single voicing command. 

At this point, the user can go 
through the score, manually assign- 
ing time values to the notes and 
designating chords and beams. 
Figure 2c shows this process partially 
completed. However, Mockingbird 
has a number of heuristics to help 
with these tasks. After the user 
assigns notes to their proper voices 
and gives a time signature, he may 
ask Mockingbird to guess the time 
values of the notes, group them into 
chords, and assign beams. Although 
the heuristics used are only about 80 
percent accurate, they save the user 
a lot of work. In addition, what re- 
mains is easier for the user to deal 
with, because it is in a more familiar 
form. Figure 2d shows the result of 
the heuristics. Mistakes made by the 
heuristics can be found by inspecting 
the score or listening to it through the 
synthesizer. The user then fixes the 
mistakes and adds more structure. 
Figure 2g shows the resulting score. 
The combination of simple heuristics 
and easy editing is as central to the 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 393 




Figure 3a: Two voices improperly aligned. 



concept of Mockingbird as an aman- 
uensis. 

By the time these steps are com- 
pleted, the piano roll has become a 
score containing all the basic informa- 
tion. The only thing that remains to 
be done is some tidying up. 

Justification 

A particularly powerful command 
is the one that justifies a sequence of 
measures within the score. (The user 
selects some area of the score, and 
the justifier locates the nearest 
measure lines.) Justification involves 
several things: making the voices 
consistent relative to one another, lay- 
ing out the graphical elements of the 
score in an aesthetic arrangement, 
and making sure that each line of the 



Figure 3b: The same two voices after 
correction by the justifier. 



score contains complete measures. 
Justification is concerned only with 
the horizontal placement of objects; 
details such as the height and tilt of 
the beams are outside of its domain. 
Furthermore, it doesn't disturb struc- 
tural elements such as stem direc- 
tions and staffing. 

The justifier starts by going 
through each measure and making 
sure that all of the voices are con- 
sistently ordered relative to one 
another. Two voices are inconsistent 
if each adds up to the time signature, 
but when taken together, allowing for 
alignments and spacing, they appear 
to add up to more than the time sig- 
nature. Figure 3a shows an example 
of such a situation. The justifier 
moves notes around to correct mat- 



ters, as shown in figure 3b. 

Next, the justifier redetermines the 
horizontal placement of the graphical 
elements of the score. The horizontal 
spacing is based on the types of ele- 
ments (measure line, note, clef sign, 
accidental, etc.), the voicing, and the 
need to keep things from overlap- 
ping. The user can also give a 
parameter that determines how 
"dense" the justification should be. 
The justifier then squeezes things 
together as close as possible based on 
these constraints. 

Finally, the justifier stretches out 
the spacing in the material to make 
an integral number of measures fit on 
each line. The user can justify various 
sections of a piece with different den- 
sities as appropriate (see figures 2e 
and2f). 

If at any point the user is dissatis- 
fied with the results of justification, 
he can manually move items around 
in the score to improve the appear- 
ance. However, the justifier produces 
a surprisingly good layout, so that 
usually the only things left for the 
user to do are adjustments that en- 




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394 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 455 on inquiry card. 




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BYTE January 1984 395 



hance readability (such as grouping 
and tilting beams, adding clef 
switches, etc.). In fact, given the 
power of the justifier, one common 
style of use is to enter music one 
voice at a time, not worrying at all 
about the spacing between notes. 
Each time a line of material has been 
entered, the user justifies that and 
then goes on to the next line. The 
justifier takes care of aligning the 
voices properly and producing a 
suitable layout. 
The justifier is also helpful in deter- 



mining page layout and page breaks. 
The user can indicate that specific 
measures are to fall at the end of a 
line. The justifier takes this into ac- 
count when deciding how many 
measures to put on a line. With this 
feature, the user can control how 
many pages the score will fill and can 
assure that the end of the score falls 
at the end of a page. 

Data Structures 

Our first design was a hierarchical 
data structure that closely matched 



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the formal structure we saw in music. 
But we ran into numerous problems 
with it because it didn't match the 
needs of an editor. After much dis- 
cussion, we settled on a sequential 
data structure. This surprised us, be- 
cause in the beginning we had 
thought that the hierarchical design 
was the obvious choice. However, ex- 
perience has convinced us that the 
sequential design is vastly superior. 

There are three considerations in 
designing a data structure: represen- 
tational power, programming conve- 
nience, and performance. Represen- 
tational power concerns how much of 
the domain is covered by the data 
structure and how easy it is to repre- 
sent different aspects of the domain 
in the structure. Programming con- 
venience concerns how easy it is to 
write algorithms that deal with the 
data structure. This depends a great 
deal on what the algorithms do. In 
Mockingbird we are mostly con- 
cerned with playing, editing, and 
displaying the score (as opposed to 
structural analysis or automatic com- 
position). Performance concerns how 
rapidly the data may be accessed. 
Even if a data structure is convenient, 
it may not be efficient. Sometimes 
there is a trade-off between structural 
complexity, memory utilization, and 
speed. In Mockingbird, memory was 
plentiful and speed was critical; for 
an editor to be useful, the display 
must respond crisply to user actions. 

There are many possible hierar- 
chical data structures that might be 
used to represent music. We use the 
term loosely to describe a class of 
data structures that implicitly incor- 
porate musical structure in the de- 
sign. Thus you might imagine a data 
structure that had a separate part for 
each measure or for each voice. A 
"sequential" data structure, on the 
other hand, is simply a sequence of 
undifferentiated entities. No attempt 
is made to incorporate musical struc- 
ture into the design. Instead, it is up 
to the algorithms to determine the 
structure from the entities. 

On the surface, the hierarchical de- 
sign seems better. If the musical 
structure is built into the data struc- 
ture, then you can guarantee a uni- 
form interpretation over all of the 



396 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 20 on inquiry card. 



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BYTE January 1984 397 



algorithms. Not only that, but algo- 
rithms won't have to derive the built- 
in information. 

Unfortunately, basing the data 
structure on the musical structure 
was too constraining. We wanted a 
uniform representation for both com- 
mon music notation and piano rolls 
so that the user could mix both types 
of music freely. Although it might be 
possible to keep a separate data struc- 
ture for piano rolls, it would make 
the algorithms for editing, display- 
ing, playing, and justifying much 
more difficult. All of these algorithms 
need to know what things are near 
one another. A simple example is re- 
displaying the score after a small edit 
has been made. For efficiency, we 
would like to redisplay as little of the 
score as possible. But that requires 
knowing what objects are near the 
entity that was edited. In the hierar- 
chical design, an entity that is close 
physically may be logically far away. 
It might be in another measure, 
voice, or chord, or on a different staff. 
Enumerating all of the possibilities is 
inconvenient and time-consuming. 



In addition to all this, there is the 
problem of exceptions. Many of the 
rules of notation that are presumably 
inviolable turn out to be violated 
when the composer finds the nota- 
tion too constraining. A design that 
has fixed rules about the structure of 
music built into it won't be able to 
handle such exceptions. Even if the 
exceptions were ruled out, you would 
still have problems with the inconsis- 
tent structures that arise temporarily 
during editing. We wanted our de- 
sign to be tolerant of such exceptions 
and inconsistencies. 

A sequential design doesn't have 
these problems. It allows piano rolls 
to be mixed with standard music no- 
tation because both are represented 
as ordered sequences. Finding things 
that are nearby is easy, because 
things that are near one another on 
the screen are near one another in 
the data structure. And finally, be- 
cause the data structure is so unstruc- 
tured, it is flexible enough to handle 
a wide range of exceptions. 

Mockingbird's "sequential" data 
structure is simply a sequence of 



events ordered by time. An event 
might be a measure line, a collection 
of notes, a time signature, a clef 
change, or a change in the number 
of staves per line. The events that 
contain notes are called "syncs" be- 
cause they synchronize all of the 
notes in the event. (That is, all of the 
notes in the sync are played or dis- 
played together.) The notes may be- 
long to different voices or chords, but 
they all have the same "time." The 
editor automatically synchronizes 
notes that are very close to simulta- 
neous whenever notes are entered or 
moved. Occasionally this will intro- 
duce an error, which can be fixed by 
the user. 

Syncs are important because they 
keep simultaneous notes together 
while the score is being edited. 
Usually, if the composer plays several 
notes at the same time, he wants 
them to stay together unless he ex- 
plicitly says otherwise. Inserting a 
note before a sync shouldn't break up 
the sync, even if one of the notes in 
the sync belongs to the same voice as 
the inserted note. If any of the notes 



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398 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



in a sync move, they should all move. 
(The justifier sometimes violates this 
rule, but only when it is obvious that 
the notes have been incorrectly 
synchronized.) 

There are three ways of measuring 
the "time" of an event: as seconds 
from the start of play, as beats from 
the start of the score, and as inches 
from the first measure line. Although 
these notions of time are very dif- 
ferent, they coexist nicely because the 
order of one is usually the order of 
the other. Thus, if note A is displayed 
to the left of note B, it is most likely 
played before note B. In general, we 
can use the order of the notes as they 
appear on the display to determine 
the order in which they should be 
played. There are a few exceptions 
that must be handled properly— em- 
bellishments such as trills and grace 
notes are not always played in the 
order in which they are displayed. 
Conversely, notes that are logically 
simultaneous may be separated 
slightly on the display in the interest 
of visual clarity. 

Beams and chords are ancillary to 
the main data structure, because they 
act as horizontal and vertical paren- 
theses grouping notes together; they 
are visual aids for the human per- 
former and aren't otherwise crucial to 
the score. Removing all of the beams 
and chords from a score would affect 
its readability but not its playing. In 
Mockingbird, each beam and chord 
knows what notes belong to it, and 
each note knows what beam and 
chord it belongs to. In addition, 
chords have a stem direction and 
beams have a tilt and vertical 
position. 

The linear data structure we have 
been discussing treats a score as a 
single, long sequence of measures, 
but because music is printed on rec- 
tangular sheets of paper, this se- 
quence must be broken up into a suc- 
cession of lines. Rather than com- 
plicate the main data structure, we 
use a separate data structure to map 
between the one-dimensional score 
and the two-dimensional sheet of 
paper. This sheet data structure 
keeps track of how long each line is, 
how many lines fit on each page, 
how much of the line must be de- 



voted to a key signature, and which 
section of the score goes on which 
line. Only the displayer and the 
justifier need to make use of this 
representation of the sheet; all of the 
other algorithms manipulate the se; 
quential data structure directly. 

Automatic Recognition 

We decided not to try to write a 
program that would attempt to 
deduce the score automatically from 
piano-roll input because we thought 
that job exceedingly difficult. Why? 
It has been done for some simple 
pieces; can it not be done more 
generally? We believe that the rele- 
vant question is: can it be done for 
polyphonic piano music where the 
voicing is not known in advance? 

To produce a proper score you 
must, among other things, determine 
the time value of all notes. Although 
we traditionally think of "holding a 
note," say, for a quarter, we don't 
mean literally holding the key down. 
What is meant is that the next note 
(or rest) in that voice is to commence 



one quarter after the beginning of the 
note in question. Time values thus 
measure intervals rather than dura- 
tions. (Although often the two are 
almost the same, in staccato playing 
it is not at all the case.) So, before you 
can assign time values to notes, you 
must first understand how the music 
is separated into its component 
voices. Voicing is partly dependent 
on thematic and harmonic relation- 
ships within the piece, but it may 
also be used by a composer simply 
to indicate how he wishes the music 
to be parsed by the reader, for em- 
phasis or for division between the 
hands. Sometimes a single note may 
participate in two different voices, 
possibly even with two different time 
values. Rests and ties further com- 
plicate the problem, as they are ele- 
ments that appear in the score to help 
complete rhythmic structuring, but 
they are absent from the actual 
playing. 

The assignment of notes to staves 
forms a further structuring element 
in piano music. This assignment is a 



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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 399 



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Smartcom II prompts you in the 



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Smartmodem 300, 1200 and 1200B are FCC approved in 
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Smartmodem I200B. (Includes telephone cable. No 
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Smartcom II communications software. 

NOTE: Smartmodem 1200B may also be installed in the 
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Non-Linear Systems, Inc, 
©1983 HayesMicrocomputer Products, Inc. 

Circle 181 on inquiry card. 



complex function of voicing, finger- 
ing, division between hands, and 
aesthetic judgment. There are many 
other problems: identifying complex 
n-tuplets, distinguishing grace notes, 
determining rhythm and detecting 
rhythmic changes, identifying meas- 
ure lines, determining how many 
staves to use, how to combine notes 
into beams, when to switch clefs or 
use ottava, and, in short, determin- 
ing all of the complex structural- 
notational devices that composers 
use to render their music readable. 

Conclusion 

Our intention in presenting this 
material is to encourage others to 
pursue similar endeavors.. Music 
editing is already being done on 
home computers and, while it will be 
some years before machines as 
powerful as a Dorado are found in 
every living room, useful tools will 
become feasible soon— even on home 
machines of modest cost. It would 
seem that a display of reasonable 
resolution and a mouse (or some 
similarly convenient pointing device) 
are prerequisites. But if you avoid the 
temptation to make "pretty" scores 
and stick to providing a simple "cut 
and paste" editor of piano-roll ma- 
terial, then a reasonable composing 
tool should soon become practical. 
The problem of storage and retrieval 
of snatches of material and full pieces 
would have to be addressed, but this 
seems tractable. ■ 



References 

1 . Geschke, C. M., J. H. Morris, and E. H. 
Satterthwaite. "Early Experience with 
Mesa." Report CSL-76-6. Palo Alto, CA: 
Xerox PARC, October 1976. 

2. Mitchell, J. G., W. Maybury, and R. E. 
Sweet. "Mesa Language Manual," ver- 
sion 5.0. Report CSL-79-3. Palo Alto, CA: 
Xerox PARC, April 1979. 

3. Lampson, B. W., K. P. Pier, S. M. Orn- 
stein, and G. McDaniel. "The Dorado: 
A High-Performance Personal Com- 
puter" (three papers). Report CSL-81-1. 
Palo Alto, CA: Xerox PARC, January 
1981. 

4. Metcalfe, R. M., D. R. Boggs, R. C. 
Crane, E. A. Taft, J. F. Shoch, and J. A. 
Hupp. 'The Ethernet Local Network" 
(three papers). Report CSL-80-2. Palo 
Alto, CA: Xerox PARC, February 1980. 



5. Warnock, J. and D. Wyatt. "A Device- 
Independent Graphics Imaging Model 
For Use With Raster Devices." Computer 
Graphics. July 1982, pages 313-320. 
(Siggraph 1982). 



Glossary 

accidental - the prefix sign indicating a note 
that is foreign to the current key 

beam - a bar (or bars) joining the stems of a 
set of notes that together form a rhythmic unit; 
the number of bars also indicates the time 
values of the notes so joined 

chord - a group of notes played simultaneously 

clef - (e.g., treble or bass) a sign placed at the 
beginning of a musical staff to determine the 
positions of the notes 

fermata - a sign indicating that a note should 
be held past its normal value 

grace note - a quick, light note attached to 
another note 

metronome - a machine that clicks at a steady 
beat and can be adjusted to desired speed 

mordent - a single rapid alteration of a prin- 
cipal note with an auxiliary a half-step below 

n-tuplets - n notes, played in one beat 

ottava - a notation for designating a section of 
music to be played an octave above or below 
where it is written 

rest - a sign indicating silence of the same dura- 
tion as the note for which it stands 

staccato - indicates a note played crisply, in a 
detached manner 

time signature - numbers at left of staff that 
indicate the number of beats to a measurt and 
the note value of each beat 

trill - an ornament produced by the rapid altera- 
tions of two notes, a half-tone or a tone apart 



Acknowledgments 

Mockingbird was made possible by a fortuitous 
convergence of people, interests, and facilities. 
The environment at Xerox PARC in general, and 
within the Computer Science Laboratory (CSL) 
in particular, provided a hospitable environment 
for this work. The existence of, and access to, 
a Dorado was absolutely essential Robert W, 
Taylor, director of CSL, provided us with this 
and all other necessary facilities and support. 
Will Crowther worked closely with us on the 
initial design and helped us get started. John 
Warnock and Doug Wyatt provided us with the, 
Cedar Graphics software package that Mock- 
ingbird uses. Gene McDaniel wrote special 
Dorado microcode for handling the synthesizer, 
and Mike Overton built the hardware interface, 
last, and most gratifying of all, has been the 
enthusiastic support that we received from our 
colleagues, whose vicarious pleasure in seeing 
Mockingbird come to life cheered us along the 
way. 



John Turner Maxwell III and Severo M. Ornstein 
can be reached at the Palo Alto Research Center, 
3333 Coyote Hill Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94304. 

January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 401 



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IQ TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 

11811 N. E. First Street 

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TELEX 701 472 IQTECHUD 



The VU68K Single-Board 

Computer 

A 68000-based system for only $200 

by Edward M. Carter and A. B. Bonds 



As more and more 16-bit micropro- 
cessors appear on the market, the 
question of which one to base a de- 
velopment or hobbyist system on be- 
comes more difficult. Ideally, most 
hobbyists and students would base 
their decision on thorough hands-on 
experience, but getting hold of inex- 
pensive trainers is almost impossible. 
There is relief, however— the VU68K, 
a complete 68000-based single-board 
computer that can be constructed for 
under $200. The VU68K is not a toy 
but a powerful dual-ported comput- 
ing engine that is limited only by its 
small memory, which can easily be 
expanded. 

Hardware Description 

We set out to design a simple and 
low-cost 16-bit microprocessor system 
that would offer maximum utility in 
both tutorial and development appli- 
cations. Of the 16-bit processors that 
we examined, our overwhelming 
choice was the 68000, which offers 
both simplicity and substantial pro- 
cessing power. This power is evident 
in its comprehensive instruction set, 
which supports two processing 
modes and a powerful interrupt- 
processing facility (also called 
exception processing). A secondary, 



yet significant, benefit is the 68000's 
sales leadership. The VU68K system 
thus provides the user with market- 
able and timely knowledge. Addi- 
tional reasons for selecting the 68000 
include proven reliability and a com- 
mitment on the part of Motorola to 
maintain compatibility between its 
new chips and the 68000. 

The 68000 uses "words" (the name 
for the instructions or data that the 
microprocessor operates on) of 16 bits 
or 2 bytes in "width." (Recall that an 
8-bit microprocessor uses words of 8 
bits in width.) We decided to include 
2K words of ROM (read-only mem- 
ory) with the VU68K for a monitor, 
and 2K words of RAM (random- 
access read/write memory) for devel- 
oping and testing user programs. 
This gives the VU68K a total memory 
of 4K words in "length" and 16 bits 
in "width." In addition, we added 
two RS-232C-compatible serial ports 
for connection to a modem, a printer, 
or what have you. 

We were able to include these fea- 
tures at very low cost. The parts list 
in table 1 shows prices from a major 
retail supplier of electronics parts. All 
of the parts are readily available and 
can be obtained from many sources. 
The prices shown are from a single 



catalog— a little bargain hunting 
would probably yield a much less ex- 
pensive system. Note that the total 
cost of $190.22 is for a complete sys- 
tem built from scratch. It includes the 
costs of resistors, capacitors, wire, cir- 
cuit board, etc. The cost of upgrad- 
ing from an 8-bit computer to a 
VU68K configuration will be much 
less, assuming that the memories, 
circuit board, crystals, etc., from the 
old system can be retained. 

Photo 1 and the schematic in figure 
1 show how simple our design is. 
Only 15 ICs (integrated circuits) are 
required for the entire VU68K sys- 
tem. The functions of these 15 ICs 
can be divided into six categories: 
asynchronous bus operation, syn- 
chronous bus operation, interrupt 
handling, address decoding, commu- 
nications interface, and miscel- 
laneous support. 

Asynchronous Bus Operation 

The 68000 (IC2) is designed to com- 
municate asynchronously on the sys- 
tem bus; that is, without a timing sig- 
nal and with any amount of time be- 
tween data bytes or words. To in- 
dicate when data has been received 
or sent, the device with which the 
68000 is communicating sends an 



Circle 467 on inquiry card. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 403 



acknowledgment signal to the 68000. 
This way, the device and the 68000 
can operate at different rates and still 
communicate with each other, 
because one waits for the other to 
finish reading or writing. (See the 
Motorola MC68000 16-Bit Micro- 
processor User's Manual for the details 
on 68000 asynchronous bus commu- 
nication.) 

In the VU68K, only the RAM (IC9, 
IC10) and ROM (IC7, IC8) communi- 
cate asynchronously on the data bus. 
Since the memories don't themselves 
have an acknowledgment signal, we 
synthesized one with a synchronous 
4-bit counter (IC4) driven by a sim- 
ple oscillator circuit and 5-MHz 
crystal. JA^hen the address strobe 
signal, AS, goes low to signal a valid 
address on the address bus, an initial 
count of 1100 is loaded into the 
counter. After four clock ticks, the 
high-order output bit, connec ted to 
the acknowledge pin DTACK (data 
transfer acknowledge) goes low. The 
transition signals that the data re- 
quested by the processor is available 
Text continued on page 411 



IC 


Part Number 


Description 


Cost ($) 


1 


7400 


Quad 2-input NAND Gate 


.19 


! 2 


68000G8 


MPU 16-bit (8 MHz) 


69.95 


3 


7404 


Hex Inverter 


.25 


4 


74161 


Synchronous 4-bit Counter 


.69 


5 


74154 


4-to-16 Decoder 


1.25 


6 


7432 


Quad 2-input OR Gate 


.29 


7 


2716 


16K EPROM 450ns 


4.95 


8 


2716 


16K EPROM 450ns 


4.95 


9 


6116-P4 


Static RAM 200ns 16K CMOS 


6.95 


10 


6116-P4 


Static RAM 200ns 16K CMOS 


6.95 


11 


6850 


Async. Comm. Int. Adapter 


4.95 


12 


6850 


Async. Comm. Int. Adapter 


4.95 


13 


14411 


Bit-rate Freq. Generator 


11.95 


14 


1488 


Quad Line Driver 


.69 


15 


1489 


Quad Line Receiver 


.69 


— 


8800V 


Vector Board 


24.95 


— 


7812 


12-volt Positive Regulator 


.79 


— 


7912 


12-volt Negative Regulator 


.89 


— 


— 


5 MHz Crystal 


2.95 


— 


— 


1.8432 MHz Crystal 


4.95 


— 


— 


Capacitors, Resistors, Wire 


"4.25 


— 


— 


Pushbutton Switch 


1.95 


— 


— 


8-position DIP Switch 


1.49 


— 


— 


14-pin Wire-wrap Socket 


5 @ .45 


— 


— 


16-pin Wire-wrap Socket 


2 @ .69 


— 


— 


24-pin Wire-wrap Socket 


8 @ 1.29 


— 


— 


64-pin Wire-wrap Socket 


14.40 


Table 1: 


Parts list. 








V-ift 



■-.. ;../, 



Photo 1: The VU68K board. 



404 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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5MHz 




I 1C15 
i 1489 



FROM 
TERMINAL 



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NOTES: 

1. V cc + 6ND NOT SHOWN ON ANY 
DEVICE 

2. POWER SUPPLIES REQUIRED: 
+ 5VDC, +12VDC, -12VDC 

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+ 5V 



IC3 
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IC4 

74161 

COUNTER 

CLK 






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+ 5V 




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Figure 1: The VU68K schematic. 

406 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 




January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 407 



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Text continued from page 404: 
on the bus. With a clock speed of 5 
MHz, this provides 800 nanoseconds 
(ns) for the transfer to occur. 

Synchronous Bus Operation 

In the design of the 68000, Moto- 
rola recognized that a large number 
of 8-bit synchronous peripherals are 
available and familiar to many peo- 
ple. These devices depend on the 
timing signals generated by the 6800 
family of processors for data commu- 
nication. To provide compatibility, 
the 68000 can also generate a syn- 
chronous timing signal. 

When the AS line is asserted (low), 
the sync hron ous peripherals must 
pull the VPA (valid peripheral ad- 
dress) processor pin low to ge nerate 
the synchronous timing signals VMA 
(valid memory address) and E 
(enable). In the VU68K, the only set 
of devices that uses synchronous 
transfers is the Asynchronous Com- 
munications Interface Adapters or 
ACIAs (IC11, IC12), which drive the 
two serial ports (note that the term 
asynchronous here refers to the 
RS-232C standard and not the bus 
protocol). These two ports may be ac- 
cessed at addresses $A00000-$A00002 
and $C00000-$C00002. (For the re- 
mainder of this article, the prefix "$" 
will denote a hexadecimal address.) 
Address line A23 is tied to the pro- 
cessor's VPA pin through an inverter 
(IC3). When either ACIA is sele cted, 
A23 must be high, which pulls VPA 
low and initiates the synchronous 
data transfer. After the transfer is 
complete, the processor automati- 
cally resumes asynchronous opera- 
tion. This scheme limits addresses 
using A23 to synchronous devices 
only. 

Interrupt Handling 

The 68000 has two modes of inter- 
rupt processing: normal and alter- 
nate. In the normal mode, the pro- 
cessor responds to an interrupt re- 
quest by placing the level number of 
the interrupt on bits Al- A3 of the ad- 
dress bus and driving the function 
code lines FC0-FC2 high. The inter- 
rupting device then must place a vec- 
tor num ber on the data bus and pull 
DIACK low to signal the 68000 that 
the vector number is available. The 



Address 




Device 


$000000-$000FFF 
$001000-$001FFF 
$A00000-$A00002 
$C00000-$C00002 




ROM 
RAM 
Terminal 
Serial Port 


Table 2: The address 


map. 





68000 uses this vector number to ac- 
quire the service-routine address 
from the vector table in low memory. 
In the alternate mode, known as 
auto-vectoring, the processor again 
places the level number of the inter- 
rupt on A1-A3 and drives FC0-FC2 
high. Then, instead of placing a vec- 
tor number on the data bu s, th e in- 
terrupting device pulls the VPA pro- 
cessor pin low. This causes the pro- 
cessor to acquire the service-routine 
address from the position in the vec- 
tor table that corresponds to the in- 
terrupt level. Therefore, in auto- 
vector mode, there are seven inter- 
rupt vectors, each of which is associ- 
ated with one level of interrupt. 

The VU68K uses the auto-vector 
mode for interrupts. When the 68000 
responds to an interrupt, all address 
bus lines except A1-A3 are d riven 
high. Since A23 is connected to VPA 
through an inverter to support syn- 
chronous transfers, the processor is 
forced into the auto-vector mode for 
all interrupts. 

The VU68K acknowledges only 
two levels of interrupt: level 1 for key- 
board serial-port interrupts and level 
2 for communication serial-port inter- 
rupts. Int errup t s are signaled by lines 
IPL0 and IPL1. IPL2 is always main- 
tained high. This interrupt structure 
enables the keyboard and communi- 
cation serial ports to be used simul- 
taneously. 

Address Decoding 

The VU68K's memory is divided 
into 2K-word by 16-bit memory 
blocks, with a total potential of 32K 
words. The reason for this arrange- 
ment is that the VU68K uses only 11 
of the 68000's address bits for word 
selection and another 4 address bits 
for memory-block selection. The 11 
bits select one of 2K words, while the 



other 4 bits select one of sixteen 2K- 
word blocks. Since each block con- 
tains 2K words, the total memory ca- 
pacity is 2K by 16 or 32K words. 

The word-selection bits, Al-All, 
go directly to each of the ROM and 
RAM ICs. The block-selection bits, 
A12-A15, go to a 4-to-16 decoder 
(IC5). The decoder, through the IC6 
OR gates, pulls the output enable 
(OE) lines of the selected 2K-word 
block low to activate that block. Since 
the data bus on the 68000 is 16 bits 
wide and the memory ICs used in 
the VU68K are each 8 bits wide, we 
had to use two memory ICs for each 
16-bit-wide memory block. One of 
the memory ICs is assigned to the 
high-order 8 bits of the data bus, 
while the other is assigned to the 
low-order 8 bits. 

The VU68K uses the 68000's UDS 
and LDS lines to control the method 
by which data is transferred to or 
from memory. If both lines are low, 
then data transfers occur in 16-bit 
words. If only one of the lines is low, 
then transfers occur one byte at a 
time. Note that two memory chips 
are active for a 16-bit transfer, while 
only one chip is selected for an 8-bit 
transfer. To select the correct device 
for a memory transfer, the output of 
the decoder is co mbine d th rough an 
OR gate with the UDS and LDS sig- 
nal to generate four signals— RAME, 
RAMO, ROME, ROMO— for select- 
ing the correct memory device. The 
address map is shown in table 2. 

To add memory or other asynchro- 
nous devices to the VU68K, all we 
have to do is select an address in the 
lower 64K bytes of memory. The 
high-order 4 bits of this new address 
cause one pin of the address decoder 
to be driven low. The output from 
this pin can then be used with addi- 
tional decoding logic for selecting the 
new device. Adding a new asynchro- 
nous peripheral is even easier. Just 
select an address that sets address bit 
A23 and is not used by any other 
device. Addresses that set bit A23 are 
in the range $800000-$FFFFFF. 

Let's assume that we wish to add 
another 2K-word block. We'll place 
two 6116 static RAM chips, 2K by 8 
bits each, at addresses $002000- 
$002FFF. From the address map in 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 411 



table 2 we can see that these locations 
are not currently used. The new 
RAM select line will be pin 3 of the 
address decoder output. Two addi- 
tional OR gates will be required to 
ensure that the device assigned to the 
upper and lower portion of the bus 
is addressed only when dictated by 
the appropriate setting of UDS and 
LDS. The address map in table 3 rep- 
resents the new configuration. 

If we want to add a new synchro- 
nous device, the address extension is 
even simpler. Let's assume that we 
wish to add another serial port. The 
Motorola 6850 we used earlier is a 
serial port chip that requires three 
chip selects, two in the high state and 
one in the low state. If we tie one of 
these to a high state and then use the 
other two select lines, we can safely 
use addresses $900000-$900002 for 
the device's control/status and data 
registers, respectively. This address 
avoids conflict with the other two 
synchronous devices and allows us to 
drive the device select lines without 
additional logic. The high select line 
will be address line A20, and the low 
select line will be address line A21. 
Table 4 is an address map that in- 
cludes the new memory and serial 
port. 

To enhance the interrupt structure 
so that not all interrupts are handled 
in the auto-vector mode, make sure 
that the synchronous mode-select 
line is still driven high when the ter- 
minal and serial ports are addressed. 
Discrete logic can easily remedy this 
problem. 

Communications Interface 

The basis of the VU68K's commu- 
nication facility is the ACIA. This 
8-bit device communicates synchro- 
nously on the data bus and asynchro- 
nously on the external RS-232C line. 
Both ACIA devices in the VU68K are 
initialized by the monitor software to 
handle full-duplex RS-232C lines 
with two stop bits and no parity. You 
can change these characteristics by 
moving new values to the terminal 
and serial port control registers at 
locations $A00000 and $C00000, re- 
spectively. The values to be loaded 
there can be determined from the 
Motorola 6850 data sheet. 



Address 


Device 


$000000-$000FFF 


ROM 


$001000-$001FFF 


RAM 


$002000-$002FFF 


New RAM 


$A00000-$A00002 


Terminal 


$C00000-$C00002 


Serial Port 


Table 3: The extended address map. 



Address 


Device 


$000000-$000FFF 


ROM 


$001000-$001FFF 


RAM 


$002000-$002FFF 


New RAM 


$900000-$900002 


New Serial Port 


$A00000-$A00002 


Terminal 


$C00000-$C00002 


Serial Port 


Table 4: The extended address map with 


a serial port added. 





vector Address 


Interrupt 


$1000 


User Trap-vector B 


$1004 


User Trap-vector C 


$1008 


User Trap-vector D 


$100C 


User Trap-vector E 


$1010 


User Trap-vector F 


$1014 


User Interrupt-vector 1 


$1018 


User Interrupt-vector 2 


$101C 


User Interrupt-vector 3 


$1020 


User Interrupt-vector 4 


$1024 


User Interrupt-vector 5 


$1028 


Auto-vector Level 3 


$102C 


Auto- vector Level 4 


$1030 


Auto-vector Level 5 


$1034 


Auto- vector Level 6 


$1038 


Auto-vector Level 7 


Table 5: User 


interrupt-vectors. 



We added two line conditioners 
after the ACIAs to provide RS-232C 
logic levels to the external lines. We 
used 1488 and 1489 quad line-drivers/ 
receivers (IC14, IC15) for this pur- 
pose. A 14411 bit-rate frequency 
generator (IC13) and a 1.8432-MHz 
crystal tell the ACIAs at what data 
rate they may transmit and receive on 
the RS-232C lines. Data rates are 
switch selectable through a dual in- 
line package (DIP) switch and may be 
selected independently for either the 
terminal or communication serial 
port. The allowable data rates are 300, 
1200, 2400, and 9600 bps. You can use 
other data rates by connecting the 
DIP switch to the proper pins on the 
14411. All interrupts generated by the 



terminal or communication serial 
port are handled by the interrupt- 
service routines in the monitor, 
which we will describe later. 

Miscellaneous Support 

The only devices we haven't yet 
covered are the reset and clock cir- 
cuits. The reset circuit is simply a de- 
bounced sw itch th at pulls both the 
RESET and HALT pins of the pro- 
cessor low. These pins must be held 
low for at least 100 milliseconds for 
the reset operation to function cor- 
rectly. In the VU68K, we used a 
push-on/push-off switch to do this. 
You can use a conventional momen- 
tary contact switch if you ensure that 
the switch is off for at least 100 milli- 
seconds. 

The clock circuit is an oscillator cir- 
cuit driven by a 5-MHz crystal. The 
resulting signal, CLK, drives both the 
processor clock and the counter used 
in asynchronous accesses. 

A Monitor Program 

To support the hardware of the 
VU68K, we developed a comprehen- 
sive monitor program called 
VUBUG. VUBUG provides a set of 
program-development support ser- 
vices that includes I/O (input/output) 
buffering, program-development 
commands, trap handlers, and error- 
handling utilities. 

VUBUG provides buffered I/O for 
both the terminal and communica- 
tion serial port. Separate interrupt- 
handling routines for these devices 
located at level 1 and level 2 of the in- 
terrupt structure, respectively, pro- 
vide a complete set of facilities for im- 
plementing concurrent buffered I/O. 
When a port generates an interrupt, 
VUBUG causes the processor to read 
the port and place the data in a buf- 
fer that can store 16 bytes. A trap in- 
struction, which we will discuss later, 
retrieves the data. Interrupts from the 
terminal keyboard cause the charac- 
ter read to be echoed immediately as 
well as buffered. 

The VUBUG interrupt structure in- 
cludes five auto-vectors, the first five 
user interrupt-vectors, and five user 
trap-vectors, which are loaded by the 
monitor to point to the locations 
shown in table 5. At each of these 



412 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 





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locations, you may assemble a branch 
instruction to an exception handler 
that you provide. The 4 bytes set 
aside for each vector allows for a 
branch with a 16-bit displacement. Be 
careful to terminate these exception 
handlers with an RTE instruction to 
ensure proper return from the excep- 
tion handler. 
VUBUG supports a set of com- 



mands that we've selected to support 
the goal of simplicity. Table 6 sum- 
marizes the available commands and 
subcommands. Perhaps the most 
powerful command for program de- 
velopment is a combination of the 
Trace (t + ) and Breakpoint (b + ) com- 
mands. Trace is an instruction-by- 
instruction trace of the value of the 
user program counter; it shows the 



Command 


Action 


m<cr> 


Start memory mode 


m xxxx 


Start memory mode at xxxx 


.xxxx 


Set pointer to xxxx 


= xx 


Store value xx at address in pointer 


,xx 


Increment pointer and store xx 


+ 


Increment pointer and display value 


- 


Decrement pointer and display value 


I<cr> 


Start program load 


1 xxxx 


Start program load and offset each block by xxxx bytes 


d<cr> 


Display the next 80 bytes from memory pointer 


d xxxx < cr> 


Display 80 bytes starting at address xxxx 


d xxxx.yyyy 


Display all data between locations xxxx and yyyy inclusive 


t + 


Start trace 


t- 


Stop trace 


s + 


Start single step 


s- 


Stop single step 


e 


Start terminal emulator mode 


g xxxx 


Start program at address xxxx 


g<cr> 


Start user program from address in user PC 


<cr> 


Same as g<cr> 


b + xxxx 


Insert a breakpoint at address xxxx 


b - xxxx 


Remove a breakpoint at address xxxx 


b<cr> 


Show all breakpoints 


b# 


Remove all breakpoints 


r<cr> 


Start register mode 


r xx 


Start register mode at register xx where xx is: 




SR/sr status register 




PC/pc program counter 




DO/dO -D7/d7 data registers 




AO/aO - A7/a7 address registers 


.XX 


Set register pointer to register xx 


1 = xxxxxxxx 


Store value in register at pointer for SR value is xxxx 


<cr> 


Print values in all registers 


px yyyy 


Associate with px the program starting at address yyyy; where x is 




1, 2, or 3 


px<cr> 


Execute command px where x is 1, 2, or 3 


c xxxx = yyyy,zzzz 


Copy from location yyyy through location zzzz to locations starting 




at xxxx and increasing 


Table 6: Command 


summary. 







Place 


Argument 


Return Argument is 


Trap 


Function 


in Rec 


ister 


Placed in Register 





Exit 


None 




None 


1 


Get byte 


None 




DO 


2 


Get word 


None 




DO 


3 


Get long 


None 




DO 


4 


Write byte 


DO 




None 


5 


Write word 


DO 




None 


6 


Write long 


DO 




None 


7 


Get character 


None 




DO 


8 


Write string 


A0 




None 


9 


Write character 


DO 




None 


A 


Write cr-lf 


None 




None 


Table 7: 


VUBUG traps. 









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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 415 



program's execution path. Breakpoint 
stops the program at the address you 
select. With these two commands, a 
user may see the instructions leading 
to a breakpoint and then use the 
other commands available in VUBUG 
to examine registers and memory to 
determine why that path was taken 
or to modify the path that will be 
taken after the breakpoint. 

The VUBUG monitor provides 11 
traps for servicing user-program re- 
quests. These traps are called simply 
by executing the appropriate trap in- 



struction with the appropriate argu- 
ment, as shown in table 7. In addi- 
tion to these trap handlers, you can 
use traps B through F with the vec- 
tors at locations shown in table 5. 

Error handling, or exception pro- 
cessing, for processor-detected errors, 
is also provided by VUBUG. Error 
handling involves intercepting the in- 
terrupt and reporting the error on the 
terminal. In addition, the register 
values are copied into the register 
save area and are accessible via the 
r command. The errors trapped in- 



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elude address/bus errors, illegal in- 
struction errors, privilege violations, 
and a class of generic errors that 
share a single error handler. The er- 
rors in this class are zero divide, CHK 
and TRAPV, and spurious interrupts. 

Rounding Out 

For a complete development sys- 
tem, you'll need an RS-232C ter- 
minal, a power supply that provides 
+5 volts at 0.5 amperes, and +12 and 
- 12 volts at 0.1 amperes, and a host 
computer. 

Development software on the host 
should include a disassembler, high- 
level language processors, cross-ref- 
erence builders, machine simulators, 
and so forth. The only additional 
software required is a simple pro- 
gram to send the object program to 
the serial port for loading. Only your 
imagination and the capabilities of 
the host limit its use.H 



This system is currently running at 
Vanderbilt University and is proving to be 
an easy method for designing and testing 
software to run on the VU68K. Readers 
who desire more information on the 
VU68K and VUBUG can, for a nominal 
fee, order a copy of Vanderbilt University 
Computer Science Technical Report 
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Station B 

Vanderbilt University 
Nashville, TN 37235 

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their support in VU68K system design and 
realization. Special thanks to Motorola 
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Edward M. Carter teaches computer science at 
the US. Air Force Academy. This work was com- 
pleted while he was doing graduate work at Vander- 
bilt University in Nashville. He has a B.S. from the 
U.S. Air Force Academy, an M.S. from U.C.L.A., 
and a Ph.D. frvm Vanderbilt. He can be reached at 
USAFA/DFCS, USAFA CO 80840. 

A. B. Bonds teaches electrical engineering at 
Vanderbilt. He holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineer- 
ing and is currently studying models of informa- 
tion processing in mammalian visual systems. He 
also likes "to mess with antique autos." He can be 
reached at Vanderbilt University, POB 1824B, 
Nashville, TN 37235. 



416 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 317 on inquiry card. 



Translating the SAS 
Language into BASIC 

Use of a preprocessor program lets you run SAS-like syntax on 

microcomputers 



This article examines issues that 
arose when I implemented a prepro- 
cessor program to translate SAS-like 
program statements to statements in 
version 5 of Microsoft BASIC. It is 
easier to use a preprocessor program 
than to write a true SAS compiler for 
a microcomputer because the source 
and object languages of Microsoft 
BASIC'S version 5 used with a pre- 
processor are more similar to each 
other than to those a compiler would 
utilize. An overview of SAS appears 
in the text box on page 433 and pro- 
vides an introduction to the lan- 
guage. 

Special SAS Features 

Unlike SAS, traditional program- 
ming languages require the develop- 
ment of a data structure for each file 
as well as a data structure for all pro- 
gram variables and algorithms for 
manipulating these elements. SAS 
syntax, however, allows a program- 
mer to take advantage of an invisible 
data file structure (the SAS data set) 
and a means of relating that structure 
to the program variables. In SAS pro- 
grams that deal with a data set, all 
variables are referred to by an eight- 
character name, without regard to 

SAS is a registered trademark of SAS Institute Inc. 



by Jeff Bass 

such factors as column positions. 
SAS also provides a large library of 
programs that interact directly with 
this standard data structure. These 
features, which make SAS popular 
for use on mainframes, also make its 
syntax attractive for use on micro- 
computers; the size of its program 
library has thus far, however, pro- 
hibited the language's use on micro- 
computers. 

The most commonly used lan- 
guage for microcomputers is BASIC. 
It's a primitive language compared to 
full SAS syntax, but small and easy 
enough to implement as an inter- 
preter. Thus, it is almost universally 
used on microcomputers, where it's 
stored in ROM and therefore easily 
accessible. Kernighan and Plaugher 
in Software Tools (Reading, MA: 
Addison-Wesley, 1976) demonstrate 
how to deal with the problem of 
working with a less-than-optimum 
yet readily available language, such 
as BASIC, when you would prefer to 
work with another (SAS, for exam- 
ple). They show how to use a pro- 
gram called a preprocessor to trans- 
late RATFOR program statements, 
which they like to use, into a program 
composed of FORTRAN statements, 
which would be usable on their 
machine. 



I have written a preprocessor pro- 
gram that similarly translates SAS- 
like program statements into equiva- 
lent BASIC statements and thus per- 
mits SAS-like programs to run on a 
microcomputer. The preprocessor ap- 
proach, combined with the inter- 
pretive nature of BASIC, makes the 
resultant programs run slowly, but it 
has nevertheless proved practical for 
small programs and data sets. Re- 
searchers should find such a prepro- 
cessor useful with a relatively small 
data set— for instance, one with 200 
to 300 observations of 30 variables. 
Such a preprocessor also could be 
used in teaching computer skills with 
microcomputers. 

The remainder of this article ex- 
amines the choice of a SAS-syntax 
subset, the strong and weak points 
of the BASIC dialect used, the meth- 
od chosen for representing data, and 
preprocessor techniques employed. 
It concludes with a suggestion for an 
area to explore in the future. 

SAS Syntax Features 

The SAS syntax is very similar to 
that of PL/I in format and scope. 
Therefore, writing a preprocessor 
program that would implement the 
entire language on a microcomputer 
seemed impossible. I had to make 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 417 




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some difficult choices: what was too 
important to leave out, and which 
processes were too long to keep? SAS 
processes, abbreviated as procs, op- 
erate as subroutines, although they 
are actually primitives of the lan- 
guage. A few candidates were elimi- 
nated: Proc Matrix, which requires 
that all matrices be held in memory, 
and Proc Sysreg, which requires that 
large sigma matrices be stored in 
memory. In addition, Proc BMDP 
(biomedical data processing) was 
eliminated because it wasn't available 
for use on microcomputers, and Proc 
Convert was not used because the 
types of data sets it converts would 
not be found on a microcomputer. 
Operating-system utilities that would 
not be useful on a microcomputer 
were also left out. 

Even with these processes omitted, 
far too many remained for one per- 
son to code in a reasonable amount 
of time, so I decided to concentrate 
on the 10 I use most frequently: 
SORT, PRINT, CONTENTS, COPY, 
CORR, DELETE, MEANS, FREQ, 
GLM (general linear models pro- 
cedure), and PLOT Any two SAS 
users would probably argue about 
the wisdom of these choices, but 
these procs did provide a reasonable 
place to begin. 

Each process would become a 
BASIC program, chained (executed in 
sequence) from the preceding BASIC 
program corresponding to a process 
or data step. Subsetting the data step 
proved difficult; however, one goal 
was sufficiently important to domi- 
nate the procedure: MAS (microcom- 
puter analysis system) should be a 
true subset of the commonly accepted 
SAS syntax, thus making it unneces- 
sary for users to learn another syn- 
tax. To be a true subset, it would have 
to maintain the original SAS syntax 
and spelling; deletion of features 
would be the only acceptable change. 

This decision made it easy to drop 
features of the data step that would 
be the most difficult to implement on 
a microcomputer, such as those for- 
mats usable on mainframes. Because 
data sets used on a microcomputer 
are likely to have been typed in by 
the user (or to be sufficiently small 
to permit a user to type them), a pro- 



fusion of formats for dealing with 
widely varied data is less useful on 
a microcomputer than it would be on 
a mainframe. Therefore, I decided to 
limit raw data input to list input and 
to eliminate formats from raw data as 
well. Also, because of their imple- 
mentation and limited usefulness in 
small data sets, the ARRAY statement 
and its associated DO OVER state- 
ment were also left out. Most of the 
remaining data-step statements were 
implemented. 

Special Features of BASIC 
Version 5 

Using even a complex preprocessor 
to translate SAS syntax to an ordinary 
or standard dialect of BASIC was ex- 
tremely difficult. I chose the most 
common version of BASIC used on 
microcomputers, Microsoft, which is 
used on many 8- and 16-bit ma- 
chines. Versions of Microsoft BASIC 
are also the built-in language of 
Apple, IBM, and other popular 

SAS's syntax resembles 

that of PL/I in scope 

and format. 

microcomputers. In addition, BASIC 
is available for computers that run 
CP/M-86. 

The current release from Microsoft, 
version 5, is more than an extended 
dialect of BASIC, however. It is nearly 
a complete operating system, per- 
forming many of the functions that 
JCL (job control language) provides 
for the mainframe SAS package, in- 
cluding creating, deleting, and re- 
naming disk data sets and chaining 
programs. This release also allows 
common variables and files between 
such chained programs. In addition, 
Microsoft BASIC permits IF. . .THEN 
. . .ELSE constructs and such struc- 
tured control statements as WHILE 
. . .WEND (equivalent to SAS 82's 
DO. . .WHILE. . .END statement). 
Moreover, it permits double-precision 
calculations, 40-character variable 
names, and character variables with 
as many as 255 characters. Version 5's 
most important feature, however, is 
its ability to write BASIC program text 
to a disk file and then execute that 



418 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



HAPPY NEW YEAR, 

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file— exactly what is needed for a 
SAS syntax processor. 

But this version of BASIC presents 
problems as well as solutions. For ex- 
ample, it permits only as many as 15 
files to be opened at one time. And 
because five files are required for 
such functions as keeping an event 
log and printing output, only 10 data 
sets remain accessible to processes 
and data steps. Moreover, because 
Microsoft BASIC is an interpreted 
language, each line of BASIC code is 
translated every time it is en- 
countered during program execution. 
This can make programs run much 
more slowly than programs compiled 
into native machine code. And al- 
though Microsoft does offer a BASIC 
compiler that uses a language similar 
to the one its interpreter offers, it 
would be difficult to use in the pre- 
processor arrangement described 
here because it loses the ability to 
dynamically dimension arrays and 
loses some of the chaining capability 
provided by the interpreted BASIC. 

Despite these drawbacks, however, 
BASIC provides features that make it 
a good choice for SAS syntax transla- 
tion. First, it provides many functions 
that are identical or very similar to 
those used in SAS data-step pro- 
grams; table 1 lists some examples. 
Second, like SAS, it computes the 
result of a logical comparison as a 
numeric quantity that can then be 
used in subsequent calculations. 
Consequently, an expression that 
categorizes variables, such as 

CAT_AGE (AGE<16)*1 + 

(AGE >= 16 AND AGE <65)*2 + 

(AGE<=65)*3 

will work in a BASIC program just as 
it does in a SAS program, with the 
following exception. In BASIC pro- 
grams, the result of a logical com- 
parison is equal to - 1 if true and 
if false; in SAS programs, those re- 
sults would be +1 if true and if 
false. The preprocessor could include 
code to reverse the sign of all rela- 
tional expressions. In the current ver- 
sion, however, I chose not to include 
it. BASIC also uses fairly understand- 
able error messages, such as "file not 
found" or "attempt to divide by 0" 



420 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 279 on inquiry card. 



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SAS function 


. . . becomes 


Microsoft BASIC function 


SU BSTR(charvar;startpos,len) 




M 1 D$(charvar,startpos,len) 


INPUT(charvar.fmt) 




VAL(charvar) 


PUT(charvar,fmt) 




STR$(charvar) 


LENGTH(charvar) 




LEN(charvar) 


ABS(numvar) 




ABS(numvar) 


FLOOR(numvar) 




INT(numvar) 


INT(numvar) 




FlX(numvar) 


SQRT(numvar) 




SQR(numvar) 


SIN(numvar) 




SIN(numvar) 


ATAN(numvar) 




ATN(numvar) 


ARSIN(numvar) 




FNARSIN(numvar) 
with DEF FNARSIN(x) = ATN(x/SQR(1-x*x)) 


COSH(numvar) 




FNCOSH(numvar) 
with DEF FNCOSH(x) = (EXP(x) + EXP(-x))/2 


EXP(numvar) 




EXP(numvar) 


LOG(numvar) 




LOG(numvar) 


ROUNDfnumvar, places) 




FNROU N D(numvar; places) 
with DEF FNROUND(x,y) = F\X(x/y + .5)*y 


SIGN(numvar) 




SGN(numvar) 


UNIFORM(numvar) 




RND 
with RANDOMIZE(numvar) 


Note: A BASIC statement following the word 


"with" is executed one time during program 


initialization. 






Table 1: Because SAS and BASIC functions are similar; translating between the two 


languages is simple, as these 


examples illustrate. 



and allows a programmer to trap 
errors, handle them, and resume 
program execution. Thus, a SAS syn- 
tax preprocessor can rely heavily on 
the error-trapping capability of the 
interpreter, greatly simplifying its 
design. 

In addition, this version of BASIC 
allows the dynamic loading of ma- 
chine-code programs and permits 
calling them as subroutines. Thus, 
many operations, such as sorting or 
inverting a matrix, which suffer from 
the interpreter's slowness, can be 
compiled into machine-code subrou- 
tines that are loaded and called as 
needed by the preprocessed SAS pro- 
gram—from an interpretive BASIC 
environment. 

File Structure and Treatment 
of Missing Values 

Before the processor was designed, 
two important system features had to 
be carefully specified: the file struc- 
ture for system data sets residing on 
the microcomputer disk and the rep- 
resentation of missing values. Both 



greatly affect the code to be generated 
by the preprocessor. A question of 
compatibility immediately arose— 
should the MAS file structure be de- 
signed to imitate the SAS data set 
structure? And should its missing 
value representation be the same? 
Careful study of these questions led 
to an answer of "no" to both. 

SAS system files will never be 
transferable between mainframes 
and microcomputers using a BASIC 
preprocessor approach, because the 
two systems use drastically different 
methods for internal binary represen- 
tation of numbers. Moreover, IBM 
mainframes use a coding scheme for 
text, EBCDIC (extended binary- 
coded-decimal interchange code), 
that differs from the one most com- 
monly used on microcomputers, 
ASCII (American National Standard 
Code for Information Interchange). 

After direct compatibility was ruled 
out, a clean slate remained for file 
design. The file design chosen was 
arbitrary, and virtually any one 
would work, provided it had been 



422 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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Circle 60 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 423 



Circle 206 on inquiry card. 




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toA-Natural converter 



AMX and Real-Time C are trademarks of KADAK Products Ltd. 
A-Natural is TM of Whitesmiths Ltd. CP/M isTM t Digital Research Corp. 
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consistently implemented in the data 
step and all proc steps, which call on 
a SAS procedure to perform a par- 
ticular task on specified variables in 
a SAS data set. Because microcom- 
puter files cannot easily span multi- 
ple disks, the disk was regarded as 
part of a microcomputer's, similar to 
the operating-system data set on a 
mainframe. One disk would corre- 
spond to one MAS database. 

In the interest of simplicity, only 
one-part data-set names were imple- 
mented; responsibility for disk man- 
agement was left to the user. Each 
named MAS data set generates two 
microcomputer disk files, which are 
also identified by their MAS data-set 
name. One file has the suffix .HDR 
(for header) and contains file-header 
information such as filenames and 
variable names, types, lengths, and 
labels. The other file has the suffix 
.DAT (for data) and holds the data- 
set data. 

I performed timing tests to deter- 
mine whether numeric data should 
be represented in binary or ASCII 
form. Although Microsoft BASIC 
permits both types, the ASCII form 
is much simpler to program. The 
tests showed that the binary form 
was worth the extra effort, however, 
because it permits files, especially 
those with noninteger numbers, to be 
read in half the time that the ASCII 
form does. The .DAT files therefore 
store numeric variables in internal 
binary form and character strings in 
ASCII representation. Block size is 
determined by the disk-sector size of 
the microcomputer used. 

Missing values also presented com- 
plex choices. In the SAS package for 
use on mainframes, missing values 
behave in comparisons as though 
they had a value of negative infinity, 
and if they are used on the right- 
hand side of a numeric expression, 
they propagate to the left-hand side. 
Furthermore, if an illegal mathemat- 
ical operation is performed, a miss- 
ing value is also assigned to the left- 
hand side. In a microcomputer emu- 
lation, therefore, the method of 
representing missing values chosen 
should be easily recognized and also 
have these properties. I decided to 
use the 8-byte binary representation 



424 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



The Micromint 
Collection 



Micromint. Supporting the varied projects that appear in Steve Ciarcia's monthly 
article in BYTE magazine, ''Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar" Off ering a wide range of 
computers and peripherals supporting the needs of the hobbyist as well as 
worldwide corporate clients. 



flPX-16 MICROCOMPUTER 
BM PC COMPATIBLE 




"he MPX-16 is Steve Ciarcia's most ambitious project 
d date. The computer runs all application software 
Kitten for the IBM PC and is IBM PC bus compatible. 
;an be used with video monitor & IBM keyboard with 
iptional adapter. 

Juy the MPX-16 in the form that best meets your 
mdget. As a bare board, as a wave-soldered board 
fiat contains all components less the IC is, as an 
ssembled and tested circuit board or as a complete 
ystem. 

Is featured on the cover of "BYTE" magazine. Also 
sabred in "Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar" November, 
Jecember1982 & January 1983. 

* Runs all application programs written for the IBM 
PC (simply boot upthe system and slip in a disk 
formatted for the IBM PC). 

» IBM PC bus compatible + 9 expansion slots. 
► Intel 8088 16-bit microprocessor, 
t Optional Intel 8087 math coprocessor, 
i 256K bytes on-board memory. 

* Up to one megabyte of system memory. 

t Up to 64K bytes of system ROM/EPROM. 

* Two RS-232C serial I/O ports. 

• Three parallel I/O ports. 

• Disk controller for 5W or 8" drives. 

• Sixteen levels of vectored interrupts. 

MPX-16 Microcomputer circuit board assembled 

W/64K RAM, CP/M-86 or PC-DOS BIOS $1,200. 

riPX-1 6 as above with 256K RAM 1 ,395. 

JIPX-16 Semi-Kit (wave soldered circuit 

board w/all components) less IC's 595. 

Complete kit of IC's W/256K RAM 595. 

MPX-16 Unpopulated (bare) pc board . 300. 

DP/M-86 Operating System 80. 

MPX-16 Switching Power Supply Including 

cable harness for 2 disk drives 300. 

MPX-16 Technical Reference Manual 50. 

MPX-16 Metal Enclosure with cutouts for 

two 5%" full height drives 300. 

'andon TM 100-2 double density drive 300. 

BM PC Keyboard Interface Adapter 100. 

Serial terminal cable 35. 

J arallei printer cable 35. 



Shipping and handling additional on MPX-16 orders. 



8 BASIC SYSTEM 
I0NTR0LLER NEW!!! 

^places 28 Basic Computer/Controller 




As featured in Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, 
BYTE magazine, Juty & August 1981. 

• Uses Zilog Z8671 singfe chip microcomputer. 

• On board tiny BASIC interpreter. 

• 2 parallel ports plus serial I/O port. 

• Just connect a CRT terminal and write control pro- 
grams in BASIC. 

• 2K bytes of RAM, up to 4K bytes of ROM. 

• Baud rates 110-9600 BPS. 

• Data and address buses available f or124K memory 
and 1/0 expansion. 

• Consumes only 1.5 watts at +5, +12& -12. 

• Cross Assemblers for various computers. 

BCC11 Assembled & Tested S149. 

New Low Price 



3M PC is a trademark of International Business Machines. Inc. 
P/M86 is a trademark of Digital Research Inc. 
1S-D0S is a trademark of Microsoft Inc. 
8 13 a trademark of Zllog Inc. 



Z8 MEMORY, I/O EXPANSION, Z8 CROSS ASSEMBLERS 
CASSETTE INTERFACE 




• Add up to 8K of memory plus 3 parallel ports. 

• Cassette Interface— 300 baud K.C. Standard. 
BCC03 w/4K Assembled & Tested $149. 



Z8 ANALOG TO DIGITAL 
CONVERTER NEW!!! 




• Uses Analog Devices 7581 8 channel 8 bit IC. 

• Adds Process Control capability to the Z8. 

• 1000 samples per second. 

BCC13 Assembled & Tested S14D. 



Z8 EPROM PROGRAMMER 




• Transfer BASIC or Assembly Language application 
programs from RAM to 2716 or 2732 EPROM. 

• Requires Z8 Expansion Board for operation. 
BCC07 Assembled & Tested $145. 



Z8 SERIAL EXPANSION BOARD 




• Adds additional RS 232C and opto-isolated 20 ma 
current loop serial port to the Z8. 

• Runs at 75 to 19,200 baud in all protocols. 
BCC0B Assembled & Tested $160. 



Z816K MEMORY EXPANSION 
BOARD NEW!!! 



• Add 16K of additional memory, RAM or EPROM, to 
your Z8 System Controller in any multiple. 

• Uses 2016, 6116, 2716 or 2732 memory types. 
BCC14 w/8K Assembled & Tested $120. 



Z8 FIVE SLOT MOTHER BOARD 




From Allen Ashley 

TRS-80 Model I or III 

CP/M 2.2 8" or Northstar 5V4" 

From' Micro Resources 

CP/M 2.2 8"orAPPLE5V4" 75. 



$75. 
150. 



SPEECH SYNTHESIZERS 



MICROVOX TEXT-TO-SPEECH 
SYNTHESIZER 



MB02 Assembled & Tested $69. 




As featured in Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar 
BYTE Magazine September, October 1982. 

Microvox is a second generation professional voice 
quality text-to-speech synthesizer that is easily inter- 
faced to any computer, modem, RS-232C serial 
or parallel output device and provides speech of 
unbelievable clarity. 

• Unlimited vocabulary. 

• 64 programmable inflection levels. 

• 6K text-to-speech algorithm. 

• Full ASCII character set recognition and echo. 

• RS232C and parallel output. 

• 1000 character buffer, 3000 optional. 

• Adjustable baud rates (75-9600). 

• Spelling output mode. 

• 7 octave music and sound effects. 

• On board audio amplifier & power supply. 

• X-On/X-Off handshaking. 

MV01 Assembled with 1K buffer $299. 

MV02 Complete Kit with 1K buffer 219. 

Add $15.00 for 3K buffer option. 



SWEET-TALKER VOICE 
SYNTHESIZER 







As featured in Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar 
BYTE Magazine, September 1981 

The Sweet-Talker Voice Synthesizer allows you to add 
speech of unlimited vocabulary to your Apple II or any 
computer with a parallel printer port at very low cost. 

• Utilizes Votrax SC-01A speech synthesizer. 

• Unlimited vocabulary. 

• Text-to-Speech Algorithm on disk for Apple II. 

• Contains 64 phonemes accessed by 6-bit code. 

• Four levels of programmable inflection. 

• On board audio amplifier & volume control. 
ST02 Apple II plug-in, Assembled & Tested 

with Text-to-Speech Algorithm on 3.3 disk . $99. 
NEW LOW PRICE!!! 

ST01 Parallel Port Version, Assembled 99. 

NewLow Price 



VOTRAX SC-OIA PHONETIC 
SPEECH SYNTHESIZER 



The SC-01A Speech Synthesizer is a completely self- 
contained solid state device that phonetically synthes- 
izes continuous speech of unlimited vocabulary. Used 
in Microvox and Sweet-Talker. 

SC01A Quantity 1-99 $44. ea. 

100+ 32. ea. 

1000 + 24. ea. 



E-Z COLOR GRAPHICS 
INTERFACE 




As featured in Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar 
BYTE Magazine, August 1982 

Add color graphics, animation & 3-D effects to your 
S-100, TRS-80 Model I and III & Apple II at low cost 
The Super Editor software package includes a pattern 
editor, sprite editor, slide show, and demo scenes all 
in BASIC. Can be used with Color Monitor or TV set 
and rf modulator. 

• Resolution— 256X192 Pixels. 

• 16 colors including Black & Transparent. 

• 16K Bytes on board I/O mapped video memory. 

• Advanced Tl TMS9918A Color Video Processor. 

• 32 SPRITES facilitates 3-D effect. 

• Composite Video output. 

• Krell & Terrapin have LOGO software packages to 
support the E-Z Color Boards. 

Apple II E-Z Color plug-in board 
with Super Editor on 3.3 disk. 

EZ01 Assembled & Tested $119. 

EZ02 Complete Kit 105. 

NEW!! S-100 E-Z Color Graphics board with sound 
generator, Atari type joy stick interface, plus MBasic 
CP/M Super Editor Software on 8" disk. 

EZ04 Assembled & Tested S289. 

TRS-80 Model I or Model I II E-Z Color w/ Super Edi- 
tor software, power supply and enclosure. 

Assembled & Tested $249. 

Complete Kit 219. 



300 BAUD ANSWER/ ORIGINATE 
MODEM KIT NEW!!! 




As featured in Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar 
BYTE Magazine, March 1983 

The newest item to Micromint's growing list of 
products is this 300 Baud Modem. It is crystal 
controlled, uses the Tl IMS 99532 IC, contains just 
25 parts and can be used with an acoustic coupler or 
in a direct connect mode. 

MD04 Complete Kit $60. 

MD05 Transformer for Direct Connect Mode 9. 

AC01 Acoustic Coupler Kit $20. 



TRIPLE VOLTAGE 
POWER SUPPLIES 



+ 5v @ 300 ma. + / - 12v @ 25 ma. 

UPSQ1 Assembled & Tested $35. 

UPS02 Complete Kit 27. 

+ 5v @ 1 Amp. + 12v @ .5 Amp. - 12v @ 50 ma. 

UPS03 Assembled & Tested 60. 

UPS04 Complete Kit 50. 



MICROMINT INC. 561 Willow Avenue, 
Cedarhurst, NY 11516 
To Order: Call Toll Free 1-800-645-3479 
For Information Call: 1-516-374-6793 
Call: Monday-Friday, 9-5 PM 




Circle 247 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 425 



of negative infinity for the MAS miss- 
ing value, with the least significant 
byte replaced by the ASCII represen- 
tation of the " . " character. This 
value is easily recognized and propa- 
gates as the SAS missing value does 
in comparisons. The preprocessor 
adds appropriate code in front of all 
assignment statements to check for 
missing values and propagate them 
as necessary. 

Program Line-Parsing Techniques 

The preprocessor program for han- 



dling SAS syntax reads the file con- 
taining the user's SAS-like source 
code, translating it into BASIC source 
code on a line-by-line basis. The 
ASCII BASIC code is written to sev- 
eral files, with one program file for 
each SAS step. Each of these program 
files has a chain instruction as its last 
executable step, so that the next pro- 
gram is executed in turn. The chain 
is started by the preprocessor, whose 
last executable instruction is a chain 
instruction that executes the first 
BASIC program. Shared variables are 



flU-STAT 

n POW€RFUl N€W S€T OF STATISTICS PROGRAMS 
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• Compatible with other data bases • Operational with hard disk 

B-STRT is a set of seven program modules sold separately or as a package: 

Stepwise Multiple Regression - For up to 61 variables (straight regression up to 65 variables). Raw data, 
correlations, or vaiiance-covariance entry. Each step output (addition or deletion) includes: regression coefficients, 
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and intercorrelations. Printed listings of residuals for each observation $1 20 

Factor Analysis - Principal components, VRRIMRX and oblique simple sbuctures, for up to 45 variables and factors. 
Also orthogonal-powered vector and weighted cross-factor simple structure methods. Raw data or correlation 
entry. Three estimates of communalities: units, absolute maximum row, and squared multiple correlations. 

Iterations $95 

Discriminant Function - For up to 58 variables. Discriminant Function coefficients, F-ratio, cutoff point and z-score 
cutoff points. Discriminant function data base totally compatible with Stepwise Multiple Regression and Factor 
Analysis (and vice versa) $70 

Analysis oF Variance- For up to 1 main effects and 1 levels, with equal cell frequencies. Cell means and stan- 
dard deviations printed ouL All two-way interactions evaluated. Output includes: degrees of freedom, mean 
square and F-ratio for all main and interaction effects $85 

Analysis of Co variance- For up to 5 main effects with as many as 1 levels and to 20 covariates. Complex least 
squares method. Appropriate for equal or unequal cell frequencies. All cell means and standard deviations printed. 
Tables include: source, degrees of freedom, mean square, F-ratio for main and interaction effects. All two-way 
interactions evaluated $105 

Analysis of Variance ( 111 + B)- Repeated measures design. Rny combination of between and/or within subjects 
(cases) independent variables for a total of five factors. All interactions evaluated (up to five- way). Cqual or 
unequal groups. Rerun feature permits output with modifications. From up to 1 ,000 to over 50,000 cases permitted 

(depending on the design) $115 

Matrix Manipulation - Outputs the addition, subtraction, multiplication, inversion, and transpose of matrices of 
up to 40 rows by 40 columns. All menu driven. Also provides for the solution of a system of equations of up to an 
order of 40. Outputs to screen and/or printer $45 

RNV SIX PROGRAM MODUL€S $245 For Purchases and Literature 

RLL S€V€N PROGRRM MODULCS $295 n L H B€LRNG€R 

For Technical Support I !■ R€S€RRCH RSSOCIRT€S 

Robert R. Belanger, Ph.D. I # 1 541 W. 6TH ST. 

(21 3) 969-41 1 2 lL~A RZUSR, Cfl 91 702 

CP/M is a trademark of Digital Research, Inc. 
MBRSIC is a product of Microsoft Corp. 



communicated with Microsoft 
BASICS COMMON statement. 

The proc steps were fairly easy to 
implement. For each proc, a core pro- 
cedure that actually performs the 
work was written in BASIC, using or- 
dinary statistical and computing al- 
gorithms. For each proc step en- 
countered, the preprocessor writes 
code that stores variable names and 
other needed information in standard 
places, copies this code onto the 
BASIC source file, copies the core 
procedure onto the BASIC source file, 
and adds closing and chaining code 
to the end of the BASIC source file. 
The resulting BASIC program will 
then behave as if it were the appro- 
priate SAS procedure with its sup- 
plied procedure information state- 
ments. 

Implementing the data step, how- 
ever, proved more difficult. Pseudo- 
code is an arbitrary code, indepen- 
dent of system hardware, which must 
be translated into computer code. A 
SAS data step must have the ability 
to do the following: perform non- 
executable statements; initialize 
variables; open MAS files named in 
DA3A statements for output; open 
files named in INFILE, SET, or 
MERGE statements for input; 
WHILE (observations, or obs, left on 
any input file and obs limit not ex- 
ceeded); initialize user variables not 
in RETAIN to missing; perform exe- 
cutable statements; WEND; close 
files; chain to next BASIC program. 

The preprocessor's job is to read 
the user's SAS-like code for the data 
step and generate a BASIC program 
in the pseudocode format. BASIC 
has another feature that eases the 
translation task: its program state- 
ments can be written in ASCII to a 
file in any order, but when loading 
or chaining the program, it places the 
statements in ascending order. As a 
result, the preprocessor need not 
save the code for forward references 
and write it out to the program file 
at the proper time. Instead, it can 
write code to the file as it must be 
generated. If, for example, the pre- 
processor is generating linear BASIC 
code at line 10000 inside a loop, and 
it needs to generate a subroutine out- 
side the loop in the line-20000 range, 



426 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 38 on inquiry card. 



FOR CP/M. TOP QUALITY BOTTOM PRICE. 

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not solving your business or engineering problems? Nevada COBOL or FORTRAN will. The media praises Nevada, and 
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Finally, a better BASIC. This straight- 
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COBOL Application Package-Book I. 
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"If you want to 
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Perfect for training, testing, virtually all 
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It's the ideal companion language for BASIC, 
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a* 



the manual comes with 10 
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dp* 

^pT March/ April 1983. For 
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e>° N is the perfect FORTRAN. Based on 
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shopping for FORTRAN, look no further. 



GD 




"A well-thought-out 
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$> Now, high-quality text editing 
for micros. A character-oriented 
full-screen display editor, Nevada 
EDIT is great for program editing as it's specifically 
designed to create COBOL, BASIC, and FORTRAN 
programs. Simple to-configure, you 
customize tab stops, default file 
type, keyboard layout, and 
CRT by menu selection. 
Nevada EDIT may pay 
off better than ^i 

any software /-Ot^ 

purchase v\ 

you've V^ 

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Money 
back guaran- 
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unopened-within 30 days, and 
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CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research, Inc. TRS-80 is a regis- 
tered trademark of Tandy Corp. Apple II is a trademark of Apple Computer, 
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FORTRAN, Nevada PILOT Nevada EDIT and Ellis Computing are trade- 
marks of Ellis Computing, Inc. & 1983 Ellis Computing, Inc. 



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BYTE January 1984 427 



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it can do so. The code written to the 
program file will be line-10000 code, 
followed by the line-20000 range sub- 
routine, followed by the rest of the 
line-10000-range code. The BASIC in- 
terpreter can thus dynamically alter 
the line numbers, then put them into 
their proper order when the program 
file is loaded. 

Let's look carefully at each line of 
the pseudocode outline: 

1. Perform most nonexecutable state- 
ments. While most SAS code used 
in the DATA step is executable 
code performed once for each ob- 
servation in the output data set, 
this is not true of all SAS state- 
ments. DROP, KEEP, and RE- 
NAME affect the code that con- 
trols what variables and variable 
names will be stored on the out- 
put file, but do not affect each 
observation. The LABEL state- 
ment, for example, generates code 
that writes labels for the variables 
to the .HDR file for the data set but 
has no effect on the observations. 
No matter where these statements 
appear in the SAS data step, they 
generate code that acts once per 
DATA step rather than once per 
observation. 

2. Initialize variables. Many count- 
ing and control variables, such as 
_N_, _ERROR_, and input line 
counters must be initialized before 
the observations loop. 

3. Open MAS files named in DATA 
step for output. For every data set 
named in the DATA statement, the 
.HDR and .DAT files must be 
created and opened; then the data 
set name, label, time, and date of 
creation can be written to the 
.HDR file. 

4. Open files named in INFILE, SET, 
or MERGE statements for input. For 
"raw input" files named in INFILE 
statements (which specify the in- 
put used to create a SAS data set), 
a sequential open is performed. 
For MAS data sets named in 
SET or MERGE statements, the 
.HDR file is opened to gain in- 
formation about the data set, then 
the .HDR file is closed and the 
.DAT file is opened to permit direct 
input. 



428 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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5. WHILE (obs left on any input file 
and obs limit not exceeded). This 
WHILE. . WEND loop does the 
real work of the DATA step. Until 
all of the input observations have 
been read, or until the user-set 
observation limit is reached, all 
statements within the loop are ex- 
ecuted once per observation. 

6. Initialize user variables not in the 
RETAIN statement to missing. At the 
beginning of each observation 
loop, all user variables are nor- 
mally set to missing unless they 
have been named in the RETAIN 
statement. If they have been 
named in a RETAIN statement, 
they retain their values from the 
previous observation. 

7. Perform executable statements. 
Here is where most of the work of 
the DATA step is performed. Each 
statement that affects the value of 
user variables (such as assignment 
or sum statements) or the way the 
observation is handled (such as 
subsetting IF, DELETE, LIST, 
IF. . THEN. . .ELSE, or DO. . . 
WHILE. . .END) is translated in- 
to a BASIC statement or a subrou- 
tine. Standard subroutines are set 
up for such things as DELETE, 
LIST, and subsetting IF. Assign- 
ment statements are left almost 
unchanged, except for preceding 
each one with a trap for missing 
values so they will be correctly 
propagated. In the absence of ex- 
plicit OUTPUT statements, an im- 
plicit output statement is placed at 
the end of the observations loop. 
It puts the current observation in 
all the output data sets named in 
the DATA statement. 

8. Close files. All the open files are 
closed, and the observation count 
and appropriate statistics are writ- 
ten to the log file. 

9. Chain to the next BASIC program. 
After completion of the DATA step, 
all control variables are saved in a 
COMMON area and the next 
BASIC program, which may cor- 
respond to a DATA or proc step, is 
executed. 

Listing 1 shows a simple program 
written in SAS syntax and the print- 
out that resulted when this program 
was run. 

430 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Listing 1: A simple SAS program run on an IBM Personal Computer (PC) and the resulting 
printout. 

The Source Code^ 

data testruns(label=test runs for 5 numeric variables); 
input nobs compile data print means; 
cards; 



1 


1.30 


.03 


. 05 


. 15 


5 1 


1 .30 


. 10 


.OS 


. "22 


10 


1. 30 


. 17 


. 13 


.28 


20 


1. 30 


.32 


.23 


.42 


50 


1.30 


.79 


.49 


.36 


ioo : 


1.32 


1.57 


.93 : 


1.57 


500 


1.40 


7.76 


4.50 7.31 



10O0 1.49 15.51 3.97 14.43 

AVGDATA=DAT A/NOBS; 

AVGPRINT=PRINT/NOBS; 

AVGMEANS=MEANS/N0BS5 
PROC PRINT DATA=TESTRUNS; 

TITLE EXAMPLE MAS PROGRAM RUN TIMES IN MINUTES; 

TITLE2 TIMES ARE FOR COMPILE, DATA STEP, PROC PRINT AND PROC MEANS; 

TITLE3 EXAMPLE WAS DATA STEP WITH CARDS, THEN PROC PRINT, PROC MEANS; 

TITLE4 DATASET HAD 5 NUMERIC VARIABLES STORED IN DOUBLE PRECISION; 

TITLE5 + + + + ++++ ; 

TITLE6 LISTING OF TIMES FOR VARIOUS QUANTITIES OF INPUT OBSERVATIONS; 

VAR NOBS COMPILE DATA PRINT MEANS; 
PROC PRINT DATA=TESTRUNS; 

TITLE 6 LISTING OF COMPUTED 'PER OBSERVATION' TIMES; 

VAR NOBS AVGDATA AVGPRINT AVGMEANS; 
PROC MEANS DATA=TESTRUNS MAXDEC=2 N MEAN STD ; 

TITLE6 AVERAGES OF 'PER OBSERVATION' TIMES; 

VAR AVGDATA AVGPRINT AVGMEANS; 



The Resulting Printout. 



1 MICROCOMPUTER ANALYSIS SYSTEM 01-10-1933 20: 

NOTE: THE JOB TESTRUNS.MAS HAS BEEN RUN UNDER RELEASE 32.7 OF MAS. 



1 



12 

13 
14 

NOTE ; 
NOTE : 

15 
16 
17 
13 
19 
20 
21 



DATA TESTRUNS(LABEL=TEST RUNS FOR 5 NUMERIC VARIABLES); 

input nobs compile data print means; 

cards; 

avgdata=data/nobs ; 

avgpr i nt = pri nt/nobs; 

a vgmeans=me ans /nobs ; 

data set testruns has 3 observations and 3 variables. 64 obs/trk. 

THE DATA STATEMENT USED .2 MINUTES AND 20K . 

PROC PRINT DATA=TESTRUNS; 

TITLE EXAMPLE MAS PROGRAM RUN TIMES IN MINUTES; 

TITLE2 TIMES ARE FOR COMPILE, DATA STEP, PROC PRINT AND PROC MEANS; 
TITLE3 EXAMPLE WAS DATA STEP WITH CARDS, THEN PROC PRINT, PROC MEANS? 
TITLE4 DATASET HAD 5 NUMERIC VARIAELES STORED IN DOUBLE PRECISION; 

TITLE5 + + + + + + + + ; 

TITLE6 LISTING OF TIMES FOR VARIOUS QUANTITIES OF INPUT OBSERVATIONS; 
VAR NOBS COMPILE DATA PRINT MEANS; 



NOTE: THE PROCEDURE PRINT USED .13 MINUTES AND 22K AND PRINTED PAGE 1. 

23 PROC PRINT DATA=TESTRUNS ; 

24 TITLE6 LISTING OF COMPUTED 'PER OBSERVATION' TIMES; 

25 VAR NOBS AVGDATA AVGPRINT AVGMEANS; 

NOTE: THE PROCEDURE PRINT USED .15 MINUTES AND 21K AND PRINTED PAGE 2. 

26 PROC MEANS DATA=TESTRUNS MAXDEC=2 N MEAN STD; 

27 TITLE6 AVERAGES OF 'PER OBSERVATION' TIMES; 
VAR AVGDATA AVGPRINT AVGMEANS; 

: THE PROCEDURE MEANS USED .17 MINUTES AND 25K AND PRINTED PAGE 3. 

: MAS USED 1.17 MINUTES AND 25K. 



23 

NOTE 
NOTE 
NOTE 



: BASS CYBERNETIC LABS 
RT. 1, BOX 124-B 
PITTSBORO, NC 27312 



EXAMPLE MAS PROGRAM RUN TIMES IN MINUTES 01-10-1933 20:23 
TIMES ARE FOR COMPILE, DATA STEP, PROC PRINT AND PROC MEANS 
EXAMPLE WAS DATA STEP WITH CARDS, THEN PROC PRINT, PROC MEANS 
DATASET HAD 5 NUMERIC VARIABLES STORED IN DOUBLE PRECISION 



OF TIMES 


Ft 


:>r VARIOUS 


QUANTITIES 


OF INPUT OBSEI 


NOP.S 




COMPILE 


DATA 


PRINT 


MEANS 


i 1 




1.3 


.03 




.05 


. 15 


2 5 




1. 3 


. 1 




.03 


. 22 


3 10 




1.3 


. 17 




. 13 


.23 


4 20 




1. 3 


.32 




. 23 


.42 



Listing 1 continued on page 432 



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BYTE January 1984 431 



Listing 1 continued: 












5 


50 


1.3 


.79 


. 49 


.86 


6 


100 


1. 32 


1.57 


.93 


1.57 


"7 


500 


1.4 


7.76 


A. 5 


7.31 


8 


1000 


1. 49 


15.51 


8.97 


14. 4B 


^^^^-ww^-v-v^W^ 


-V -v -v -V IV "V >w<v* 


v«v-w«w<vv<v 


-V-V -V -V- -V -V-V -vvvV-N 




^vww<v 



EXAMPLE MAS PROGRAM RUN TIMES IN MINUTES 01-10-1983 
TIMES ARE FOR COMPILE, DATA STEP, PROC PRINT AND PROC MEANS 
EXAMPLE WAS DATA STEP WITH CARDS, THEN PROC PRINT, PROC MEANS 
DATASET HAD 5 NUMERIC VARIABLES STORED IN DOUBLE PRECISION 



STING OF CO 


MPUTED 'PER 


OBSERVATI 


ON' TIMES 


S NOBS 


AVGDATA 


AVGPRINT 


AVGMEANS 


1 1 


.03 


.05 


. 15 


2 5 




02 


.016 


.044 


3 10 




017 


.013 


.028 


4 20 




016 


.0115 


.021 


5 50 




0158 


.0098 


.0172 


6 100 




0157 


.0093 


.0157 


7 500 




01552 


.009 


.01462 


8 1000 




01551 


.00897 


.01448 



EXAMPLE MAS PROGRAM RUN TIMES IN MINUTES 01-10-1983 
TIMES ARE FOR COMPILE, DATA STEP, PROC PRINT AND PROC MEANS 
EXAMPLE WAS DATA STEP WITH CARDS, THEN PROC PRINT, PROC MEANS 
DATASET HAD 5 NUMERIC VARIABLES STORED IN DOUBLE PRECISION 



AVERAGES 


OF 


' PER ( 


+ -i- ; 

>BSERVATI0N 7 TIMES 


VARIABLE 




N 


MEAN STD. DEV. 


avgdAta 

avgprint 

avgmeans 




8 
8 
8 


.01819 .005 
.01595 .01397 
.03813 .04629 



One final issue affects the transla- 
tion of SAS statements to BASIC 
statements. Microsoft BASIC, like 



most BASICs, does not allow key- 
words to be used as variable names. 
Yet rather than restrict SAS variable 



names in this fashion, I added an 
extra letter to the beginning of all user 
variables that would appear in the 
BASIC program. Since neither Y nor 
Z is the beginning letter of any BASIC 
keyword, I used Y as the beginning 
letter of all numeric variables and Z 
as the first letter of all character vari- 
ables. Thus the SAS user variable 
ABC becomes YABC in the BASIC 
program. The user never sees these 

The preprocessor reads 
pseudocode for the 

data step and 

generates a BASIC 

program. 

names, however, since the BASIC 
program is never visible unless it is 
deliberately listed. This coding 
scheme also allows all the variables 
in the BASIC program beginning 
with Y to be set to double precision 
as well as all variables beginning with 
Z to be set to character-string type, 
using BASIC'S DEFDBL and DEFSTR 
statements. 



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432 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 131 on inquiry card. 



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expand 


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Circle 462 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 433 



What Is SAS? 

SAS stands for Statistical-Analysis Sys- 
tem, a mainframe data-processing and 
statistical language, and series of software 
packages. It was developed at North 
Carolina State University in the late 1960s 
with grants from the National Institutes 
of Health and the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture for the purpose of providing 
an alternative to existing computer lan- 
guages for statistical applications. ■ 

In 1972 the first statistical-analysis sys- 
tem made available to the public contained 
a data-management language and per- 
mitted a user to perform about 25 statistical 
procedures. It required users to write a 
simple program in a PL/I-like syntax that 
can take raw data from cards or tape and 
convert it into a standard SAS data set 
with a fixed internal form. The statistical 
procedures it offered required data in the 
form of SAS data sets and produced printed 
reports (and optionally, new SAS data sets) 
of such operations as linear and nonlinear 
regressions. Because the system demands 
a standard form for all data (the SAS data 
set), it frees the user from specifying data 
structures. In addition, the statistical pro- 
cedures contained in SAS provide most 
commonly needed algorithms, so a SAS 
user can concentrate on statistical analysis 
rather than on coding algorithms. Listing 
2 is a SAS program written in current SAS 
syntax. 

A Simple Yet Useful Language 

The first group of statements make up 
a data step. The data step in listing 2 
creates a SAS-style data set with four 
variables and as many observations as there 
are records on the tape. The variables can 
be picked off from any position on the 
record without the need for any COBOL- 
like fillers, and multiple records of any 
observation are easily handled. The next 
two groups of statements are PROC steps, 
which perform specified statistical pro- 
cedures on the SAS data set that has been 



Listing 2: Written in the syntax of the latest version of SAS, this program can read four 
variables from a survey tape, create a SAS data set, calculate the variables' means and stan- 
dard deviations, and use them to perform a linear regression. 



I* Example program with imaginary data set 

/* — demonstrates SAS syntax, not good statistics . 



DATA INCOME; 
INFILE TAPE1455; 
INPUT @15 INCOME 



@22 AGE 
@27 HEIGHT 
@94 WEIGHT 



/* SAS comments can be enclosed like this . . . 

/* Name of SAS data set to be created 

/* Data Definition Name of the Tape 

/* Income is at the 15th column of each record on 

/* the tape 

/* Age in years is at col 22 

/* Height in inches is at column 27 

/* Weight in pounds is at column 94 



PROC MEANS DATA = INCOME MEAN STD 



PROC SYSREG DATA = INCOME; 
MODEL INCOME = AGE HEIGHT WEIGHT 



created. In this example, the data set is a 
temporary one, but it could just as easily 
be specified as a permanent data set. 

The example in listing 2 would have re- 
quired hundreds or even thousands of lines 
in such other languages as BASIC, FOR- 
TRAN, and Pascal. Thus, an advantage 
of SAS is that for many statistical and data- 
management tasks, it requires less pro- 
grammer effort than do other languages. 
Yet SAS contains all the elements of a com- 
plete programming language (such as 
DO... WHILE... END and IF... THEN... 
ELSE statements and arrays) and can be 
used for complex nonstatistical program- 
ming tasks as well as statistical ones. 

This useful language rapidly grew 
popular; first at universities and later in 
the business world. The maintenance of the 
package was transferred from the Institute 
of Statistics of North Carolina State 
University to a private firm, the SAS In- 
stitute, in July 1976. Expanded versions 
were released in 1976, 1979, and 1982, and 



I* Printed report will contain means 7 
f and std devs for all the variables 7 

I* A simple regression 7 

r of income on age, height and */ 
/* weight 7 



all of them retained the concept of a stan- 
dard SAS data set and a powerful, problem- 
oriented language to manipulate the data 
in them. Graphics, time-series, and oper- 
ations-research procedures were offered as 
optional add-on packages, but all of the 
packages required a large IBM 370 main- 
frame computer or equivalent machine un- 
til 1982, when a new portable SAS was an- 
nounced for some of the 32-bit super-mini- 
computers, such as Digital Equipment 
Corporation's VAX computers. At the time 
of this writing, these products were still 
in testing stages; however, the SAS In- 
stitute maintained that it had no plans for 
moving SAS to microcomputers. At a 
SAS conference in 1982, a suggestion was 
made in a microcomputer users' special- 
interest group that it might be possible to 
emulate a SAS-like syntax on a microcom- 
puter; and that suggestion led to this arti- 
cle. The author has no connections with 
SAS Institute Inc. 



Conclusion 

We've examined some of the steps 
involved in implementing a SAS 
syntax preprocessor for Microsoft 
BASIC. Some characteristics of 
BASIC made the task easier than 
writing a true SAS compiler for a 
microcomputer. The main drawback 
of this type of solution, however, is 



the slow speed of the result. Compil- 
ing the resulting BASIC code instead 
of interpreting it should be possible, 
but since chaining and statement 
ordering are handled differently by 
the compiler and the interpreter, this 
solution has not been tried. It would 
be an excellent area for further work 
with this preprocessor. The exercise 



did show that a substantial portion 
of the SAS syntax can be imple- 
mented on a microcomputer, how- 
ever, and that for small data sets, this 
subset can be used effectively. ■ 



Jeff Bass is a senior analyst at Bass Cybernetic 
Labs (Rte. 1, Box 124B, Pittsboro, NC 27312). 



434 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



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Circle 501 for Dealer Inquiries. Circle 502 for End-User Inquiries. 



A Software Review Method 
That Really Works 

The detailed group walk-through approach 
involves "playing computer" 



Programming errors create major 
time and money problems for the 
computer industry, not to mention 
the frustration felt by the end user. 
As a result, an effective method of 
eliminating errors is crucial to the 
software designer. One successful 
method you can use is the group 
walk-through. Reviewing software 
design and code this way ensures a 
low error rate and catches errors often 
missed in testing. Other benefits in- 
clude improved documentation and 
software that is integrated more 
smoothly into the system. 

The Method 

The walk-through review is funda- 
mentally a process of "playing com- 
puter." The participants emulate what 
the computer does with the input 
data by actually walking through, 
from start to finish, a maximum of 
5000 lines of code. With careful defi- 
nition of the participants' roles, stan- 
dardized written preparation, and 
several shortcuts, the walk-through 
provides a workable means of cor- 
recting programming problems. In 
addition, a group review reduces the 
risk of individual errors by allowing 
for cross-checking between partici- 
pants. 



by Andrew Citron 

Design documents or code are re- 
viewed, but in either case the method 
remains basically the same. The 
design document may be in the form 
of PDL (programming design lan- 
guage, or structured English), struc- 
ture trees, Nasi-Schneiderman dia- 
grams, flowcharts, or even HIPO 
(hierarchy plus input, process, out- 
put) diagrams. Reviewers must be 
concerned with both the details and 



Group review reduces 

the risk of individual 

errors by allowing for 

cross-checking between 

participants. 

clarity of the design. Code, on the 
other hand, is rarely ambiguous. 

Test cases are run throughout the 
review; these form a series of inputs 
to the software and test the program's 
major requirements. All program 
statements should be tested at least 
once. Usually it is impossible to test 
all paths through the code because 
that number increases so quickly. By 
going through every statement at 
least once with all the main require- 
ments included, the review partici- 



pants test an adequate number of 
paths. 

The Roles of the Participants 

The review participants include the 
designer/coder and at least two other 
interested and motivated reviewers. 
Three seems to be the right number 
of people; four works, but the payoff 
does not increase proportionally. 

Each participant has a specific role. 
The designer/coder remains passive 
while the other two reviewers are ac- 
tive. The designer/coder's role is to be 
alert for bugs and errors, answer 
questions, take notes on problems 
that need correcting, and provide the 
documentation and test cases for the 
walk-through. He does not "play 
computer." The designer is intensely 
involved with the program, and it is 
this involvement that increases the 
likelihood of repeating mistakes. 
Therefore, the other two reviewers 
are active. They remain impartial and 
follow the design exactly, rather than 
try to interpret what the designer 
meant. One reviewer acts as the cen- 
tral processor by reading the next in- 
struction to be executed. The other 
writes down the variable's values for 
the others to see. The designer 
watches the two reviewers following 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 437 



the design or code blindly and im- 
mediately recognizes when some- 
thing is wrong. 

The Process 

The reviewer emulating the central 
processor reads the statements one at 
a time, marking each one as it is read. 
If reviewers use a different color 
magic marker for each test case, they 
get a feel for the number of paths that 
have been tested. 

The reviewer tracking storage and 
registers notes modified variables in 
a visible place. A blackboard, an 



overhead projector, or even paper 
glued to the walls enables all the re- 
viewers to see the current values. 

To walk through a test case, you fol- 
low the path the machine takes. 
When an IF statement is encoun- 
tered, the storage and register tracker 
checks the variable being tested and 
chooses one path. Each case should 
be taken independently because a 
detailed understanding of the control 
flow is necessary to determine if the 
software functions properly. When 
the program calls a subroutine, you 
walk through it also, not bothering 



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with external routines. 

In the design review, macro inter- 
face parameters are specified and 
checked. In the code review, you 
check the coded parameters against 
the design and walk through the ex- 
panded macro code. This catches in- 
terface errors when existing macros 
are called. It also catches coding 
errors in new macro code. It's impor- 
tant that you pay close attention to 
macro parameters and generated 
code because interface errors are a 
major source of program problems. 

When a problem is found in either 
the design or code review, you 
shouldn't make a:iy attempt to solve 
it unless it's trivial. The designer's 
role is to note the error and fix it later. 
If the problems are many or serious, 
you walk through the program again 
after fixing it. The addition of many 
new conditional statements indicates 
serious program problems. After a 
number of insertions, changes occur 
in paths already reviewed, and you 
must plan to review the program 
again. 

Shortcuts 

Once it has been asserted that a 
subroutine works, walking through it 
again and again is avoided. Making 
this assertion applies a technique 
used in formal program proving: 
given a precondition (the input) and 
a process (the program), the post- 
condition (the output) is true. 

Three conditions must be met to 
make such an assertion. First, you 
should prepare a detailed input state- 
ment. You must state which variables 
are input and where they can be 
found. Second, a detailed output 
specification should be created spell- 
ing out any variables the reviewers 
modify and the conditions under 
which they've changed them, also 
stating any side effects such as modi- 
fied registers or static control blocks. 
Third, you must completely walk 
through the routine once. When you 
prove a program path works, you 
don't need to walk through it again 
but must simply verify that the input 
conditions have been met to assume 
that the output conditions are true. 
When the input and output state- 
ments are complete and correct and 



438 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 355 on inquiry card. 



all the reviewers agree that the sub- 
routine functions correctly, the re- 
viewer in charge of tracking variables 
updates the blackboard. 

Another shortcut, stacking the ma- 
chine state, helps you avoid walking 
through the same paths repeatedly. 
When you encounter an IF state- 
ment, write down the values of the 
variables and registers, note the point 
where the code diverges, and con- 
tinue walking through the current 
test case. When you finish that case, 
you return to the machine state found 
at the IF statement, change the vari- 
able, and continue the walk-through. 

With practice, you learn to design, 
code, and document programs so 
that review productivity improves. 
Input and output statements are then 
specified more fully, designed more 
simply, and use fewer variables. 

Advantages of Walk-Throughs 

The main advantage of walk- 
throughs is that reviewers find bugs 
earlier. And the sooner you find a 
problem, the cheaper it is to fix. The 
bugs found in reviews are often those 
that slip through testing: timing con- 
ditions, reentrancy problems, acci- 
dental storage modification. If you 
check only the testing output, you 
miss the side effects. Don't under- 
estimate the value of finding and fix- 
ing these problems. 

Another advantage is better docu- 
mentation. Since the designer does 
not lead the walk-through, the two 
reviewers need comprehensive docu- 
mentation. If documentation is in- 
complete, the reviewers know that 
something is unclear and needs fix- 
ing. You must spell out any design or 
code restrictions carefully. Documen- 
tation enhancements from reviews 
make the code more modifiable and 
maintainable. 

Shortcomings of Walk-Throughs 

While a walk-through doesn't pro- 
duce a well-structured design, it 
guards against a bad one. If the re- 
view uncovers error after error, an ex- 
perienced programmer throws the 
design out rather than repeatedly 
fixing and patching it. The major ob- 
jection to walk-throughs, the time re- 
quired, is not valid. Actually, a walk- 



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through reduces time spent on future 
maintenance, testing, and integration. 
Despite the completeness of walk- 
throughs, some errors still occur. The 
code must be tested; fortunately, it 
takes less time and effort to correct 
errors the second time around. 

A Word on Attitude 

Attitude makes the review work. 
New software has errors, and it's 
more constructive to find bugs in a 
review and in testing than later in 
production or in integration testing. 
Late error detection is time consum- 
ing and more difficult to correct. The 
proper ratio is to find many problems 
during the review, fewer in testing, 
and none when you integrate the 
code into the system. Error-free out- 
put from the walk-through is the re- 
viewers' responsibility as much as 
the designer's. 

Summary 

Group walk-throughs of code and 
design ensure that software meets re- 
quirements, performs as intended, 
and has proper documentation. Well- 
defined reviewer roles, a proper 
structure, and a cooperative attitude 
produce an extremely effective group 
walk-through. ■ 

Acknowledgments 

The author gratefully acknowledges the contribu- 
tions made by his colleagues at IBM, especially], C 
O'Quin, ]. R. McLean, and S. Eames, who helped 
with the content and the style of this article. 

References 

1 . Schneiderman, B. Software Psychology. Win- 
throp, MA: Winthrop Publishers Inc., 1980. 

2. Wegner, P. (editor). Research Directions in 
Software Technology. Cambridge, MA: MIT 
Press, 1979. 

3. Weinberg, G. The Psychology of Computer 
Programming. New York: Van Nostrand 
Reinhold, 1971. 

4. Your don, E. Structured Walk-throughs. Engle- 
wood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall Inc., 1979, 



Andrew Citron (FOB 12195, Research Triangle 
Park, NC 27709) has an M.S. in computer systems 
from SUNY at Binghamton and a B.A. in psychol- 
ogy from Northeastern University. He is currently 
with the SNA Architecture Group for the IBM 5520 
Administrative System. For the previous five years 
he was in operating-system software development 
for the 5520. Any walk-through he has participated 
in has found lots of problems—whether he was the 
designer or a reviewer. 



440 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 242 on inquiry card. 



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UNIX is a trademark of Bell Laboratories. 

Circle 486 on inquiry card. 



BD02315 

BYTE January 1984 441 



Real-Time Clocks and 
PC-DOS 2.0 

Understanding the clock/device-driver interface 



Almost every multifunction board 
sold for the IBM PC includes a clock, 
each sold with its own proprietary 
software. Recognizing that these real- 
time add-on clocks are extremely 
popular, IBM and Microsoft made 
specific provisions in the PC-DOS 
version 2.0 to legitimize the clocks' 
existence and handle their functions 
in a uniform way. The mechanism for 
this is a provision for device drivers— 
assembly-language (.COM) programs 
that can supplement or replace exist- 
ing system software for doing the I/O 
(input/output) to a specific logical 
device. In this article I will provide a 
brief introduction to device drivers 
and discuss and demonstrate a char- 
acter device-driver program for the 
clock chip on a typical multifunction 
board. In addition to being a nifty 
utility, the program demonstrates 
several features of 8088 code and the 
macroassembler. 

By now, nearly all of us who 
bought PC-DOS 2.0 have thumbed 
through its accompanying volume at 
least once. Of all the additions in- 
spired by Unix, perhaps the most im- 
portant new feature is its powerful 
device-driver capability. Without 
using "dirty tricks'' or mucking about 
in the system software, you can now 
integrate new devices into the oper- 



CLOCK.COM requirements: 
IBM PC 

64K bytes of RAM 
one floppy-disk drive 
PC-DOS 2.0 

Any AST Research Inc. (2372 Morse Ave., Ir- 
vine, CA 92714, 714-540-1333) Multifunction 
board with National Semiconductor MM58167A 
Real-Time Clock chip. 



by David K. Broadwell 

ating environment quickly and in a 
manner compatible with current and, 
presumably, future versions of PC- 
DOS. Manufacturers of add-on 
boards, peripherals, and other hard- 
ware can now develop standardized 
software to interface their products to 
the IBM PC. System integrity is main- 
tained no matter how many bells, 
whistles, and real-time gadgets are 
added. 

PC-DOS 2.0 recognizes two types 
of devices: character and block. 
[Editor's Note: For a detailed discussion 
of device drivers and the IBM PC, refer 
to "Installable Device Drivers for PC- 
DOS 2.0" by Tim Field, November 1983 
BYTE, page 188.] As the name implies, 
character devices do serial I/O on 
characters and include a system's 
PRN (printer), AUX (auxiliary), and 
CON (console) logical devices. The 
newly defined system device 
CLOCKS falls into this category. 
Block devices, on the other hand, in- 
clude hard and floppy disks and do 
random I/O in chunks that usually 
correspond to a physical sector size 
for efficiency. 

As an example of device-driver 
operations, assume you already have 
a device driver that simulates a flop- 
py disk in RAM (random-access 
read/ write memory). (You can use 
the device driver in the DOS 2.0 
manual.) When PC-DOS 2.0 is 
booted up, it looks for a file named 
CONFIG.SYS, which contains infor- 
mation on how the system is to be 
initialized. Among other things, this 
file can contain a number of state- 
ments of the form DEVICE = file- 
name. If our RAM disk-driver ex- 
ample is called VDISK.COM, we put 
it into our CONFIG.SYS file for 



DEVICE = VDISK.COM. This driver 
is loaded and left resident as a per- 
manent and transparent part of the 
system. Any I/O calls to the virtual 
RAM disk are handled through regu- 
lar channels, without altering the 
8088's interrupt vector table that the 
DOS sets up. This is why a virtual- 
disk program that worked under 
DOS 1.1 bombs out under version 
2.0. 

The logical device we are replacing 
is the system CLOCKS. A device 
driver named CLOCK.COM is in- 
stalled instead of the system's default 
software, and it is loaded by a 
DEVICE = CLOCK.COM statement in 
CONFIG.SYS-at start-up time. Each 
time a call is made to read or set the 
date and/or time, CLOCK.COM does 
it. This includes the DOS commands 
for DATE, TIME, and pertinent DOS 
INT (hexadecimal) 21 file-manage- 
ment function calls. My clock-driver 
program reads and sets the National 
Semiconductor MM5816Z\ Real Time 
Clock chip on an AST Research Inc. 
Combo board, but the general prin- 
ciples for any clock driver are repre- 
sented as well as what PC-DOS 2.0 
requires of a character device. 

What PC-DOS 2.0 expects from a 
device-driver program and how they 
communicate are explained in the 
PC-DOS 2.0 manual. As previously 
mentioned, the RAM disk example is 
a handy block-device driver. Charac- 
ter devices, however, are quite dif- 
ferent, and the CLOCKS device is 
also a rather special subset. Both 
devices use drivers structured the 
same way, but each is asked to do dif- 
ferent functions by the DOS. The sys- 
tem creates a structure called a Re- 
quest Header and passes its address 



442 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 1 on inquiry card. 



Static 
Header 



Variable 



Byte (0) 

Byte (1) 

Byte (2) 
Byte (3-4) 
Byte (5-12) 
Byte (13) 

DWORD (14-17) 
Word 



length in bytes of Request Header (13) plus data block that 
follows (if any) 

subunit code for block devices 
(not used here) 

command code, e.g., "READ" = 08 

STATUS word (DONE, ERROR CODE, BUSY) 

reserved for DOS 

media descriptor (block device only— not used) 



double-word address of system 
buffer for transferring data 

number of bytes/sectors transferred— always six for the clock, 
so not really used 



Figure 1: A Request Header and block format for read/write to system CLOCKS. 



pointer to the driver program in the 
extra segment (ES) register and 
general register (BX). All function re- 
quests, data transfers, and status 
checks occur through this mecha- 
nism. Following the 13-byte Request 
Header is an area whose length 
depends on what is appropriate for 
that particular operation. It might 
contain a data buffer address, ini- 
tialization data, or specific device 
parameters the system needs to 
know. The format for a Request 
Header and the accompanying data 
block for our clock driver are shown 
in figure 1. 

To continue, we'll first look at the 
requirements of an installable driver 
and then how it works within the 
operating system by referring to list- 
ing 1. The general format of IBM's ex- 
ample program is followed for easier 
comparison between block and char- 
acter logic. 

Device-Driver Structure 

A device driver is a .COM file, but 
because it doesn't use a program-seg- 
ment prefix when it's run, the code 
must start at 0. There is no ORG 
hexadecimal 100 statement as in other 
.COM files. 

The special device header appears 
after all the MACROS, STRUC- 
TURES, and EQUATES are defined. 
It is the logical beginnig of the pro- 
gram and identifies the device's attri- 
butes (which are set here for charac- 
ter type and current clock device), its 
name, and pointers to crucial parts of 
the program. The first double word 
is set to -1 unless more than one 



driver is in that particular .COM file. 

Device Strategy (page 447) is an 
area of the program that saves a 
pointer passed to it in ES:BX. This is 
the address of the Request Header 
that PC-DOS 2.0 uses to pass data 
back and forth to the driver. A driver 
is called at this entry point to 
prioritize the system's request. 

Device Interrupt Handler (page 
448) is an area of the program called 
(with no parameters) directly after 
Device Strategy concludes. It 
retrieves the Request Header ad- 
dress, saves the registers, and ser- 
vices the system's request. (In- 
terestingly, the IBM example failed to 
retrieve the Request Header's ad- 
dress. Apparently, ES:BX doesn't 
change at present, but CLOCK.COM 
follows the protocol anyway.) Both 
the Strategy and Interrupt addresses 
are stored in the device header. 

A Command Code byte is passed 
in the Request Header, indicating the 
function desired of the device. The 
driver must decode and service this 
request. All drivers have an initializa- 
tion call when the system is booted. 
As written, many other functions are 
possible, including nondata I/O con- 
trol of the device (IOCTL). CLOCK 
does only simple input (read clock) 
and output (set clock). A call to do 
anything else results in the status 
word going back to the DOS coded 
as "unknown command." 

It is the driver's responsibility to 
save the machine state, and there 
seems to be enough room on the 
DOS stack to do this as well as use 
PUSH and POP a few extra times. 

Text continued on page 449 







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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 443 



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Listing 1: A replacement system clock/device driver based on the IBM PC macroassembler. 

TITLE Replacement systea clock driver for AST Board 

COMMENT* This is an installable device driver to access the battery 

driven clock on AST coabo board 6 1/0 port 2C0 ♦ IF » 
COMMENT* Author: David K. Broadxell -- July 19B3 * 

0000 CSEG SEBMENT PARA PUBLIC 'CODE' 

I MACROS 

STATUS MACRO STATE, ERR, RC 

ifidn <STATE> f <D0NE> 

OR ESIHORD PTR SRH STA_FLDCBX],0i00H 
end if 



: 0000 
= 000D 

= 0001 
' 0002 

: 0003 

■ 0005 



000E 
= 0004 



■ 000E 

= 0010 

0004 



: 0007 

■■ 0006 
• 0008 
= 0009 

: 000B 

■■ 0012 
■■ 0014 



: 016D 
= 0002 
: 0001 

: 0010 

■ 003C 



oooo 

0001 
0102 

0004 

0006 

• m 



ifidn 


<STATE>,<BUSY) 




OR 


ESIKORD PTR SRH_STA_FLDCBJ 


endif 








ifidn 


(ERR).' 


ERROR) 




OR 


ESlNQRD PTR SRH_STA_FLD[B*],1000H 


endif 








ifnb 


<RC) 






GR 


ES:K0RD pt 


endif 








end* 








; EQUATES 
i 






SRH 


EQU 





; STATIC REQUEST HEADER START 


SRH LEN 


EQU 


13 


! ' ' ' LENSTH 


SRHlEN FLD 


EQU 


SRH 


j ' ' ■ FIELD 


SRH"UCD"FLD 


EQU 


SRH+I 


ISRH UNIT CODE FIELD 


SRH'CCD'FLD 


EQU 


SRH+2 


JSRH C0MHAN0 CODE FIELD 


SRH'STA'FLD 


EQU 


SRH+3 


; SRH STATUS FIELD 


srh;res;fld 


EQU 


SRH+5 


JSRH RESERVED AREA FIELD 


J INPUT OR OUTPUT 






BUF 


EQU 


14 


I0FFSET INTO THE REQ BLOCK OF DATA (BUFFER) TRANSFER ADDRESS 


BUF_LEN 


EQU 


4 


JBUF LENGTH 


jINIT 








BR ADDR 


EQU 


14 


J CHARACTER DEVICE USUALLY ONLY SETS 


BR'ADDR" 1 


EQU 


BR ADDR 0+2 


I ENDING ADDR AND RETURNS 


br;addr;len 


EQU 


4 " " 




; OFFSETS FROM CLOCK BASE PORT 




HON 


EQU 


7 


J OFFSET OF MONTH 


DAYY 


EflU 


6 


J ' OF DAY OF MONTH 


VALID 


EQU 


8 


; ■ OF VALIDATION CODE IN RAH 


MDN CHEf! 


EQU 


9 


; ' OF H0NTH CHECKER IN RAH 


SWITCH 


EQU 


0BH 


; s OF LEAP BK RAM ON CHIP 


COUNTER RESET 


EQU 


12H 


; ■ OF RESETfRAH RESET IS ONE UP AT 13H) 


STATUS_B"IT 


EQU 


14H 


I0FFSET TO STATUS BYTE— B0=UNRELIABLE READ,00=0K 


I MISC 








DAYS YR 


EQU 


365 


J DAYS PER USUAL YEAR 


YES CODE 


EQU 


02 


JYES CODE FOR LEAP YEAR B00KEEPING 


NO CODE 


EQU 


01 


!N0 CODE FOR SAHE 


VALID CODE 


EQU 


10H 


! VALIDATE CHIP CODE 


DAYS_FEB29 


EQU 


60 


;DAYS UP TO AND INCLUDING FEB 29THIF0R LEAP YEARS ONLY) 


/structures 






CLOCK 


EQU 


2C0H 


IBASE PORT 


; BI58157A CLOCK-CALENDAR CHIP I/D 


ADDRESSES 


clock: ports 


STRUC 






TEN TH0US 


DB 


7 


; 1/lOOOOs of seconds(«ho cares?) 


HUN0S 


DB 


j 


•hundredths 


SECS 


DB 


? 


•seconds 


HINS 


DB 


? 


lunutes 


HfiS 


DB 


7 


ihours 


m DAY 


DB 


? 


iday of week 


DAY" 


DB 


•j 


•day of tonth 


M0 


DB 


1 


Jionth 


VERIFY 


DB 


? 


;c hip RAH used to check chip confiq at initialization 


HON CHK 


DB 


? 


;RAH with aonth of last chip access 


YR " 


DB 


7 


iyear-1980 (port 2C0+0A) 


LEAP.BK 


DB 


7 


;used for leap vear bonkeepmg iset to 02 when all 15 cacl 


CL0CK.F0RTS 


ENDS 







ASS'-'KE :5:CSEG,Er:CSEG 



mk- 


re re rp zz 


SE;T DE 


■ ' L 


i s l r e ■. i l 

DP -I 




m L i f. 

;pd:mter to ne.-t ce'.::e 


VJ04 


90OS 


ftTTRTBUTt 


DH 900 9H 




;CLQCf. E-EVICE '.'NEK E T [. 




023F F: 


ETPhTES 


\ 


U DEV STP 


ATEG; 


; F 1 N' T E R TO DEVICE 5!RA T :E' 




02W R 


1MERSWFI 


DX DE'/'IW 




: FQIMTEft T IU T EFRUf T ^N" ( c: 




43 4C _4F 47 4B 24 


?EV.NAM 


E 


DB VM\ « 




5 DEVICE Nf-.'E 


0010 


. 






PB 2 DUFV 




IFILLEF 


ee:: 


,,,, 


?.H OFF 




DM 




; SE9UE3T HEADER OFFSET 


0014 


??*'* 


F:H~ SEG 




DH 




iR HDP SEGMENT 


0016 




USER BUF 

i FUNCTION 


DS 

TABLE 




lUSEF. TRhNSFER ADD«s5(3L r FFEV 


001A 




FirNTAB 


LABEL 


BYTE 






OOIA 


0319 S 




DH 


IN I T 


MNITIA 


JZATION -USED FIRST TIME DEV 




02BG P 




DH 


MEDIA CHECK 


i 'BLOC* 


ONLY) -SOT USED 


001E 


026D R 




DH 


BUILD'BPB 


; 


-NOT USES 


0020 


02BD R 




DN 


IDCTL'IN 


ilCCTL 


INPUT -K0T USED 




02C2 R 




DM 


INPUT" 


; INPUT (READ! = GET THE TIME/DATE 


0024 


02BD R 




DM 


ND INPUT 


: NON-DESTRUCTIVE 1NPUT1WAR ONLY) -NOT 


002c 






DH 


IN'STAT 


iCHAR ONLY -NOT USED 


0028 


02BD R 




DW 


IN" FLUSH 


SC.D 


-NOT USED 


002A 


02F1 P. 




Dm 


OUTPUT 


lOLfTPUTiWRITE) = SET TIME/DATE 


002C 


•:bd r 




DH 


OUT VERIFY 


J0UTPUT 


¥; VERIFY -NOT USED 



Listing 1 continued on page 445 



444 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Listing 1 continued: 



G02E 023D R 
0030 02BD R 
0032 G2BD ft 



DK 


OUT "STAT 


JC.O. 


-NOT USED 


DK 


OUT FLUSH 


.CO. 


-NOT USED 


UK 


IOCTL CUT 


! IOCTL OUTPUT 


-NOT USED 



LOCAL DATA BLOCK IN DOS 2.0 FORMAT 



0034 




003.4 


iii-i 




I] 


C037 


"*? 


0035 


•>•) 


0039 




003A 




003A 


0000 


003C 


001F 


003E 


003B 


0040 


005A 


0042 


007B 


0044 


0097 


0046 


00B5 


004B 


00D4 


004A 


00F3 


004C 


0111 


004E 


0130 


0050 


014E 


0052 


016D 


0054 


<n 


0055 


n 


0056 


ii 


0057 


ii 


005B 


97 


005? 




005A 


99 


005B 


99 


005C 


99 


005D 


99 


005E 


91 


005F 




0060 


00 


0061 


?? 



CLk TPL LABEL BYTE 
DW ? 



S MONTH 


TABLE 


RON TBL LABEL 


BYTE 


DH 





DH 


31 


DH 


59 


DM 


90 


DH 


120 


DH 


151 


DH 


181 


DH 


212 


DH 


243 


DH 


273 


DH 


304 


DH 


334 


DH 


365 


i TABLE OF CURF 


UHR CLOCK PORTS 



; DAI'S SINCE 1-1 

JHINS 

;HRS 

S1/100THSSEC 

;SECS 



;JAN 

;FEB 

;MAR 

;APR 

.NAY 

{JUNE 

JJULY 

;AU6 
;sept 

;oct 
;nov 

;334 DAYS UP TO DEC 1 
JDAYS UP TO JAN I, NEXT YR 



; A Hocates according to predefined STRUC 



5 VARIABLES FOR TRACKING THOSE PESKY LEAP YEARS 

LEAP STAT DB ilOH MEANS CURRENT YR IS A LEAP 

NUM CEAPS DB ? JNUMBER OF LEAP YEARS SINCE 1990 





LOCAL 


PROCEDURES 




0062 


N SAVE PRDC 


NEAR 




0O62 26: 8B 47 OE 


MOV 


ax,es:hord ptr bufcbxj 


JSAVE CALLER'S BUFFER ADD 


00&6 2E: A3 0016 R 


MOV 


CSIUSER BUF.AX 




006A 26: BB 47 10 


MOV 


AX,ES:W(JRD PTR BUF+2CBJC 




006E 2E: A3 0018 R 


MOV 


CSIUSER BUFf2,AX 




0072 C3 


RET 






0073 


N_SAVE ENDP 






0073 f 


(EAD CLOCK 


PROC NEAR 




0073 OE 


PUSH 


CS 


;SET UP TO READ CHIP AND STORE IT 


0074 07 


POP 


ES 




0075 BD 3E 0054 R 1 


etry: LEA 


DI,UHR 




0079 FC 


CLD 






007A 2B CO 


SUB 


AX, AX 




007C B9 OOOC 


MDV 


CX, 12 




007F BA 02C0 


MOV 


DX, CLOCK 


SADDRESS OF chip base port 


00B2 EC 


.oadit: in 


AL.DX 




0083 42 


INC 


DX 




0084 51 


PUSH 


CX 




00B5 EB 0132 R 


CALL 


DEC HEX 


iCONVERT BCD TO HEX 


OOBB AA 


STOSB 






00B9 59 


POP 


CX 


{RESTORE COUNTER 


OOBA E2 F6 


LOOP 


LOADIT 






Check for 


counter rollover during read(STATUS BYTE=B«H} 


006C BA 02D4 


MOV 


DX,CLOCK+STATUS BIT 




OOBF EC 


IN 


AL.DX 




0090 B4 CO 


TEST 


AL.AL 
RETRY 




0092 75 EI 


JNZ 






Routines to lassage data for transfe 


r to DOS 


0094 EB 0110 R 


CALL 


NEW YEAR 


JCHECK TO SEE IF IT'S A NEH YEAR 


0097 EB OOAF R 


CALL 


DAYS 


JNUHBER OF DAYS SINCE 1/1/BO 


009A EB OOED R 


CALL 


TIME 


{CURRENT TIME IN HEX 


009D 2E: BE 06 001B R 


MDV 


ES, CSIUSER BUF+2 


JSET DESTINATION (ES:DI) TO POINT TO 


00A2 2E: BB 3E 0016 R 


MOV 


DI,CS:USER BUF 


JCALLER'S BUFFER 


00A7 OE 


PUSH 


CS 




OOAB IF 


POP 


DS 


{ESTABLISH SOURCE 

;SI ALREADY HAS CLK TBL ADDRESS 


00A9 B9 0006 


MOV 


CX,6 


,6 BYTES 


OOAC F3/ A4 f 


EP MOVSB 




J SEND INFO TO BUFFER FOR 'READ' 


OOAE C3 


RET 






OOftF F 


EAD CLOCK 


ENDP 




OOAF 


DAYS PROC 


NEAR 




OOAF 26 CO 


SUB 


AX. AX 




0061 AO 005E R 


MOV 


AL.UHR.YR 


JYEAR-19B0 


0064 BB 016D 


MOV 


BX.DAYS YR 




00B7 F7 E3 


MUL 


BX 


JMUL FOR DAYS 


00B9 2B C9 


SUB 


CX,CX 




OOBB BA OE 005B R 


MOV 


CL.UHR.HO 


5L0AD MONTH IN CL AND ... 


OOBF EB 0104 R 


CALL 


DAYS MONTH 


1 CALL ROUTINE TO ACCESS MONTH TABLE 


00C2 03 07 


ADD 


AX,«DRD PTRIBX] 


JADD THAT YEAR'S DAYSfXCEPT CUR MO) 


00C4 32 FF 


XQR 


BH.BH 




00C6 BA IE 005A R 


MOV 


BL.UHR.DAY 


56ET DAY OF HON 


OOCA 03 C3 


ADD 


AX,BX 


JDAYS SINCE 1-I-BO, EXCEPT LEAP DAYS 


OOCC 50 


PUSH 


AX 




OOCD AO 005E R 


MOV 


AL.UHR.YR 




OODO EB 0151 R 


CALL 


LEAP CHK 


; CHECK THOSE TOO 


00D3 5B 


POP 


AX 





Listing 1 continued on page 446 



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EMPLOYMENT 
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Listing 1 continued: 



00D4 
00D6 
OODfl 
OODC 
00E1 
00E3 
0OE6 
OOEA 
OOEC 
OOED 



OOED 
OOED 
00F1 
00F3 
00F6 
00F7 
OOFA 
OOFB 
OOFE 
OOFF 
0102 
0103 
0104 

0104 
0104 
0107 
0109 
(MOD 
010F 
0110 



0110 
0110 
0113 
0117 
0119 
011B 
011C 
0120 
0123 
0126 
0129 
012A 
012D 
0130 
0131 
0132 

0132 
0132 
0133 
0135 
0137 
013B 
013A 
013C 
013F 
0141 
0142 



0142 
0142 
0144 
0146 
0148 
014A 
014C 
014E 
0150 
0151 



0151 
0151 
0153 
0155 
0157 
'0159 
015B 
015D 
0160 
0162 
0167 
016A 
016A 
016F 
0172 
0173 

0173 
0173 
0178 
017A 
017E 
0182 
0186 



018D 
01BF 
0190 
0192 
0195 
0197 
019A 
019B 
019D 
01A0 
01A1 
01A2 



2B D2 

BA 16 0061 R 

03 C2 

F6 06 0060 R 10 

74 03 

EB 0173 R 

BD 36 0034 R 

89 04 

C3 



BD 3E 0036 R 

32 E4 

A0 0057 R 

AA 

A0 0056 R 

AA 

A0 0055 R 

AA 

A0 0056 R 

AA 

C3 



BO E9 01 

DO CI 

BD IE 003A R 

03 D9 

C3 



A0 005B R 

3A 06 005D R 

7C 03 

7F OF 

C3 

FE 06 005E R 

A0 005E R 

EB 0142 R 

BA 02CA 

EE 

A0 005B R 

BA 02C9 

EE 

C3 



50 

61 04 
D2 E8 
5B 

B7 0A 
F6 E7 
80 E3 OF 
02 C3 
C3 



2A E4 
B3 0A 
F6 F3 
Bi 04 
D2 E0 
86 C4 
0A C4 
C3 



3C 00 

74 ID 
32 E4 
FE C8 
B3 04 
F6 F3 

B0 FC 03 

75 0B 

B0 0E 0060 R 10 
EB 06 90 

C6 06 0060 R 00 
A2 0061 R 
C3 



80 3E 005FR 02 
74 48 

BA 3E 005B R 
BA IE 005A R 

81 FB 0301 
7E 3B 



80 3E 005A R 01 

74 16 

50 

32 E4 

A0 005A R 

FE C8 

BA 02C6 

EE 

BI 02 

BA 02CB 

EE 

56 

EB IF 90 



SUB 

MOV 

ADD 

TEST 

JZ 

CALL 

LEA 

NOV 

RET 



0X,QX 

DL,NUM LEAPS 

AX.DX " 

LEAP STAT,10H 

Dl 

LEAP ADJ 

SI.ClK TBL 

N0RD PTR [SI], AX 



GET HRS,MIN,SEC, I/100THS SEC 



TIME PR0C NEAR 

0I,CLK TBL(2] 
AH, AH " 
AL,UHR\HINS 

AL.UHR.HRS 

AL.UHR.HUNDS 

AL.UHR.SECS 



TIME 



PR0C 

LEA 

X0R 

MDV 

ST0S8 

NOV 

ST0SB 

H0V 

ST0SB 

nov 

ST0SB 

RET 

EN0P 



DAYS MONTH 
" SUB 
R0L 
LEA 
ADD 
RET 

DAYS MONTH 



NEW YEAR PR0C 
HDV 
CMP 
JL 
JG 
RET 

NE«: INC 
MOV 
CALL 
HDV 
OUT 

UPDATE: H0V 
MOV 
OUT 
RET 

NEW YEAR ENDP 



DEC HEX PR0C 
PUSH 
MDV 
SHR 
POP 
MOV 
MUL 
AND 
ADD 
RET 

DEC HEX ENDP 



HEX DEC PR0C 
SUB 
MOV 
DIV 
MOV 
SHL 
XCH6 
OR 
RET 

HEX DEC EN0P 



LEAP CHK PR0C 
" CMP 
JE 
XOR 
DEC 
MOV 
DIV 
CMP 
JNE 
OR 
JMP 
NOT LEAP: 

" MOV 
Ll: MOV 
L2: RET 
LEAP CHK ENDP 



PR0C NEAI 
CL,I 
CL,I 

BX,M0N TSL 
BX.CX " 

ENDP 



NEAR 

AL,UHR.M0 

AL.UHR.N0N CHK 

NEW 

UPDATE 

UHR.YR 

AL,UHR.YR 

HEX DEC 

DX,tL0CK*l0 

DX.AL 

AL,UHR.H0 

DX.CLOCK+9 

0X,AL 



NEAR 

AX 

CL.4 

AL,CL 

BX 

BH,10 

8H 

BL,0FH 

AL.BL 



NEAR 

AH, AH 

BL.10 

BL 

CL.04 

AL,CL 

AL,AH 

AL,AH 



NEAR 

AL,0 

L2 

AH, AH 

AL 

BL,4 

BL 

AH. 3 

NOT LEAP 

LEA? STAT, 10H 

Ll 

LEAP STAT.O 
HUH LEAPS. AL 



LEAP ADJ PROC NEAR 

CMP UHR.LEAP BK, YES CODE 

JE D0NE1 

MDV BH,UHR.M0 

MDV BL,UHR.DAY 

CMP BX.0301H 

JLE 00NE2 

J BACK UP A DAY AND RECORD IT IN RAH: 



CMP 
JE 

PUSH 
XOR 
HOV 
DEC 
m:: MDV 
OUT 
MDV 
MDV 
OUT 
POP 
JMP 

fooey: sub 



UHR.DAY,! 

FOOEY 

AX 

AH, AH 

AL, UHR.DAY 

AL 

DX,CLDCK*DAYY 

DX.AL 

AL,YES CODE 

DX,CLOCKtSHITCH 

DX.AL 

AX 

D0NE2 

CX.CX 



;ADD IN OLD LEAP DAYS 
! CURRENT YEAR A LEAP? 
iJMP ON NO 
;YES -GO FIX THINGS 

J SAVE RESULT 



jSET UP TO LOAD DATA LOCALLY IN RIGHT ORDER 



! month arrives here in cl 

jadjust to get the correct 

j offset into the table 

!get addr of month table 

jnok word ptribxj has num of days up to current 



JCHECK FOR A 'NEH YEAR' AND/OR UPDATE HON CHK 

! CURRENT MONTH 

JSTORED ON CHIP- THE LAST 'MONTH' HE READ IT 

! KI2 SO IT'S A NEW YEAR 

; IT'S A NEW MONTH 

I SAME OLD MONTH - 60 BACK 

! LAST YEAR - 1980, ♦! 



5MAKE IT BCD LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE 
;RAM ADOR FOR YR 



JUPDATE H0N_CHK ON RAM 



{CONVERTS SMALL PACKED BCD TO HEX 



! CONVERTS HEX NUMBERS UP TO 63H(=99) TO BCD 
JHEX NUMBER PASSED IN AL 



I SETS NUMBER OF LEAP YEARS PAST i STATUS BYTE 

JIS IT 19807 

!YES - FORGET THE REST 

JPUT YEAR-1980 IN AL BEFORE CALL 



JSET LEAP STATUS BIT 0N(CURR YR IS A LEAP) 



{NUMBER OF LEAP DAYS SINCE 1980 



iADJUSTS CHIP AND/OR DAYS COUNT DURIN6 LEAPS 

JHAVE HE ALREADY DONE THE BOOKEEPING? 

JJUMP ON YES 

IIS IT BEFORE/AT FEB29? —(CHIP THINKS IT'S 3/11 



JIS IT THE 1ST OF A MONTH? 

JJUMP ON YES AND WHAT A PAIN 

INO -JUST BACK UP ONE DAY AND SET LEAP BK 



JSET LEAPJK ON RAN SO HE WON'T HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN 
JBACK UP DAY AND MONTH BOTH 

Listing 1 continued on page 447 



446 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



LIS 

0IA7 


ting i continued 

8fl OE 005B It 




HDV 


CL,UHR.MO 








OlflB 


50 




PUSH 


AK 








OlflC 


BB CI 




MOV 


AX,CK 








OIAE 


Bfl 02C7 




MOV 


DX,CLOCK+MON 








01B1 


FE CB 




DEC 


AL 








01B3 


EE 




OUT 


DX.AL 








01B4 


B3 C2 02 




ADD 


DX,2 


JRESET MONTH VERIFY ON RAH TOO 






1167 


EE 




OUT 


DX.AL 

DAYS MONTH 








OIBB 


E8 0104 R 




CALL 








OIBB 


BB 07 




MOV 


AX, HARD PTRT.BXJ 


;NOH FIND HOW MANY DAYS LAST MONTH HAD 






OIBD 


26 47 FE 




SUB 


AX, WORD PTRCBXJ-2 


JYESTERDAY NOW IN AL 






OICO 


EB D5 




JMP 


BAK 


JFINISH UP 






01C2 


40 


DONEl: 


INC 


AX 


JflLL THE REST OF YR ADD ONE MO' DAY 






01C3 


C3 


D0NE2 


RET 










01C4 




LEAP_ADJ 


ENDP 








C'1C4 




SET_CLOCfc 


PROC NEAR 


iGETS DATA FROM DOS, CRUNCHES IT I SETS chip 






01C4 


2E: BE IE 001B R 




MOV 


DS,CS:USER BUF+2 


5SET SOURCE TO CALLER'S (DOS) BUFFER BLK ADR 






01C9 


2E: 96 36 0016 R 




MOV 


SI,CS:USER~BUF 








OICE 


OE 




PUSH 


CS 








OICF 


07 




POP 


ES 








OiDO 


9B 3E 0034 R 




LEA 


D1,CL>: TBL 








01D4 


B9 0006 




MOV 


CX,o " 


;SET UP TO MOVE DATA LOCALLY 






01D7 


FC 




CLD 










0108 


F3/ A4 


REP 


MOVSB 




:D0 IT 










; CALCULATE AND LOAD LOCAL CLOCK CHIP 


TABLE (STRUCTURE) 






01DA 


OE 


' 


PUSH 


CS 








01DB 


IF 




POP 


DS 


(ESTABLISH DS AS THIS SEG 






01DC 


EB 01F9 R 




CALL 


LOAD TICKS 


5D0 TIME PART(EASY) 






01DF 


EB 0210 R 


I SET 


CALL 
CHIP 


UNSCKAM 


;days to yr-mo-day 






01E2 


2B CO 


' 


SUB 


AX. AX 








01E4 


B9 OOOC 




MOV 


CX,12 








01E7 


Bfl 02C0 




MOV 


DX. CLOCK 


5CHIP BASE PORT ADDRESS 






OlEfl 


BD 36 0054 R 




LEA 


SI,UHR 


;SOURCE=CHIP TABLE WE'VE SET UP 






01EE 


AC 


DhPIT 


LODSB 




JHOVE DATA TO AL 






01EF 


51 




PUSH 


CX 


5NEXT routine trashes counter 






OlFO 


EB 0142 R 




CALL 


HEX DEC 


5CHANGE TO BCD 






0IF3 


EE 




OUT 


DX,ffL 


; "WRITE" TO CHIP 






01F4 


42 




INC 


DX 


;NEXT PORT 






01F5 


59 




POP 


CX 








01F6 


E2 F6 




LOOP 


DMPIT 


SLOOP 'TIL DONE 






01FB 


C3 




RET 










01F9 




SET_CLOCK 


ENDP 








01F9 




LOAD.TICKS 


PROC NEAR 


5L0AD TIME INTO CHIP STRUCTURE FORMAT 






01F9 


BD 36 0036 R 




LEA 


5I,CLK TBLf.21 








OIFD 


32 E4 




XOR 


AH, AH 








OlFF 


AC 




LODSB 










0200 


A2 0057 R 




MOV 


UHR.MINS,AL 








0203 


AC 




LODSB 










0204 


A2 005B R 




MOV 


UHR.HRS,AL 








0207 


AC 




LODSB 










020B 


A2 0055 R 




MOV 


UHR.HUNDS,AL 








020B 


AC 




LODSB 










020C 


A2 0056 R 




MOV 


UHR.SECS,AL 








020F 


C3 




RET 










0210 




LOAD.TICKS 


ENDP 








0210 




IINSCRAM PROC 


NEAR 


;days since 1/1/ao to mm/dd/yy 




I 


0210 


BD 2E 0034 R 




LEA 


BP,CLK TBL 






1 


0214 


2E: BB 46 00 




MOV 


AX,MORD" PTR CSlCBPJ 


;FIRST WORD IN CLK TBL 




m 


0218 


3D 0000 




CMP 


AX,0 


;1F IT'S 1-1-80, TAKE SHORT CUT 




m 


021B 


74 67 




JE 


U4 








021D 


BB 016D 




MOV 


BX,DAYS_YR 








0220 


99 




CHD 




; BLANK OUT DX FOR DIVIDE 






0221 


F7 F3 




DIV 


BX 


jYRS GO TO AL. DAYS LEFT TO DI 
ISAVE YRS SINCE 1980 






0223 


A2 005E R 




MOV 


UHR.YR.AL 
















;now check whether leap days or end of 






0226 


EB 0151 R 




CALL 


LEAP CHK 


i YEAR HAVE HADE IT LOOK LIKE A NEW YR 






0229 


2B C9 




SUB 


CX.CJT 








022B 


BA OE 0061 R 




MOV 


CL,NUM LEAPS 








022F 


36 Dl 




CMP 


DX.CX " 








0231 


7F OE 




J6 


OK 


;1F REMAINDER DAYS<LEAP DAYS, FIX IT 






0233 


81 C2 016D 




ADD 


DX.DAYS YR 
UHR.YR " 








0237 


FE OE 005E R 




DEC 


5ALL FIXED NOW 






•23B 


AO 005E R 




MOV 


AL.UHR.YR 


;redo leap variables 






023E 


EB 0151 R 




CALL 


LEAP CHK 








0241 


33 D6 


ok: 


XOR 


BX,Bf 








C243 


BA IE 0061 ft 




MOV 


BL,NUH LEAPS 








0247 


2B D3 




SUB 


DX,BX " 


JCORRECT FOR LEAPS 






0249 


F6 06 0060 R 10 




TEST 


LEAP STAT.10H 


CURRENT YEAR A LEAP? 






024E 


74 OE 




JZ 


UO 


JJUMP ON NO 






0250 


B3 FA 3C 




CMP 


DX.DAYS FEB29 


JAT/BEFORE FEB 29? 






0253 


7E 09 




JLE 


UO 


;yes -jump 






0255 


C6 06 005F R 02 




MOV 


UHR.LEAP BK,YES CODE 


;SET RAH SWITCH TO 'YES' 






025A 


4A 




DEC 


DX 


;N0 - TAKE OUT THAT EXTRA DAY 






0256 


EB 06 90 




JMP 


Ui 








025E 


C6 06 005F R 01 


ut: 


MOV 


UHR.LEAP BK.NO CODE 


;SET RAH TO 'NO' 






0263 


BB 001A 


ui: 


MOV 


BX.26 " 








0266 


BD 3E 003A R 




LEA 


OJ.HON TBL 








026A 


83 EB 02 


U2: 


SUB 


Bit 2 " 

HOito PTR [DIKBXJ.DX 








026D 


39 11 




CMP 








026F 


7D F9 




J6E 


U2 


;FIND RIGHT MONTH IN TABLE 






0271 


2B 11 




SUB 


DX.HORD PTR [DIHBX] 


5DAYS INTO MONTH LEFT IN DX 






0273 


DO CB 




ROR 


BL.l 








0275 


FE C3 




INC 


BL 








0277 


BB 16 005A R 


U3: 


MOV 


UHR.DAY.DL 








027B 


BB IE 005D R 




MOV 


UHR.MON CHK,6L 


I SET UP MONTH VERIFY IN RAH TOO 






•27F 


88 IE 005B R 




MOV 


UHR.HO,BL 








02B3 


C3 




RET 










02B4 


B2 00 


U4: 


MOV 


DL,0 


;SET UP FOR 1-1-80 'in the beginning..." 






02B6 


B3 01 




MOV 


BL.l 








0288 


C6 06 005E R 00 




MOV 


UHR.YR.O 








02BD 


EB EB 




JMP 


U3 








02BF 




UNSCRAH ENDP 














; 


DEVI 


C E STRATEGY 








028f 




DEVJTRATEGY: 




















Listing 1 continued on 


page 448 





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Listing 1 continued: 



028F 


2E: 


8C 06 0014 R 


MOV 


CS:RH SES.ES fSAVE SE6MENT OF RE6UEST HEADER PTR 


0294 


2E: 


89 IE 0012 R 


MOV 


CS:RH"_OFF,BX iSAVE OFFSET OF SAME 


0799 


CB 




RET 










J DEVICE INTERRUPT HANDLER 


029A 






DEV INT: 










PRESERVE MACHINE STATE 


029A 


FC 




CLD 




029B 


IE 




PUSH 


OS 


029C 


06 




PUSH 


ES 


0290 


50 




PUSH 


AX 


029E 


53 




PUSH 


BX 


029F 


51 




PUSH 


CX 


02AI 


52 




PUSH 


OX 


02AI 


57 




PUSH 


DI 


02A2 


56 




PUSH 


SI 








JBRANCH ACCORDING TO THE FUNCTION PASSED 


02A3 


2E: 


8B IE 0012 R 


NOV 


BX.CSIRH OFF |6ET REQUEST BLOCK ADDRESS FROM WHERE 


02A8 


2E: 


BE 06 0014 R 


NOV 


es,cs:rh"seg ; device strategy put it 


02AD 


26: 


8A 47 02 


MOV 


AL.ES:[BX>2 |6ET FUNCTION BYTE 


02B1 


DO CO 


RQL 


AL,i ;SET OFFSET INTO TABLE 


02B3 


80 3E 001A R 


LEA 


DI.FUNTAB ;6ET ADDR OF FUNCTION TABLE 


0287 


32 E4 


XGft 


AH, AH 


0289 


03 FB 


ADD 


DI.AX 

tiORO PTRCDI3 


02BB 


FF 


25 


JHP 








5 THE FOLLOWING ENTRIES ARE NOT SUPPORTED BY THIS DEVICE 


02BD 






I0CTL in: 




028D 






ioctl"out: 




02BD 






NO INPUT: 




028D 






IN "STAT: 




02BD 






in'flush: 




02BD 






our STAT: 




028D 






our FLUSH: 


% 


028D 






hEDrA CHECK: 




02BD 






build'bpb: 




02BD 






out vfJrify: 

" STATUS 


DONE, ERROR, 03 5 SET STATUS BYTE AS 'ERR0R-UNK COMMAN 


028D 


26: 


81 4F 03 0100 


♦ OR 


ESlMORD PTR SRH STA FLDCBN.0100H 


02C3 


26: 


81 4F 03 1000 


♦ OR 


ESIWORD PTR SRH"STA~FLDCBX],1000H 


02C9 


26: 


81 4F 03 0003 


t OR 


ESlHORD PTR SRH" STA" FLDCBX 1,03 


02CF 


EB 3F 90 


JHP 


EXIT " " 








f INPUT = READ THE CLOCK CHIP 


0202 






Input: 




0202 


EB 0062 R 


CALL 


IN SAVE ;CALL THE INITIAL SAVE RTN 


02D5 


EB 0073 R 


CALL 


READ CLOCK JREAD IN THAT DATE/TIME 


0208 


2E: 


BB IE 0012 R 


NOV 


BX.CSlRH OFF JREST0RE ES:BX AS REB HDR PTR 


0200 


2E: 


BE 06 0014 R 


MOV 

STATUS 


ES,CSlRH"SEG 

DONE.NQEffROR.O 

ESIWORD PTR SRH STA FLDCBX], 0I00H 


02E2 


26: 


81 4F 03 0100 


♦ OR 


02E8 


26: 


81 4F 03 0000 


♦ OR 


ESIWORD PTR SRH"STA7LDCBX],0 


02EE 


EB 20 90 


JHP 


EXIT ' " 








1 OUTPUT = SET TIME k DATE 


02FI 






output: 




02FI 


EB 001 


CALL 


IN SAVE JCALL INITIAL SAVE ROUTINE 


02F4 


EB 


0IC4 R 


CALL 


SET CLOCK iSET TIME & DATE 


02F7 


2E: 


88 IE 0012 R 


MOV 


BX.CSlRH OFF JREST0RE ES:BX AS REQUEST HDR PTR 


02FC 


2E: 


BE 06 0014 R 


MOV 
STATUS 


ES,CS:RH"SEG 

DONE.NOEffROR.O 

ESIWORD PTR SRH STA FLDIBZ]. 0I00H 


0301 


26: 


81 4F 03 0100 


+ OR 


0307 


26: 


81 4F 03 0000 


+ OR 


ESIWORD PTR SRH'STA*FLDCBXJ,0 


0300 


EB 01 90 


JMP 


EXIT " " 








j EVERBODY'S EXIT 


0310 






exit: 




0310 


5E 




POP 


SI 


0311 


5F 




POP 


DI 


0312 


5A 




POP 


DX 


0313 


59 




POP 


CX 


0314 


58 




POP 


BX 


0315 


58 




POP 


AX 


0316 


07 




POP 


ES 


0317 


IF 




POP 


DS 


0318 


CB 




RET 
j IKIT 




0319 






init: 




0319 


0E 




PUSH 


CS 


031A 


58 




POP 


AX ; CURRENT CS TO AX 


031B 


05 0319 R 


ADD 


AX, OFFSET INIT 


031E 


26: 


C7 47 0E 0000 


MOV 


ESIWORD PTR BR ADDR 0CBXJ,0 


0324 


26: 


89 47 10 


H0V 


ES:BR ADDR 1[BX"J,AX" j MAKE THAT THE BREAK ADDR 








ICHECK VERIFY BYTE - HAS SOME OTHER SOFTWARE DIDDLED THE CLOCK? 


0328 


BA 02CB 


MOV 


DX,CLDCK+VALID ; PORT FOR VERIFY RAM 


032B 


EC 




IN 


AL,DX 


032C 


3C 


10 


CMP 


AL, VALID CODE JARBITRARY VALIDATION CODE 
FINE " iJUHP ON OK 


032E 


74 


0E 


n 








{RESET CHIP-CAN' T TRUST IT 


0330 


B0 FF 


MOV 


AL.0FFH JRESET ALL REGISTERS 


0332 


BA 0202 


MOV 


DX,CL0CK+C0UNTER RESET 


0335 


EE 




OUT 


DX t AL JRESET ALL COUNTERS 


0336 


42 




INC 


DX JRAM(LATCH) RESET ADDR 


0337 


EE 




OUT 


DX,AL JN0N RESET RAM 


033B 


B0 


10 


MOV 


AL.VALID CODE 


033A 


BA 02C8 


flOV 


DX,CL0CK+"VALID JN0W VALIDATE RAM 


0330 


EE 




OUT 


DX.AL 


033E 






FINE: STATUS 


D0NE.N0ERROR.O 

ES: WORD PTR SRH STA FLDCBX] , 100H 


033E 


26: 


8i 4F 03 0100 


+ OR 


0344 


26: 


81 4F 13 0000 


♦ OR 


ESIWORD PTR SRH"STA" FLDCBX], 


034A 


EB C4 


JHP 


EXIT 


034C 






CLK ENDP 




034C 






CSEG ENDS 





448 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Text continued from page 443: 
The DOS manual warns that heavy 
stack use might require a separate 
stack, however. 

When initialized (INIT), the driver 
must tell the DOS the ending ad- 
dress of its code. PC-DOS 2.0 allo- 
cates all available memory to a pro- 
gram unless it is told otherwise, and 
failure to indicate an end causes quite 
a hang-up. This feature also allows 
disposable initialization code and at- 
tendant memory conservation. 

When finished, the driver sets ap- 
propriate bits in a STATUS word 
located in the Request Header. 

The Hardware 

Normally, when the system is 
booted up, the PC starts counting 
timer ticks and uses software in the 
ROM (read-only memory) BIOS 
(basic input/output system) and disk 
system files to keep track of the time 
and date. You can set both, but the 
machine obviously has no memory of 
either when switched off. Many 
manufacturers are now supplying 
real-time clock/calendar chips with 
on-board battery backup. 

Software is supplied to access the 
chip and set the time and date at 
start-up. AST Research supplies two 
programs at present to service the 
MM58167A chip. One reads the chip 
and sets the system time/date, and 
one sets the chip functions. 

The MM58167A chip provides the 
time, day of the week, day of the 
month, and month, with capabilities 
for alarm features and synchronized 
start-up for precise timing. All data 
is stored on the chip in binary-coded 
decimal (BCD) format. Unfortunate- 
ly, as shown in figure 2, PC-DOS 2.0 
requires data from the system 
CLOCK$ in a somewhat different for- 
mat. Not only does it want the count 
of days since 1-1-80, but it also wants 
it in hexadecimal. The chip has no 
provisions for handling leap years or 
for keeping track of the year in any 
manner. Hidden in PC-DOS 2.0 are 
some appropriate algorithms for do- 
ing all this, but our driver reinvents 
the wheel and gives the PC-DOS 2.0 
the raw hexadecimal data. 

In addition to the counters on the 
clock chip, a bank of programmable 
latches also can be used as a non- 



volatile RAM for storing the year, 
keeping track of leap-year bookkeep- 
ing, and checking to see if some other 
software has violated the clock or 
reset it. Much of the clock-driver pro- 
gram is devoted to these tasks. Other 
pertinent registers on the chip are a 
status register that indicates an in- 
valid read due to counter rollover and 
registers to reset the counters and 
clear the RAM. All of these registers 
and counters have discrete I/O port 
addresses beginning at the base 
clock-port address hexadecimal 2C0 



and ending at hexadecimal 2C0 + 1F. 
It appears that most other real-time 
clock chips work in a similar fashion, 
storing data in BCD. This driver can 
be adapted to other boards by chang- 
ing the appropriate base-port address 
and chip structure (provided it gives 
you a place to hide control bytes in 
nonvolatile RAM). 

The Software 

At the beginning of listing 1, the 
program makes use of two features 
of the macroassembler to make the 



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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 449 



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editors learn first about excit- 
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Word (0-1) 


number of days since 1 Jan 


jary 1980 


Byte (2) 


minutes 




Byte (3) 


hours 




Byte (4) 


1/100ths of a second 




Byte (5) 


seconds 





Figure 2: PC-DOS format requirements for date/time transfer with the National Semicon- 
ductor MM58167A Real-Time Clock chip. 



program easier to write and more 
readable. The STATUS macro bor- 
rowed from IBM helps by managing 
the setting of the status bit in the Re- 
quest Header. It is expanded during 
compilation into the appropriate one 
or two lines of code. If the DOS 
should ever call on the clock for 
something inappropriate, like build- 
ing a BIOS parameter block, the ex- 
panded STATUS macro will return 
the proper error code. 

The STRUC (structure) pseudo op 
code generates no machine code 
directly but permits easy allocation of 
storage space and data access. The 
CLOCICJ^ORTS structure is set up 
to manipulate data the way the I/O 
ports line up on the chip. The UHR 
table of variables is set up according 
to this structure. The field names 
used act as mnemonics for offsets. 
For example, the value of the hours 
read into or written from the table is 
merely UHR.HRS. Similarly, [BX].HRS 
would return the value in memory 
located at the address in BX plus an 
offset of four. Structures also can be 
initialized at execution time to any 
value you choose, although here I've 
left it indeterminate. 

After the required Special Device 
Header is the storage area of the pro- 
gram. This so-called data segment 
contains pointer storage, a function 
table for calculating what the DOS 
wants, local data storage such as 
UHR, and a month table. This table 
is used to transform the number of 
days to a month-day-year format and 
back again. It would be nice to use 
the 8088's XLAT op code for table 
lookups here but, unfortunately, 
XLAT translates only bytes, not 
words. The 8086 also suffers from 
this limitation. 

Several of the subroutines are 

called many times. DEC HEX and 

HEX_DEC convert packed BCD 
numbers back and forth to hexadeci- 
mal. LEAP CHK checks to see if the 



current year is a leap year, computes 
corrective leap days to add or subtract 
from the count, and sets local vari- 
ables to indicate its findings (LEAP 

STAT and NUM_LEAPS). NEW_ 
YEAR compares the current month to 
a month-check byte stored in RAM 
on the chip. It updates the latter if 
necessary and handles the rollover to 

a new year. DAYS MONTH (in lieu 

of XLAT) returns with BX pointing in 
the MON_TBL to the number of 
days in a year up to the current 
month. 

Reading or setting the time portion 
of the clock is a simple pass-through 
of data, but special routines handle 
the date. DAYS reads the date and 
puts it into the DOS format; 
UNSCRAM does the opposite. The 
year minus 1980 is stored in RAM. 
During leap years the chip thinks 
February 29th is March. 1st. In this 

case, LEAP ADJ resets the chip and 

also writes code into its RAM to 
signal that it has been done. 

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Are all of the new features of PC- 
DOS 2.0 worthwhile? I don't think a 
two-disk-drive PC owner will have 
missed the boat by continuing to use 
version 1.1. If you have a hard disk, 
however, or are contemplating special 
applications such as remote modem 
control, data acquisition, or writing 
your own command processor, PC- 
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450 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



BYTE's User to User 



Conducted by Jerry Pournelle 



Bypassing FIELD 



Dear Jerry, 

In "Eagles, Text Editors, New Com- 
pilers, and Much More" (September, page 
307), you mention Microsoft BASIC and 
make a passing reference to its FIELD 
statement. The FIELD statement can be 
almost completely bypassed if you simply 
ignore the way they say to use it. I always 
define one and only one variable in a 
single FIELD statement for any MBASIC 
"R" file. I define the variable to be the size 
of the entire file buffer— since the buffer 
is limited to 128 bytes. Unless you're 
using a parameter when loading MBASIC 
from CP/M, there is no problem about 
string sizes. This avoids the problem of 
numerous string variables that would 
result from following Microsoft's direc- 
tions. It also allows more flexibility. The 
same field is used even for records with 
different contents. For example, in 
ephemeris files, my first record is two in- 
tegers and a double-precision number (12 
bytes), and all later records are three 
single-precision numbers (12 bytes). Or, 
a more complex record occupying five 
128-byte sectors— one FIELD of 128 bytes 
is all it takes. 

It works this way: the manuals warn 
you never to use normal string operations 
on FIELDed variables— the actual restric- 
tion is never use normal assignments. You 
can use LEFT?, MID$, and RIGHTS to 
read FIELDed variables. For assignments, 
what I do is build up my record using 
string concatenation with a throwaway 
string variable, then use LSET to put it 
in the buffer variable. The MKI$, MKS$, 
and MKD$ functions will work with any 
string variable— they are not restricted to 
buffer variables. Similarly, the CVI, CVS, 
and CVD functions will accept substrings 
extracted by LEFT?, MID$, and RIGHTS. 

Is it at all likely that there will ever be 
an 8086 version of Write? 
Mark Pottenger 
838 5th Ave. 
Los Angeles, CA 90005 

That's certainly one way to deal with the 
dreaded FIELD statement. 

An 8086 version of Write is in preparation 
now. It had better be, since I'm not going to 
stay with a Z80 forever! If Tony doesn't get 
it done pretty soon, I'll write my own version 
in Modula-2. . . . Jerry 



A Doc's Best Friend 

Dear Jerry, 

A comment from a practicing physician 
on the Problem-Knowledge Coupler 
(dubbed Auto-Doc in "New Computers, 
Boards, Languages, and Other Tidbits/' 
October, page 107): I want one. It will sure 
reduce my malpractice exposure. This is 
especially true for psychiatrists like my- 
self. For example, I had a hunch that a 
foreign service officer's depression was 
actually an infection with a parasite. He 
had to wait until he was transferred to 
Southeast Asia to get it diagnosed. 
(National Institutes of Health was no 
help.) 

I treated another case of depression 
with a diuretic. After her first visit, she 
didn't need me anymore. It turns out that 
asymptomatic mild congestive heart 
failure can cause depression. 

The point is this: Many physicians to- 
day are specialists, and specialists per- 
force have limited experience outside 
their specialties. We need something to 
extend our experience. In medical school, 
we all carried pocket notebooks crammed 
with salient information which we had 
not yet or never would memorize. We 
called them "peripheral brains." I think 
the extension is obvious and should be 
welcomed. 
Ed Hume 
Washington, DC 

An excellent point. It would be surprising 
if psychiatrists could keep up with new 
developments, or even remember all they once 
knew about internal medicine. Dr. Weed's 
Problem-Knowledge Coupler (PKC) should be 
a real boon to the medical specialist— not to 
mention to the patient. I hope to have more 
about his diagnostic programs in an upcom- 
ing issue. . . . Jerry 



Languages of the Future 

Dear Jerry, 

I agree that none of us has a completely 
unclouded crystal ball, but I am surprised 
at some of the conclusions you have ar- 
rived at in your article "The Debate Goes 
On . . ." (August, page 312). I would have 
thought that both of us are in the same 
business, futurism, but for different 
reasons. You for the purpose of writing 



entertainment fiction, and me for making 
investment recommendations. Still, your 
conclusions seem to ignore existing tech- 
nology, let alone what seems to be com- 
ing over the horizon. 

If you consider the Apple II, TRS-80 
Model m, and the like, all first-generation 
microcomputers, then the IBM Personal 
Computer should be considered a late 
first-generation microcomputer. The 
Apple Lisa is the beginning of the second 
generation. The Motorola 68000 micro- 
processor in the Lisa is capable of ad- 
dressing something over 11 megabytes 
(MB) of memory and Motorola promises 
a 32-bit version of that chip "soon" that 
would address 32 MB. 

According to the trade announcements, 
upcoming 256K-bit memory chips will 
use CMOS technology that will make 
them usable for permanent or at least 
semipermanent storage, ending the 
distinction between RAM and ROM 
memory. Therefore, if you consider only 
existing technology and past price-curve 
performance, the magnetic-storage media 
manufacturers will be the buggy-whip 
makers of the mid-to-late 80s. 

The answer to your question of which 
high-level language will prevail over the 
next five years is none of those you men- 
tioned, or indeed, any high-level lan- 
guage as they are now recognized. Large 
memories will bring along self -program- 
ming computers that will program in ma- 
chine language. Machine language would 
be our answer now, except it remains too 
difficult for most of us to learn and im- 
plement. The next 10 to 15 years will see 
microcomputers with enormous memo- 
ries, probably multistate, which would be 
beyond human ability to program in any 
event. We may not see Arthur Clarke's 
HAL by 2001, but we seem to be on the 
road. 

Adolph L. Friedman 
112 Camino Escondido #4 
POB 2856 
Santa Fe, NM 87501 

J thought I'd said that within five years, the 
floppy disks will be relegated to their original 
role of data transfer. Certainly I agree that 
with memory getting both cheaper and less 
volatile, well see some revolutionary develop- 
ments in mass storage. 

Regarding languages, perhaps; although 
five years is, I think, too short a time limit. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 451 



BYTE's User to User. 



VAX and LISP machines aren't yet self-pro- 
gramming even in graduate schools of com- 
puter science; I'm pretty sure my desk micro 
won't be that smart by 1990, which is stretch- 
ing past the five years of my article anyway. 
Certainly, though, that's what some of the 
artificial-intelligence troops are working 
toward, and I expect we'll both live to see 
it. . . . Jerry 



Defending FORTH 

Dear Jerry, 

I was excited to see a special article on 
microcomputer languages ("The Debate 
Goes On . . .," August, page 312). As a 
language hacker, I am familiar with most 
of the languages you mentioned, plus a 
few others. Much of what you wrote was 
timely and probably accurate. I must, 
however, take exception to your com- 
ments on FORTH and LISP. 

You seem to be misinformed on both 
languages, yet you claim knowledge of 
both. As I am most familiar with FORTH, 
let me set you straight on the subject (I'm 
sure you'll get plenty of mail from all the 
LISPers). 

For one thing, LISP will never absorb 
FORTH. The^two languages are too dif- 
ferent. Each has its place in the scheme 
of things. LISP, which is modeled after 
the lambda calculus, was created in the 
bowels of the MIT artificial-intelligence 
labs. Its purpose is to give experimenters 
in A I the tools to go about their trade. 
FORTH was invented by Charles Moore 
to provide the tools necessary for ma- 
chine control and data collection. In this 
light, Moore's aim was to provide speed, 
efficiency, and productivity. 

Looking at the environments of the two 
languages does reveal similarities. Both 
systems are compiled and then inter- 
preted at run time. Both are implemented 
in an interactive environment and both 
look cryptic to the uninformed observer 
(LISP especially so). 

If one looks a little closer, though, it be- 
comes apparent that the two environ- 
ments are totally different. FORTH is ex- 
ceedingly small and very fast. On most 
microcomputers, FORTH's inner inter- 
preter is only a few bytes long. The code 
generated by the FORTH compiler is very 
compact (even more compact than assem- 
bly language). One can strip out the parts 
of the system that aren't needed to make 
the code even more compact. This makes 
it possible to generate tight, ROMable 
code. With FORTH, real-time, interrupt- 



driven applications are easy because the 
language is modular and close to the 
hardware. Many applications use these 
features to great advantage. The Craig 
Language Translator was programmed 
entirely in FORTH, as are a lot of coin- 
operated arcade games. 

Hardware developers use FORTH be- 
cause it is a very productive environment 
to work in. FORTH's modularity, exten- 
sibility, and virtual memory make it a hot- 
bed for development. Recently, much is 
being said for developing business ap- 
plications in FORTH. This is where 
FORTH's virtual memory can strut its 
stuff. Plus, the tools developed for one 
application can be transported to another 
with little or no change. 

Much of the early problems with trans- 
portability of FORTH is being addressed 
by an international standards team com- 
posed of FORTH programmers. This 
gives the assurance that a standard trans- 
portable language will exist. And because 
FORTH is an evolving language, obsoles- 
cence is not in its future. 

FORTH integrates extremely well into 
the microcomputer environment. Its 
advantages of speed and memory effi- 
ciency make it an almost ideal language 
for the small computer. (The Motorola 
6809E is almost a FORTH machine in 
silicon.) For large systems, FORTH is at 
home as well. Multitask and multiuser 
primitives are easily added to the system. 
As a bonus, multiuser FORTH code is in- 
herently reentrant. 

Now, tell me again how LISP will ab- 
sorb FORTH. As a reference to learn 
about each language, you may want to 
look at August 1980 BYTE for FORTH and 
August 1979 BYTE for LISP. And please 
try to be more informed before making 
rash statements like this. 
Arne W. Flones 
425 West Ninth St. 
Wichita, KS 67203 

Thank you. You speak well for FORTH. Per- 
haps I was a bit strong. However, what I said 
was, "I suspect that as LISPs get more com- 
mon, LISP will get the bulk of the recruits who 
would otherwise have gone to FORTH." I was 
careful not to say that FORTH would vanish. 

I'm still not certain that I was mistaken. 
True, the two languages are different; but as 
hardware evolves and computer power becomes 
cheaper, our desk machines will look more like 
the big machines available in computer labs 
and universities. 

I think LISP is more popular with computer 
scientists than FORTH is. It certainly is at 



MIT and Stanford (and my friendships at 
those two institutions probably do influence 
my thinking). Thus more students are likely 
to be exposed to LISP than FORTH, and are 
thus more likely to use it. Recall also that 
when I say "popular," I mean in the context 
of microcomputer sales: 30,000 to 300,000 
machines a month. Given those sales, even 
"unpopular" can translate to a heck of a lot 
of users! 

In any event, alas, I don't know either LISP 
or FORTH. However, experts on both have of- 
fered me tutorials. One day I'll have time to 
accept. . . . Jerry 



Heathkit Horror 

Dear Jerry, 

I recently purchased a Heathkit H-100 
computer. It has two floppy disks, 192K 
bytes, color graphics, color monitor, etc. 
My decision to buy the H-100 was influ- 
enced by several factors. The 16-bit word 
was a must. The advertised repair facili- 
ties at the Heathkit Electronic Centers 
were very important. Price was a consid- 
eration. Most important was the Heath- 
advertised assurance 'And every step of 
the way, you have our pledge— We won't 
let you fail. Help is as close as your phone 
or the nearest Heathkit Electronic Center." 

In the past, I have built several kits. This 
time, however, while building the disk- 
controller board I managed to get the 
wrong part in the right hole (or vice 
versa). Attempting to get it out I damaged 
the board. My fault, so I have no com- 
plaint there. 

Remembering the glowing "We won't 
let you fail" message, I went trotting 
down to the local Heathkit center. There 
the local electronics guru agreed the 
board was damaged. However, it did not 
appear to be beyond repair. 

For an additional fee of fifty dollars, the 
local Heathkit center sent the board back 
to the factory for "reconstruction." So far 
so good. For a price, Heath seemed to be 
living up to its representations. Not what 
I expected, but better than nothing. 

Now the problem. This is the seventh 
week since the board was sent in. The 
local Heathkit center doesn't know when 
it will be returned. They somewhat apol- 
ogetically offer assurances that they will 
call as soon as it comes back. 

My concern is that I have paid Heath 
close to $4000 for hardware and software. 
To date, it has been sitting on the shelf. 
If there should be a second problem, will 



452 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



that take another two or three months or 
longer? When they say "We won't let you 
fail," do they really mean that if you make 
a mistake, it will probably be several 
months before you can use your com- 
puter? 

What about maintenance? I bought the 
computer because I have a real need for 
its use. If it breaks, do I look forward to 
a two- or three-month delay for Heath to 
provide repairs? If so, how do I produce 
my letters, documents, manuals, mailing 
lists, etc? What happens to accounts re- 
ceivable, accounts payable, etc? Do I go 
back to a manual system? 

At this point I have serious concerns 
about the wisdom of my purchase. The 
implied support does not seem to be as 
represented. 

I also have serious concerns about inex- 
perienced people who attempt to as- 
semble one of these. Quite often the as- 
sembly instructions leave a great deal to 
the imagination. In my opinion, no one 
should attempt one of these without a 
basic understanding of electronics, some 
degree of manual dexterity, and consider- 
able experience assembling and soldering 
boards. Unless, of course, he is willing to 
pay the extra charges and put up with the 
extended delays which seem to be part 
of the "We won't let you fail" assurances 
from Heath. 
Richard J. Townsend 
35 Charles Hill Circle 
Orinda, CA 94563 



Yours is about the worst horror story I've 
ever heard about Heathkit. Most of my cor- 
respondents have been very pleased with the 
H-100, finding it simple to build and get run- 
ning; and I've never before heard of so long 
a delay in getting service. 

I do agree: you must be very careful about 
soldering. It's easier than you know to wreck 
one of those multilayer circuit boards. (I recall 
when Jim Hudson modified my Compupro 
8085/8088 board to change the crystal; he was 
not only very careful, but he was worried 
about changing it back when the time came.) 

I'd advise anyone contemplating construc- 
tion of something as complex as an H-100 to 
buy a really good temperature-controlled 
soldering iron, and also one of those patented 
unsoldering devices. The two will cost nearly 
a hundred dollars, but it's good insurance. 

Incidentally, all the Heath/Zenith stores use 
Heath and Zenith machines to record and re- 
port the sales, so the company obviously has 
some confidence in the machines. . . . Jerry 



Otrona Obstacle 



Dear Jerry, 

The last two paragraphs in "Ulterior 
Motives, Lobo, Buying Your First Com- 
puter, JRT Update" (May, page 298) 
caught my attention. As you may know, 
there are a significant number of Otrona 
Attache machines and users (as well as 
fellow enthusiasts) here at the lab. How- 
ever, I have not been able to find anyone 
who can make the BIOS digest what 
ought to be valid "9" entries in the 
Otrona Attache's escape sequences. For 
example, try to plot a point at (x,y) = (9,9) 
from the keyboard or assembly-language 
calls with ~[0~ATA~I or from MBASIC 
with PRINT CHR$(27); "00909". In con- 
trast, the user-friendly MBASIC plotting 
enhancements work without a glitch. Un- 
fortunately, I need to run FORTRAN (F80, 
M80, and L80). The enclosed list is not ex- 
haustive since I also suspect the alternate 
lead-in" [V command. The use of more 
offsets might help some escape com- 
mands but others require parameters 
with a range from to 255. 

Would any of your friendly wizards 
(hackers or consultants) happen to have 
a general idiot-proof patch around this 
turkey? Several sources indicate that the 
problem relates to the interface with 
CP/M's Tab function. I would appreciate 
any advice on this matter (or especially 
a cookbook solution). 
Glenn Veeder 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory 
California Institute of Technology 
4800 Oak Grove Dr. 
Pasadena, CA 91103 

Alas, you have exceeded my competence; but 
perhaps one of the readers will have a solu- 
tion to your problem. I know of at least one 
Nobel physicist who has an Otrona, and who 
greatly enjoys playing about with its insides, 
as well as a number of computer professionals. 
You may also want to contact FAUG, The First 
Attache Users Group at 449V2 Douglass St., 
San Francisco, CA 94114, or call (415) 
647-8160. . . . Jerry 



Move That Key! 

Dear Jerry, 

Regarding "Epson QX-10, Zenith Z-29, 
CP/M-68K, and More" (August, page 
434), I have purchased the Z-29 terminal 
and like it. However, note the terrible 
placement of the Reset/Break key— right 
amongst several oft-used keys. If the 



Break does anything at all in a system, it 
does something drastic. I had to modify 
my BIOS to keep my system from going 
catatonic on Break. Heath/Zenith ought 
to move that key. You'd think everyone 
would have learned by now about place- 
ment of Break keys. 

When is one of your generous friends 
going to put together a technically 
oriented word-processing system— one 
that will do special symbols (math, Greek, 
etc.), superscripts and subscripts, and the 
like, with a screen display that looks like 
the printed result? Epson is coming close. 
Why are the Japanese ahead of us again? 
All the printer and screen-display tech- 
nology exists. Why can't it be put to- 
gether? Or do I have to program it myself? 
H. Bradford Thompson 
The University of Toledo 
2801 West Bancroft St. 
Toledo, OH 43606 

Fortunately, you must do Control-Reset for 
the Reset key to do anything. I do agree that 
was a silly place to put it. I've never had any 
trouble with the Break key, but, as you men- 
tion, you can always jigger the CBIOS (Cus- 
tomized Basic Input/Output System) to take 
care of it; indeed, you can retranslate the key 
if you really want to. 

The Zenith Z-100 with the MPI 150G 
printer can do what you want; that is, the 
printer can print exactly what's on the screen. 
Of course, programming the special character 
set you want can be a problem. A good matrix 
printer, like the MPI, in conjunction with the 
Otrona Attache does wonders too; the Attache 
has Greek letters and various mathematical 
symbols built into its secondary character set. 

Meanwhile, it's the Europeans who are 
really ahead. Niklaus Wirth's Lilith computer 
(available with laser printer in the U.S. from 
Diser Corporation for about $30,000) can do 
all you ask for and a lot more besides; and with 
Modula-2 systems becoming available pretty 
inexpensively here, you should be able to pro- 
gram what you want for any good 8086 and 
high-quality dot-matrix printer. Let me know 
when you get it done. . . . 

Seriously, you raise an important point. 
Why hasn't a U.S. company put it all to- 
gether? Or have they, and I haven't seen it 
yet? . . . Jerry 



I'll Take Your Epson 

Dear Jerry, 

According to your response to Chris 
Rutkowski's letter in BYTE's User to User 
(September, page 480), your Epson QX-10 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 453 



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BYTE's User to User — 

has been pretty much abandoned. I 
would like to suggest that you pack it up 
and send it to me! As a computer novice, 
1 am not a fast typist, nor am I experi- 
enced with fast, powerful systems like the 
ones you routinely deal with. I feel the 
QX-10 is a great little machine, but have 
been unable to fund its purchase. 

When I read of your ongoing disillusion 
with your Epson, going from one associ- 
ate to another only to be abandoned by 
one and all, I thought I would at least 
write you this letter, to let you know that 
a home for orphan computers can be 
found. It would be well treated and much 
appreciated in our home. 

It may be that many of the inherent 
problems with regard to operating sys- 
tems will eventually become a great nui- 
sance to us as we become more skilled in 
computers, and we may be financially 
able to move to a new and better S-100 
system. If so, I promise to pass the Ep- 
son on to someone at no cost. We could 
be starting a great tradition here. 
Jim Ralph 
987 lovers Lane 
Akron, OH 44306 

I guess I'd better explain what happens to 
review equipment here. None of it ever belongs 
to. me. Some of it gets kept so long that it's 
functionally useless before we get through with 
it. This is often true of prototype equipment. 
Some is returned to the supplier. (The less we 
like it, the faster it goes back.) Some, at the 
request of the supplier, is donated to educa- 
tional nonprofit institutions (and I have a long 
list of eligibles, so there's no point in apply- 
ing for your favorite; sorry). 

As for the Epson, we're not at all through 
with it. It's a nifty machine, and they're 
developing software worthy of it. As Professor 
Thompson points out in the preceding letter, 
there's nothing in the microcomputer world 
that comes closer to integrating screen and 
printout graphics. If we were truly unhappy 
with the QX-10, wdd have sent it back long 
ago. . . . Jerry 



Choosing a Terminal 

Dear Jerry, 

I have been following your trials and 
tribulations relating to finding the perfect 
terminal and your choice of a Z-29 is a 
good one. I borrowed one from my "mad" 
furloughed friend and attached it to my 
North Star Horizon. 

I am also in the market for a new ter- 
minal to replace my 7-year-old ACT-V. I 
want high-resolution graphics capabili- 



ties, so I have been leaning toward the 
Visual 500. The Visual terminals seem to 
be very well designed and I especially like 
the extra-thin keyboard and choice of 12- 
or 14-inch screens. The Visual 50 is more 
in the league of the Z-29 as far as emula- 
tion and price (less than $600 from some 
distributors). Have you ever considered 
the Visual terminals and, if so, what 
caused you to choose the Z-29 over them? 
I know that you have used solid-state 
disk drives and are pleased with their 
performance. I would like to obtain one, 
but the price has prevented me. Have you 
ever tried a less expensive drive? One is 
sold by Digital Research Computers, $399 
for a 256K kit, or less than half the price 
of the newly reduced Semidisk at $995. 
James A. Whitman 
Rt. #1 Box 408 
Ft. Ashby, WV 26719 

I seem to be batting zero. I've no experience 
with . the Visual 500. As to how I chose the 
Z-29, I blush to confess that Zenith asked me 
to. There was a time when I could by out most 
of the new micro equipment; now that's not 
possible. I try to keep up by going to shows 
and reading the literature, but it's still pretty 
overwhelming. 

Building kits is not my particular bag. I 
gather that if you're of a patient temperament, 
and willing to invest in a good temperature- 
controlled soldering iron, you can save a lot 
of money. There was a time when the best 
micro equipment was built from kits. My late 
friend Ezekial, who happened to be a Z80, was 
built up from kits (although not by me), be- 
cause Tony Pietsch was more confident of his 
quality-control procedures than those of the 
company who made Zeke. 

Nowadays, though, there's a lot of well- 
made equipment out there. Years ago, I once 
proposed building my own terminal so that 
I would understand what was in it. My mad 
friend put it succinctly: "Sounds like about 
as much fun as an appendectomy!' Thus, I can 
sympathize with your desire to save money, 
but I won't be the one to recommend that you 
turn to kits. Perhaps another reader will have 
a comment. . . . Jerry 



Protecting Pac-Man 

Dear Jerry, 

Hello from down-under (personally, I 
don't like that term . . . unless you like 
being called up-over). 

In "The User Goes to the Faire" (June, 
page 306), you mentioned your participa- 
tion in the Star Wars vs. Battles tar Galac- 



tica dispute and the question arose of 
what constitutes an idea worthy of pro- 
tection. Taking the Pac-Man example, 
surely the essential ingredient of this 
game is the theme of a player navigating 
a maze and consuming power pods. The 
shape of the Pac-Man or the nature of the 
power pods is irrelevant to the underly- 
ing theme of the game. Thus there are 
two views one could take. 

First, the people who originally con- 
ceived the Pac-Man theme, Atari, should 
have sole and complete rights to its im- 
plementations. The public would have to 
rely on Atari to produce the different ver- 
sions of this popular game, or just put up 
with the standard format. Intrepid pro- 
grammers could of course write their own 
versions, as long as they'd recognize 
Atari's claim to part or all of any profits 
gained. Second, all ideas are unique (and 
not just one of genre) . This would mean 
that the slightest difference in the shape 
of the Pac-Man would constitute a new 
idea. The public reaction to the multitude 
of different games resulting from this 
policy would indicate who had the best 
idea. This policy allows constant improve- 
ment of existing merchandise and a good 
climate for the small business. 

I only offer these as possibilities for the 
resolution of a persistent problem, and do 
not make a judgment as to their quality, 
I do however feel strongly that the pres- 
ent situation, by which many Pac-Man 
games are legal but some, which most 
resemble the original, are sued, is totally 
unjust and impractical. 
Brett A. Patterson 
26 Athlone Rd. 
Floreat, 6014, 
Perth 
Western Australia 

I'm not sure what I think about protecting 
Pac-Man. I do know that Atari bought itself 
about a million dollars worth of unfavorable 
publicity by bullying some very nice teen-aged 
programmers; surely they could have been 
smoother about it. Game fads don't last long 
anyway. I notice that what really gets 'em in 
the arcades now are the games coupled to video 
disks; these, I fear, are not soon likely to be 
produced in garages, although I wish they 
were. I've yet to get close enough to a machine 
to play Dragon's Lair. . . . Jerry 



A Vote for Larger Screens 

Dear Jerry, 

After a year's reading and research we 
decided to buy either two Kaypro ll's or 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 455 



BYTEs User to User. 



a NEC APC; we will probably buy the 
two Kaypros on the theory that if one 
goes down we have a spare, for the price 
of one more-advanced computer. 

Despite all the amazing progress in 
computers, and despite the much adver- 
tised and vaunted spreadsheets, com- 
puters still only show a miserable 24 lines 
by 80 columns. How silly! 

Like every business we use an 8V2- by 
11-inch sheet for most paperwork. We 
print booklets, and have been composing 
them on the typewriter as we write them. 
All computer salesmen say that it is bet- 
ter to be limited to the small-sized screen, 
but we don't believe it. We need to view 
the finished page so that we can see para- 
graphs in relationship to each other and 
to see if our ideas are presented correctly 
on the whole page. 

If we had the money we could get a 
Vydec which shows two full pages, or a 
Dictaphone which shows one full page 
with an additional lighted line as is on our 
Olivetti ET221, or we could go to a Cor- 
vus Concept computer, but even that is 
too high for our budget. The Corvus is 
the way that the future lies, of course. It 
puts the CRT on its side for spreadsheet 
(a 14-inch screen) and on edge for a full 
page of typing. Why can't some of the 
other computers do this too at a reason- 
able price? It can't be too difficult and it 
is ridiculous to have all these fabulous ad- 
vances with such a small screen. That is 
like having a 1983 car that you have to 
hand-crank! 
S. E. Millar 
POB 1 
Olympia, WA 98507 

J fondly remember Olympia; my wife used 
to race sports cars at Shelton, Washington, 
and we'd stop for the lumberjack's breakfast on 
the way. 

Tony Pietsch has always said that the best 
service policy is another compute?; preferably 
identical to your first. It's not much more 
costly than a long-term maintenance contract, 
and certainly more useful as long as both are 
running. 

I keep hearing rumors of terminals that will 
give a great many lines to the page, but I've 
never had one to play with and, to tell the 
truth, I've never missed that feature. 

I've never had much problem with screen 
sizes. A standard manuscript page is 60 char- 
acters wide, and double-spaced I used to get 
only 26 lines to the page anyway. In fact, I 
normally write on a memory-mapped screen 
that's only 16 lines. My editors tell me it im- 
proves my stuff since I don't tend to write such 



long paragraphs. (Of course I use Write, which 
uses all the screen lines for text; none are taken 
up with status lines and things like that.) 
I suspect you won't have to wait long before 
new, low-cost terminals appear with the fea- 
tures you want. Things flow so in micro- 
land! . . . Jerry 



MS-DOS for the Compupro 

Dear Jerry, 

I have been anxiously awaiting an issue 
of BYTE in which you review the MS- 
DOS operating system for the Compupro 
ever since I followed your eminent logic 
and purchased a Compupro System 8/16 
Model A in December of 1982. Before tak- 
ing the plunge I did check to find out if 
MS-DOS was available for the Compupro 
because I was aware that there was a 
growing threat from the IBM PC and PC- 
DOS. I had a hint from two independent 
sources in BYTE that MS-DOS was avail- 
able for the Compupro systems. One was 
a series of articles in BYTE comparing 
MS-DOS and CP/M-86, written by Roger 
Taylor and Phil Lemmons ("Upward 
Migration, Part 1: Translators," June 1982, 
page 321 and "Upward Migration, Part 2: 
A Comparison of CP/M-86 and MS- 
DOS," July 1982, page 330). Careful ex- 
amination of their articles revealed that 
the benchmarks were run on Compupro 
equipment. The other source was a 
What's New? product blurb in BYTE 
which stated that Lifeboat Associates 
would be releasing SB-86 for Compupro 
systems. I called Compupro and was told: 
yes, Real Soon Now. 

I have since called Lifeboat and the per- 
son who configured SB-86 for the Com- 
pupro systems has left without docu- 
menting the implementation. Yes, as a 
service, Lifeboat will sell you SB-86 for 
Compupro but it is not documented and 
you are pretty much on your own. 

Fortunately, I have also discovered two 
other possible sources. One is Midwest 
Micro Warehouse which claims to have a 
product written by people at Compuview 
Products. Another source is a Computer 
House product aptly named MS-PRO. 

In "Eagles, Text Editors, New Com- 
pilers, and Much More" (September, page 
307), you indicated that you and/or your 
associates have experience with MS- 
DOS/PC-DOS for the Compupro. (I 
should point out that I am not sure what 
the exact differences between MS-DOS 
and PC-DOS are.) I am particularly in- 
terested in the logical and/or functional 



(as opposed to physical and/or im- 
plementation) equivalent of PC-DOS. I 
recognize that this may be a very difficult 
if not an impossible equivalency to 
achieve, thus I use the term MS-DOS as 
a minimal requirement. I would ap- 
preciate any additional information or 
recommendations you may have regard- 
ing MS-DOS for the Compupro 8/16 sys- 
tems. 

Chris Boynton 
9500 Southwest 94 Court 
Miami, FL 33176 

J may have misled you, and if so, my apol- 
ogies. Tony Pietsch has managed to get PC- 
DOS, the operating system for the IBM Per- 
sonal Computer, to boot from a 5 1 A-inch disk 
run by a Compupro 8085/8088 Dual Pro- 
cessor. The Dual Processor normally boots 
from 8-inch disks, and runs Digital Research's 
CP/M 2.2 when in an 8-bit mode (using the 
8085) and CP/M-86 when in 16-bit mode. (At 
least mine does.) 

There are no real differences between PC- 
DOS and MS-DOS, except that PC-DOS is 
specifically tailored for the IBM PC, while 
MS-DOS is a generic term for the Microsoft 
operating system for the 8086/8088 family of 
computer chips. 

Alas, although Tony managed to get PC- 
DOS to work on his Dual Processor (and in- 
deed was using my disk controller and disks 
when he did it), he then went off to Europe 
for a month; as of this moment (October 1), 
he hasn't returned, and I don't have that 
operating. 

It's quite possible that what you request will 
be available by the time this gets in print, but 
I can't guarantee it. Meanwhile, I have no ex- 
perience with the other versions you men- 
tioned. 

Given the three- to four-month delay be- 
tween my writing and BYTE's publication, it's 
always a problem as to just how much brand- 
new stuff I report. This time, I was a bit eager. 
Sorry. . . . Jerry 



Assembly vs. Machine 
Language 

Dear Jerry, 

Most of the things you have written for 
BYTE have been so well informed that I 
was rather surprised to see your remarks 
about assembly language in "Eagles, Text 
Editors, New Compilers, and Much 
More" (September, page 307). 

You say that assembly language is a 
fairly large step up from machine lan- 
guage. While fairly large is a matter of 



456 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



opinion, it seems to me that because of 
a one-to-one correspondence between as- 
sembly codes and machine instructions, 
they are in fact different forms of the same 
language. The only difference is that the 
assembler mnemonics can be easily re- 
membered by humans and easily con- 
verted to their machine form by an as- 
sembler. It is, in fact, child's play to trans- 
late a program from one to the other be- 
cause of the one to one. 

Machine language programs are trans- 
portable; all Z80 or other microprocessors 
obey the same set of machine instruc- 
tions. The transportability problem arises 
only when the program is incomplete and 
relies on subroutines from the host com- 
puter, subroutines that might be at a 
different address in another computer or 
even missing from it. Of course there is 
the BIOS problem; trivial really. 

Your statement that some computers 
don't have an accumulator floors me. Is 
your hardware knowledge so limited that 
you think any digital computer could 
operate without at least one accumulator? 
ENIAC had a dozen or more accumula- 
tors (20 if memory serves me) and al- 
though the von Neumann scheme cut 
back to one, that one has remained essen- 
tial to digital computing. It was called the 
Mill by Babbage because that is where the 
work was done. The rest is just moving 
bits from keyboard to accumulator and to 
screen or from accumulator to screen, 
printer, storage, or modem. Perhaps, 
though, you have been misled by the 
term CPU, which has the accumulator as 
a vital part. Ask your friend Mr. Leven- 
thal about it. 
David Block 
POB 12473 
Gainesville, FL 32604 

Assembly language is a hefty step up from 
machine language for me! I wish we'd had a 
good assembler for the IBM 360 I started 
with. . . . 

I think you've foundered over a definition. 
While it's true that all computers (at least all 
I've ever worked with) have something that 
functions like an accumulator, some have a 
particular register dedicated only to that task, 
and some don't; which was all I meant by my 
remark that some "don't have an accumula- 
tor." . . . Jerry 

Unix Notes from All Over 

Dear Jerry, 

In BYTE's User to User (September, 
page 480) James E. Densmore Jr. laments 



the lack of an ability to suspend execu- 
tion of one program while running an- 
other under the Unix operating system. 
He is quite in error. 

Any single-tasking system can accom- 
plish this by saving an image of the reg- 
ister, memory space, and associated files. 
On a multitasking system such as Unix, 
the implementation is trivial: one mere- 
ly suspends operation of one process 
upon a prearranged signal and continues 
with a second process which may or may 
not be running already. With newer ver- 
sions of Unix supporting the Berkeley C- 
shell, one need merely type a control 
character to interrupt any process in the 
foreground. At the user's wish, the pro- 
cess may be killed, restarted, or relegated 
to a lower priority (background process- 
ing). Meanwhile, one can proceed with 
additional process(es). 

Furthermore, the command interpreta- 
tion procedure and recursive features 
mentioned by this reader have existed on 
Unix from its very early days. 
Donn S. Fishbein, MD 
4000 Tunlaw Rd. NW 820 
Washington, DC 20007 

My late mad friend was interested in Unix, 
but so far I don't have any machines that run 
it. I expect that will soon change. Meanwhile, 
I can collect stories. Thanks. . . . Jerry 



Dear Jerry, 

I would like to clear up a misconcep- 
tion on the part of James Densmore about 
Unix. He states that while MULTICS 
allows virtually infinite recursion in call- 
ing "command procedures/' Unix does 
not. Well, UNIX does implement the con- 
cept of "forking," which allows other pro- 
cesses to be generated concurrently with 
the generating process. These processes 
can be any executable file, usually a com- 
piled C program. 

While infinite recursion is not feasible 
(a small limit, on the order of 8, is placed 
on the number of subprocesses running 
at once), it is very rarely used. Indeed, 
since C is completely recursive, most re- 
cursive tasks can be done within the com- 
mand module (arguably where recursion 
belongs). As a final note, shell scripts (i.e., 
command files) are recursive. Since these 
have flow-control instructions available, 
they function much like procedures. 

Finally, a question on Concurrent 
CP/M-86. If it can run more than one pro- 
gram at once, how does it prevent one 
from corrupting the other? The IBM PC, 



an 8086-like system, does not implement 
memory protection. Nor is memory map- 
ping/vectoring facilitated; so how are pro- 
grams relinked to function in different 
sections of memory? Finally, how does 
CP/M-86 compare with Unix's piping and 
redirection capabilities? 

These are important questions since 
they directly affect the usability of an 
operating system like CP/M-86. While I 
can guess at methods by which a multi- 
ple-process operating system can function 
on a machine like the IBM PC (extensive 
swapping, instruction interpretation), 
none are acceptable. So, how does Con- 
current CP/M work? As a systems pro- 
grammer, I sure would like to know. 
Michael Kilian 
1869 Highland Ave. 
Troy, NY 12180 

I'll let others fight about Unix. Regarding 
Concurrent CP/M-86, I'm trying to do a good 
bit of a column about it. Alas, it's complicated 
by IBM: after three months they still haven't 
delivered the PC I paid for (by certified 
check, yet)! Until I've got that, I can't do much 
with Concurrent. Surely by the time you read 
this I'll have it. . . . Jerry 

Dear Jerry, 

In BYTE's User to User (September, 
page 480), James E. Densmore Jr. notes 
that MUI TICS allows the user to interrupt 
a program being executed and return to 
it later, while Unix does not. This is not 
quite true, as the version of Unix for the 
VAX (distributed as version 4.1 Unix in 
the Berkeley "bsd" release) contains such 
a feature. 

The implementation is nothing like the 
one used by MULTICS, of course. In- 
stead, it takes advantage of the fact that 
Unix, like any multiprocessing system, 
has a way to checkpoint a process while 
other processes run. It simply defines a 
keyboard interrupt that forces the cur- 
rently running process into that check- 
pointed state and returns control to the 
user's command-line interpreter (shell), 
using the existing signal facility. Provide 
a way to restart the stopped process from 
the shell, and you're done. 

Considering that many prospective 
Unix system developers (and customers) 
are familiar with Berkeley Unix, that the 
feature is obviously desirable, and that it 
is not really very difficult to add the nec- 
essary process states and system calls to 
a "vanilla" Unix system during develop- 
ment, I should be surprised if this feature 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 457 



BYTEs User to User 



did not become standard in Unix systems, 

and if not tomorrow then soon. 

Richard Hussong 

Applied Reasoning Corporation 

77 Trowbridge St. 

Cambridge, MA 02138 

They tell me that "vanilla" Unix is un- 
usable by novices; and though Unix is easy 
to customize, once you've done that, there's 
no standard way things are done, and you're 
sort of on your own remembering your cus- 
tomizations. 

Perhaps what it needs is some "standard 
customization?" . . . JerryB 



Praise for the Final Word 



Dear Jerry, 

In "Eagles, Text Editors, New Com- 
pilers, and Much More" (September, page 
307), you made an apparently unin- 
formed comment about a program I truly 
love: the Final Word word processor from 
Mark of the Unicorn. Not only will the 
Final Word format end notes automatical- 
ly, it will do footnotes or in-line notes. It 
will automatically create and format tables 
of contents and indices too! It can make 
all kinds of lists, like file inclusion (Word- 
star needs the Mailmerge option) and 
keyboard input during formatting. In this 
instance, the formatter will prompt you 
if needed, and you just type in the stuff 
you want included. It will format style 
changes at any point so that you can 
change things like margins, indentation, 
justification, paper size, note style, line 
spacing, and tab spacing any place in the 
file. 



And besides the terrific formatter, the 
editor itself is nicer. It displays text faster. 
You can have up to 12 editing buffers 
available at once. Parts of two of those 
buffers can be displayed at once (this is 
incredibly handy). A feature called State 
Save saves changes after you stop typing 
for a few seconds. If power goes down 
while you are editing, the only material 
lost is that which had not been written 
out with the State Save. This has saved 
me a couple times as my town has an in- 
credibly wimpy power system. You can 
leave the Final Word to do something 
else, then start again, and it will return 
to exactly where you left off. You don't 
need to read in the same file again. And 
commands really are mnemonic. 

But, if you don't like something, the 
Final Word is almost infinitely configur- 
able. You can change the keys that cause 
movement, for example. You can even 
change the width it uses to print in- 
dividual characters if you want. The Final 
Word can do true proportional spacing on 
printers capable of supporting it, not just 
microjustification like Wordstar. 

Wanna hear more? The documentation 
is really good in my opinion. There are 
nine lessons included. Three of the 
lessons consist of a disk file containing 
the output of the text used to create the 
same chapter in the printed documenta- 
tion. The manual was created with the 
Final Word and, as such, contains a good 
table of contents and index. 

The Final Word can do anything Word- 
star does except suggest hyphenation. It 
costs less and has capabilities that you 
have to spend hundreds of dollars more 
for with Wordstar. I haven't covered half 
of them. 



Also, support from Mark of the Uni- 
corn is very good. 
David D. Clark 
246 South Fraser St. #2 
State College, PA 16801 

Yours is not the only enthusiastic letter I've 
received regarding the Final Word, and I know 
for a fact that Mark of the Unicorn provides 
good support to its customers. 

I'm fairly set in my preferences for computer 
editors— given the tens of thousands of words 
I have to pour out each month, it would be 
surprising if I weren't— so it's unlikely that 
III make many changes. However, shortly after 
I began writing with computers, I discovered 
Electric Pencil. The program I use now, Write, 
grew out of the Pencil's strengths and defects. 

Not long after I got used to Pencil I became 
involved with net traffic and, working with 
machines at MIT, I ran into EM ACS. If it had 
been the first full-screen editor I'd worked 
with, I might well have become an EMACS 
enthusiast. 

The Final Word, like Mark of the Unicorn's 
MINCE (Mince Is Not Complete EMACS), 
is based on EMACS. 

"There are nine and sixty ways of construct- 
ing tribal lays, and every single one of them 
is right." Editors aren't quite so much a mat- 
ter of taste as that, but certainly there's no 
single "best" one. Glad you've found one you 
like! . . . Jerry 



Jerry Pournelle welcomes readers' com- 
ments and opinions. Send a self-addressed 
envelope to Jerry Pournelle, do BYTE Pub- 
lications, POB 372, Hancock, NH 03449. 
Please put your address on the letter as 
well as on the envelope. Due to the high 
volume of letters, Jerry cannot guarantee 
a personal reply. 



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458 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 499 on inquiry card. 



Ask BYTE 



Conducted by Steve Garcia 



Getting Started 

Dear Steve, 

I am a beginner in the com- 
puter field. I hope to either buy 
a computer that teaches the de- 
sign principles of computers or 
to design a computer of my own. 
Because I live in the United 
Kingdom, I have found it very 
difficult to find one. I was won- 
dering if you might be able to 
help me. Are there any com- 
puters for sale in the U.S. that 
are good for beginners and are 
not too expensive? 

I have seen two computers: 
the Ferguson Big Board and the 
Insight Enterprises compute?'. 
Would either of these be a good 
introduction to computer design 
and expandable enough later on? 
The Big Board doesn't seem to 
be. I have not been able to read 
any reports on these computers, 
though, and thus am skeptical 
about buying them. I would ap- 
preciate your comments very 
much. 

Edward Newman 
Sherborne, Dorset 
United Kingdom 

This is an excellent time for a 
beginner to enter the computer 
field as there are many low-cost, 
high-performance models from 
which to choose. One of the fast- 
est sellers in this country is the 
Commodore 64. It features 64K 
bytes of memory, high-resolution 
graphics, a full keyboard, and a 
price as low as $200. A reference 
manual is available that 
describes the inner workings and 
advanced programming tech- 
niques. 

The Radio Shack Color Com- 
puter is another low-cost model 
with the powerful 6809 micro- 
processor chip. It is well sup- 
ported as evidenced by at least 
four magazines devoted exclu- 
sively to the "CoCo!' 

The two models mentioned are 
only representative of the vast 
number that are available. These 



models allow you to take the unit 
out of the box, add a TV or 
monitor', and start computing. If 
you want to configure your own 
system from one of the single- 
board units you mentioned, rec- 
ognize that considerable addi- 
tional equipment is required. 
Most require a terminal, power 
supply, and disk drives to func- 
tion at all. 

If you are a beginner, I would 
recommend buying one of the 
just-mentioned ready-made com- 
puters. As your knowledge in- 
creases, you will recognize the 
features that are important to 
you and those that are unneces- 
sary. . . . Steve 

Videodisc Interaction 

Dear Steve, 

I enjoyed your June 1982 ar- 
ticle, "Build an Interactive- 
Videodisc Controller" (page 60). 
I, too, am very enthusiastic 
about the future potential of this 
technology. 

Due to my lack of knowledge 
about electronic hardware and 
limited funds, I was unsuccess- 
ful in creating the coding neces- 
sary to control the Pioneer VP- 
1000. I thought that if I were 
successful, the software could be 
applied universally and interac- 
tive programming would not be 
dependent on the type of hard- 
ware interface a person owned. 

I think the problem is that the 
Vic-20 I own is not capable of 
creating a 38-kHz tone. The 
Vic-20 has a 6502 micropro- 
cessor and a 6522 versatile in- 
terface adapter. It has a 1-MHz 
clock rate that allows 1 micro- 
second ((is) per cycle. Therefore, 
I can get only 13 (is instead of 
the necessary 13.15, creating a 
38.4-kHz tone. Evidently, the 
carrier frequency must be exact 
for the VP-1000 to recognize the 
command. 

I have a question about your 
article: in figure 2a, and in the 
text on page 65, it is indicated 



Jhat the pulse burst is 0.263 
milliseconds (ms) long and is in- 
cluded in the bit period. How- 
ever, in figure 6 you indicate that 
the pulse burst occurs, and after- 
ward there is a delay of 1.05 or 
2.1 ms, depending on the logic 
code. It appears to me that for a 
logic=0 the first delay should be 
1.05 ms minus 0.263 ms, or 
0.787 ms. I have tested these and 
many other possible delay times, 
so I conclude that the problem 
is with the 38.4-kHz carrier fre- 
quency. Also, in a January 1982 
article in Microcomputing 
(page 103, figure 3), it is in- 
dicated that the pulse burst is 
0.233 ms long and delay times 
are 0.93 and 1.86 ms. Was this 
a mistake, or has Pioneer 
changed things in newer 
models? 

Assuming that it is impossible 
for me to create the necessary 
coding due to the limitation of 
the 1-MHz clock rate, I am forced 
to resort to a hardware interface. 
Do you think that the 38-kHz 
crystal (Pioneer part number 
VSS-002) can be purchased and 
used as an external clock to con- 
trol the necessary 38-kHz carrier 
frequency? Any ideas on how 
this might be accomplished 
would be appreciated. 

Thank you for your considera- 
tion and any help you may be 
able to offer to help me create a 
low-cost universal VP-1000 con- 
troller. 

Gary W. Schroeder 
San Francisco, CA 

The logic as stated in my ar- 
ticle is correct. The bit period is 
defined as the time between the 
pulses; the length of the pulse 
itself is not significant for the 
coding. The carrier frequency is 
used for detection. 

The article in the January 
1982 Microcomputing used 
the code values as supplied by 
Pioneer, which were incorrect. I 
discovered this when I designed 
my circuit, and I brought it to 
Pioneer's attention. 



Generating the necessary cod- 
ing in software is extremely dif- 
ficult. It is even more difficult to 
write a universal program since 
it is so dependent on machine 
timing. It is much easier to use 
some form of hardware assist- 
ance. The simplest is the 555 
oscillator to generate the 38-kHz 
pulses and gate them under soft- 
ware control. If your hardware 
knowledge is limited, go with the 
circuit on page 72 of my article. 
It needs only 5 volts and is ex- 
tremely easy to build. . . . Steve 

Adding CP/M and 
Apples 

Dear Steve, 

I have an Apple II Plus with 
48K bytes, two disk drives, and 
a 16K-byte RAM card. I would 
like to use it for CP/M. What ad- 
ditional hardware do I need? 
What is the difference between a 
Z80 card and Microsoft's Soft- 
card? Do I need both? Thank 
you. 

Jim Fox 
Peckville, PA 

To run CP/M on your Apple 
II Plus, you need a card that 
contains a Z80 processor chip. 
Many such cards are on the 
market at various prices. The 
cheaper ones do not come with 
the CP/M operating system. The 
softcard is Microsoft's version of 
a Z80 card and includes the 
CP/M operating system with 
several utilities and Microsoft 
BASIC. 

Many of the programs that 
run under CP/M require an 
80-column screen and upper- 
case/lowercase capability. An 
80-column card should also be 
purchased to fully utilize the 
system. 

Make sure that your CP/M 
card is compatible with your 
16K-byte RAM card and your 
80-column card. Most cards are 
fully compatible, but some are 
not. Be sure to ask Steve 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 459 



Ask BYTE 



Interpreting 
Information 



Dear Steve, 

Can you recommend a source 
of information on the details of 
BASIC interpreter operation? It 
doesn't matter to me which 
microprocessor is used. I'm just 
looking for the fundamentals. 
Thank you. 
Jorge S. Lucas 
Belo Horizonte, Brazil 

In the early days of microcom- 
puters, at least one publication 
featured a series of articles on the 
workings of BASIC interpreters. 
There were listings of some Tiny 
BASIC interpreters for an 8080- 
based system, and general opera- 
tion was discussed. They are 
contained in volume 1 of Dr. 
Dobb's Journal of Computer 
Calisthenics & Orthodontia 
(Dr. Dobb's, for short) and can 
be obtained from Hay den Book 
Company Inc., 50 Essex St., 
Rochelle Park, N] 07662. . . . 
Steve 

BASIC Precision 

Dear Steve, 

I have a suggestion and a 
question: how about an article 
on building a switching-regulator 
power supply using power 
MOSFETfor the S-100 bus? I'm 
enclosing a copy of an article 
frvm Electronic Design (Febru- 
ary 17, 1983, page 135). This 
would cut down on the heat dis- 
sipated both on the boards and 
in the enclosure and also con- 
serve on energy. 

I am doing a lot of work with 
the NBS (National Bureau of 
Standards) Temperature Tables. 
This work involves the use of 
polynomials and requires 54-bit 
accuracy to duplicate the results 
from the tables. My Polymorphic 
Systems 8813 BASIC has the 
ability to use up to 26-digit pre- 
cision, which appears to be good 
enough for the job. The com- 
puter I use at work is an Altos 
8500 running under CP/M and 
Microsoft BASIC. The Microsoft 



BASIC does not have the re- 
quired precision. 

My question is this: can some- 
one suggest a method for evalu- 
ating the precision of various 
BASICs, or does someone know 
of a CP/M BASIC that will have 
the desired precision? 
Joseph R. Toman 
Skokie, IL 

Thank you very much for 
your suggestion. I have ad- 
dressed this subject on a smaller 
scale in the November 1981 
BYTE (page 36) but will keep 
your idea open for a future 
article. 

Regarding the question of pre- 
cision of various BASICs, it 
seems to me that you are mix- 
ing "bits" and "digits." For ex- 
ample, Microsoft BASIC has a 
real data precision of 7+ signifi- 
cant digits and is represented in 
the computer in a 4-byte, float- 
ing-point form. Of these 4 bytes, 
1 represents the characteristic 
and 3 represent the mantissa. 
Thus, there are 3 bytes, or 24 
bits, of precision allocated to the 
mantissa. 

If double precision is used, 16 
digits of precision are obtained, 
and the representation is 8 bytes, 
1 of which is allocated to the 
characteristic. The remaining 7 
bytes (56 bits) apply to the man- 
tissa. 

Hence, 16 digits of precision 
corresponds to 56 bits of ac- 
curacy. This seems more than 
adequate for the NBS tables to 
which you referred. To evaluate 
other BASICs, the storage for- 
mat and the byte representation 
of the numbers must be known. 
. . . Steve 



Authorl Authorl 

Dear Steve, 

I would like to start writing 
articles for computer magazines. 
I have a bachelor's degree in 
computer science and math, 
along with eight years of experi- 
ence in the computer field. I love 
microcomputers. I would appre- 



ciate any help you could give me. 

Thanks. 

Joseph M. Ruvolu 

Staten Island, NY 

Writing articles for computer 
magazines, or any magazine for 
that matter, requires a subject 
that is appealing to a large au- 
dience and a certain style of pre- 
senting that subject. There are 
many computer magazines cater- 
ing to different levels, and you 
should concentrate on those 
where your expertise can be util- 
ized. You will have little chance 
of publishing a highly technical 
article in a magazine such as 
Popular Computing, since it 
is not aimed at that audience. 

One way is to write an article 
or two and submit them to po- 
tential publishers. You can judge 
from their responses whether 
you are on the right track. 

Take a look at "A Step-by-Step 
Guideline Outlines Writing for 
Publication" by George R. Dunn 
in the October 20, 1980, issue of 
EDN magazine. It offers some 
good advice for potential writers. 
. . . Steve 



Apple Emulator 

Dear Steve, 

I have been told that some 
place in the market is a device 
that can be used with a Com- 
modore 64 that enables it to util- 
ize all the available Apple soft- 
ware. I think it is called an 
"emulator." I have called a num- 
ber of computer distributors 
without success, and I thought 
that you might have come across 
this device. If so, I would appre- 
ciate your directing me to the ap- 
propriate source so that I might 
get further information. 

Many thanks for your help. 
Morton J. Perlin 
Miami, FL 

The device that will allow the 
Commodore 64 to read Apple II 
software is called the Amulator 
and is manufactured by Ad- 
vanced Integrated Development. 



The unit sells for $129 and re- 
quires you to physically remove 
the 6510 microprocessor chip in 
the Commodore 64 to piggyback 
the Amulator: Once installed, 
the unit will read most 40- 
column Apple II software but 
will not allow wr ting to a disk. 

There have been many rumors 
of Apple emulators and person- 
ality modules for the Commo- 
dore 64. In fact, the introductory 
articles describing the 64 touted, 
as one of its features, the ability 
to emulate other popular com- 
puters. It seems that this has 
finally come to pass. 

Further information can be ob- 
tained by contacting Advanced 
Integrated Development, 5901 
John Martin Dr., Brooklyn Cen- 
ter, MN 55430, (612) 561-1645. 
. . . Steve 



Entrepreneurshlp 

Dear Steve, 

I have developed a plug-in 
board that gives (I believe) the 
Apple II computer sound capa- 
bilities as good as the Commo- 
dore 64. I would like to manu- 
facture and market it, but I don't 
have the resources to do so. For 
that reason, I would like to have 
a company manufacture it for 
me. Can you tell me who might 
be interested in manufacturing it 
for me or how to go about find- 
ing someone who would? 
Mark E. Rogers 
La Place, LA 

Yours is a problem shared by 
many budding entrepreneurs. 
You will find that engineering a 
prototype board represents only 
about 10 percent of the time and 
money involved to bring the 
final product to market. With 
advertising in magazines as high 
as $8000 per page per month, it 
is no wonder that few have the 
resources to complete such proj- 
ects. 

Having another company 
manufacture your board is a 
logical approach, but don't ex- 
pect to get rich. Stop and think 



460 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



what the board could reasonably 
sell for and then determine the 
wholesale cost to the dealer (40 
to 50 percent of list price). Then 
estimate the cost and profit of the 
manufacturing house, add in ad- 
vertising and promotions, and 
the remainder may be yours. 
Approach some of the houses 
currently making cards for the 
Apple II to determine their in- 
terest. Then see if any of the 
offers are satisfactory. . . . Steve 



Photon Control 

Dear Steve, 

I'm interested in controlling 
lights with a computer. I want 
to memorize and play back pat- 
terns of between 5 and 20 lights 
activated at different times for 
different dwations. What type of 
interface device do I need? I'd 
prefer to use an inexpensive 
Vic-20 if possible. Thanks for 
your help. 
Randy Maule 
Gainesville, FL 

The Vic-20 has a 6522 versa- 
tile interface adapter chip that 
contains eight I/O (input/out- 
put) lines. Additional I/O lines 
can be added through the use of 
an expansion bus. Each line can 
be programmed as an input or 
output and read simply by ex- 
amining (using the PEEK com- 
mand) the memory location for 
which the chip is mapped. As- 
sign one line to each light to be 
detected and use a phototran- 
sistor to convert the light input 
to a 5-volt DC output. It might 
be helpful to have one line avail- 
able to sense the presence of any 
light. 

Your program could then poll 
the "any light" line to see when 
a light has been turned on. 
Then, depending on the dura- 
tion of the lights to be "memo- 
rized," the program could read 
these lines at equal intervals and 
store the data. This would con- 
tinue until the "any light" line 
sensed the absence of light. 

To simply turn lights on and 
off, use an optoisolator and a 



relay. The optoisolator consists 
of an LED (light -emitting diode) 
and a phototransistor. When 
your computer I/O line sends a 
logic "1" (5 volts DC), the LED 
glows and causes the phototran- 
sistor to conduct, closing a relay. 
. . . Steve 



Video for the Sym-1 

Dear Steve, 

It is very difficult for me to get 
literature and components for ex- 
perimentation, and I hope you 
can spare me a lot of aggravation 
and wasted time. 

I bought a Sym-1 microcom- 
puter and built a power supply 
and ASCII keyboard, but I don't 
know how to obtain a video out- 
put from my TV, which I've 
adapted for direct video display. 
The Sym's block diagram shows 
that some kind of "TV/keyboard 
interface" is needed. Can you 
help me? Thank you very much. 
Tomo Mlinaric 
Zagreb, Yugoslavia 

A device known as a video-dis- 
play board or "TV typewriter" 
is required to obtain video out- 
put for your Sym-1 computer. 
Such a device takes an ASCII in- 
put from a keyboard or computer 
output and converts it into video 
characters that can be displayed 
on a TV monitor screen. A con- 
struction article appeared in the 
February issue of Microcom- 
puting (formerly Kilobaud) 
magazine on page 70. "Build a 
$50 TVT!" by Duane Amund- 
son describes a device capable of 
displaying 16 lines of 32 char- 
acters, using readily obtainable 
parts. Its low cost makes it an in- 
teresting project. . . . Steve 

P.S. See my article this month 
for a terminal you can build. 



Vic Expansion 

Dear Steve, 

Is it possible to build an ex- 
pansion bus for the Vic-20 
similar to that used with the Ap- 



ple II? They both use the 6502 
microprocessor. If this can be 
done, can you tell me where I 
can obtain the necessary techni- 
cal information? Would function 
boards designed for the Apple 
then be compatible with the 
Vic-20? Thank you for your 
help. 

Larry W. Snead 
Danville, VA 

While the Vic-20 and the Ap- 
ple II both utilize the 6502 
microprocessor chip and both 
can have expansion buses, pe- 
ripheral cards designed for the 
Apple will not work on the Vic. 
Aside from different timing con- 
siderations on the bus, the Ap- 
ple cards have on-board ROM 
(read-only memory) that con- 
tains programs to control their 
functions. These programs call 
routines that are either not 
available or are located in dif- 
ferent memory areas in the Vic. 

An expansion bus can be made 
or purchased for the Vic. See the 
back pages of any computer 
magazine containing Vic-20 ar- 
ticles for advertisements. I re- 
cently saw an ad for a 4-slot ex- 
pansion bare board for only $19, 
including instructions. You may 
want to go this route, as it will 
save you a lot of wiring. Contact 
The Data Toolbox, FOB 4808 V, 
Las Vegas, NV 89127, (702) 
648-3258. . . . Steve 



Assembling a Z80 

Dear Steve, 

lama senior at Monroe High 
School and vice-president of the 
Monroe High School Computer 
Group, an offshoot from our 
computer-science class. After do- 
ing some heavy 6502 machine- 
language work, we just touched 
on the Z80. Recently, I pur- 
chased a Timex/ Sinclair 1000 
and am looking for a good assem- 
bler. I've read several books but 
haven't been able to find any 
handy subroutines for the Z80 
similar to those we used with the 
6502. Can you make some rec- 
ommendations for a Z80 assem- 



bler and subroutines? Thanks for 
your help— I enjoy your column. 
Jeff Kopmanis 
Monroe, MI 

Gladstone Electronics carries 
a complete line of accessories for 
the Timex/ Sinclair 1000 com- 
puter. Included are several books 
on the internal workings of the 
Sinclair (ZX-81) ROM. Two 
such books are Understanding 
Your ZX-81 ROM by Dr. Logan 
and The Explorers Guide to 
the ZX-81 by Mike Lord. 
Several utility programs, includ- 
ing an assembler, machine-code 
monitor, and disassembler, are 
also available. For further infor- 
mation, write or call Gladstone 
Electronics, 1585 Kenmore Ave., 
Buffalo, NY 14217, (800) 833- 
8400. Ask for a catalog and get 
on the company's mailing list. 
. . . Steve 



Bulletin Boards 

Dear Steve, 

I have an Apple II Plus and 
a Micromodem at home, and I'd 
like to use them to get games 
from some of the bulletin boards. 
Can you direct me to a list of 
available bulletin boards and tell 
me how to communicate with 
them? Thank you. 
Matt Wainwright 
Brookfield, CT 

Computer Shopper, a com- 
puter-oriented classified-ad 
newspaper, publishes a monthly 
listing of bulletin boards around 
the country. There are several in 
your state and many in sur- 
rounding states, so finding one 
to your liking should be easy. To 
access a bulletin board, it is only 
necessary to dial the telephone 
number and connect your modem 
when you hear the carrier sig- 
nal. Some modems connect auto- 
matically. Usually, the Return 
key is hit once or twice, after 
which the system will ask you 
some questions about your 
equipment. This is necessary so 
that it can adapt to your par- 
ticular equipment format. A 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 461 



Ask BYTE 



menu is then presented, and you 
can select your choice. 

Some form of communications 
program is required so that your 
system can simulate a terminal. 
Some modems come with the re- 
quired software. That is all that 
is required to enter the world of 
bulletin boards. . . . Steve 



Kaypro 
Word Processing 

Dear Steve, 

I want to be able to edit docu- 
ments that are about 200 single- 
spaced, typed pages (600K bytes) 
long on a Kaypro II or Kaypro 
4. I'd guess that others who use 
similarly modest microcom- 
puters for word processing might 
want to be able to edit documents 
that exceed both their machines' 
available RAM and the capacity 
of one floppy disk. Is there any 
economical and practical way of 
getting around the RAM and 
disk-memory limitations of many 
machines without recourse to 
the comparatively expensive 
solid-state disks or hard disks? 

Perfect Writer, with its vir- 
tual-memory feature, would 
seem to offer one way around 
RAM limitations, but this 
doesn't solve the problems (e.g., 
in pagination and, therefore, in 
index creation) posed by a docu- 
ment too large to fit on one flop- 
py disk. In addition, as con- 
figured for the Kaypro, Perfect 
Writer has a limited swap-file 
size (not useful for editing more 
than 20 pages), and the program 
for reconfiguring is not supplied 
in the Kaypro software package. 

I'd appreciate your help in 
finding answers to the questions 
I've raised. I know of at least 
seven Kaypro owners who are 
also seeking answers to them. 
David F. Austin 
Amherst, MA 

Practically speaking, there is 
no way short of a hard disk or 
RAM disk to handle 200 pages 
of text on your Kaypro. The com- 
puter must be able to read the 
complete data file in order to 



operate on it, and this necessi- 
tates that it be on line as far as 
the program is concerned. Break- 
ing the file into several smaller 
files is the recommended ap- 
proach.. . .Steve 



Video Displays 

Dear Steve, 

For some time now, I have 
been trying to acquire informa- 
tion on the possibility of provid- 
ing an 80-column by 25-line 
black-and-white video display for 
a TI-99/4A computer used for 
word processing. This would 
avoid the horizontal scrolling 
now necessary. 

Is it feasible to acquire an in- 
dependent peripheral (monitor) 
that will provide this display? 
Would it operate through the 
RS-232C serial or parallel ports? 
Would such a unit be a combina- 
tion of a stand-alone video board 
and a standard wide-band moni- 
tor? Could you suggest an avail- 
able unit of modest cost? (Some 
of the suggestions have been for 
units that by themselves ex- 
ceeded the total cost of our 
installation.) 

Could you alternatively sug- 
gest a setup that, with our mod- 
est skills, we could put together? 
Would the CRT terminal out- 
lined in chapter 9 of your book 
(Build Your Own Z-80 Com- 
puter) do the job? Thank you for 
your assistance. 
Norman J. Spector 
Englewood, FL 

Obtaining an 80-column dis- 
play on your TI-99/4A is not 
simply a matter of adding a 
wide-band monitor or terminal. 
The video-generation circuits in 
the computer itself must be mod- 
ified along with the software. I 
have seen accessory boards for 
computers such as the Vic-20 
that allow 80 columns, but they 
cost more than twice the price of 
the Vic. I am not aware of such 
a unit for your TI, but I would 
suspect that the cost will be 
rather high also. The electronics 
on such a card are quite sophisti- 



cated and are not recommended 
as beginner projects. 

The horizontal scrolling that 
you have with your word-pro- 
cessor program is a simple means 
to overcome a shortcoming of the 
computer. Remember that the 
character width was purposely 
reduced to allow the use of an or- 
dinary television. If you add an 
80-column card, you will also 
need a high-resolution monitor 
to display the additional charac- 
ters. . . . Steve 



Andromeda and CP/M 

Dear Steve, 

About two years ago, I pur- 
chased an Andromeda 16K-byte 
card for my Apple II, and it has 
been working fine with Applesoft 
and DOS ever since. 

About a month ago I bought 
an Advanced Logic Systems 
(ALS) Z-Card with CP/M 2.2. 
The CP/M from ALS comes con- 
figured for 48K bytes of memory, 
and ALS supplies a utility pro- 
gram to reconfigure for 64K 
bytes. But no matter what I 
tried, my reconfigured CP/M 
would not operate. 

I wrote letters to ALS and An- 
dromeda asking them what was 
wrong. Andromeda replied that 
its card won't work with CP/M 
version 2.2. The company had 
heard of some people "patching" 
their boards to make it work but 
didn't know what changes were 
made. Andromeda suggested 
contacting a club or users group. 
I contacted A.P.P.L.E. but 
haven't had any luck yet. 

Do you know how I can 
modify my Andromeda card to 
work with the CP/M 2.2? 
Steve Nelson 
Arlington, TX 

An article in the August 1983 
CALL A.P.P.L.E. may solve 
your problem. "Andromeda Ram- 
card Patch" by fay H. Lieske 
describes the changes to CP/M 
BIOS (basic input/output system) 
required to utilize the Andromeda 
16K-byte card with a 60K-byte 
version of CP/M. It may work 



with your combination of CP/M 
and RAM cards. In any event, 
you can see what is necessary to 
activate the card Steve 



TI-99/4A 
Compatibility 

Dear Steve, 

I own a Texas Instruments 
TI-99/4A computer and want to 
know if there are any circuits 
that will make it compatible with 
a Bell-103-type modem and/or a 
Heath/ Zenith Z80 microcom- 
puter. Thanks for the help. 
Jacob E. Dockter 
Bismarck, ND 

Compatibility between your 
TI-99/4A and peripherals and 
modems is easily achieved 
through the useoftheRS-232C 
serial port. This port is obtained 
with the Peripheral Expansion 
Interface. The EC M-103 ("Build 
the ECM-103, an Originate/ An- 
swer Modem," BYTE, March 
1983, page 26) modem can be 
directly connected to this port 
and, since it is Bell-103-com- 
patible, used to link up to The 
Source or other bulletin boards. 

The Heath/ Zenith microcom- 
puter has a serial port for use 
with a terminal. . . . Steve ■ 



In "Ask BYTE/' Steve Gar- 
cia answers questions on 
any area of microcom- 
puting. The most represen- 
tative questions received 
each month will be an- 
swered and published. Do 
you have a nagging prob- 
lem? Send your inquiry to: 

Ask BYTE 

c/o Steve Ciarcia 

POB 582 

Glastonbury, CT 

06033 
Due to the high volume 
of inquiries, personal re- 
plies cannot be given. All 
letters and photographs 
become the property of 
Steve Ciarcia and cannot 
be returned. Be sure to in- 
clude "Ask BYTE'' in the 
address. 



462 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 







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383/60X $20.75 

THE BRAINS OF MEN 
AND MACHINES By E. W. 

Kent 

341/230 $20.95 

BASIC SCIENTIFIC SUB- 
ROUTINES, Vol. II By Dr. 

F. R. Ruckdeschel 

542/023B $26.95 

(Counts as 2 of your 3 books) 



CIARCIA'S CIRCUIT CEL- 
LAR, Vol. 2 By S. Ciarcia 
109/63X $15.95 

BYTE BOOK OF PASCAL 

By B. W. Liffick 

789/673B $27.50 

(Counts as 2 of your 3 books) 

BASIC SCIENTIFIC SUB- 
ROUTINES, Vol. I By Dr. F. 

R. Ruckdeschel 

542/015B $27.95 

(Counts as 2 of your 3 books) 
CIARCIA'S CIRCUIT CEL- 
LAR, Vol. Ill By S. Ciarcia 
109/656 $15.95 

MICROCOMPUTER DISK 
TECHNIQUES By P. Swan- 
son 
625/824 $15.95 

BUILD YOUR OWN Z-80 
COMPUTER By S. Ciarcia 
109/621 $18.95 



Why YOU should join the Byte Book Club™ now! 



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lected from a wide range of publishers by expert editors and con- 
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BYTE January 1984 465 



Software Received 



Apple 

Braille-Edit, a word-process- 
ing program for blind and 
sighted persons to perform 
text-editing operations using 
voice, screen, or a braille 
computer terminal. It is de- 
signed to work with many 
braille and voice devices, 
enabling the user to write, 
edit, correct, and print out 
formatted letters, reports, 
and papers using braille- or 
print-oriented text files. In- 
cludes audio and Versabraille 
tapes. For II Plus or He; flop- 
py disk, $300. Raised Dot 
Computing, 310 South 7th 
St., Lewisburg, PA 17837. 

Computer Calculator, a cal- 
culator program. Turn your 
computer into an algebraic 
and Reverse Polish Notation 
(RPN) calculator. Features in- 
clude automatic conversions 
and balancing, calculations in 
decimal, hexadecimal, and 
binary, and user-defined 
functions. For the II Plus; 
floppy disk, $19.95. Jim's Soft- 
ware, 384 The Great Road, 
Bedford, MA 01730. 

Cubit, a three-dimensional 
strategy game in which you 
must change the color of 
cubes by jumping on them. 
Beware of bouncing balls, 
disguised snakes, and 
vicious gremlins who get in 
your way. For the II; floppy 
disk, $39.95. Micromax Sys- 
tems Inc., 6868 Nancy Ridge 
Dr., San Diego, CA 92121. 

Fastform, a business pro- 
gram that lets you create 
business forms, fill out stan- 
dardized forms, and perform 
numerical calculations. You 
can save all data on disk. For 
II Plus and lie; floppy disk, 
$34.95. User-Friendly Soft- 
ware, 3204 National Parks 
Highway, Carlsbad, NM 
88220. 



Finance & Amortization, a 

business program for bank- 
ing and financial companies 
to calculate amortization 
schedules for loans, leases, 
and savings accounts. Fea- 
tures include investment- 
decision and loan-analysis 
capabilities. For II Plus and 
He; floppy disk, $29.95. User- 
Friendly Software (see ad- 
dress above). 

Fortress of the Witch King, a 

fantasy game. Your quest is to 
slay the ruler of the fortress 
and gain power through the 
orb, scepter, and crown. Your 
band of warriors is constant- 
ly in danger of the Witch 
King's warriors or the vicious 
hacker who want what you 
have gained. For II, II Plus, 
and He; floppy disk, $25. 
Avalon Hill Game Co., 4517 
Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD 
21214. 

The Graphics Magician, a 

programmer's tool that 
assists in the layout and 
design of homemade arcade 
games and high-resolution 
graphics programs. These 
new versions of the graphics 
editor and machine-language 
routines let you design 
shapes and their paths and 
assemble and control anima- 
tions with your own pro- 
grams. For the updated ver- 
sion, send your old disk and 
$15 to Penguin Software. For 
the II; floppy disk, $59.95. 
Penguin Software, 830 4th 
Ave., Geneva, IL 60134. 

Introduction to BASIC Pro- 
gramming, a training and 
utility package. This four- 
disk series teaches computer 
literacy while training the 
student in BASIC program- 
ming. A quiz module in each 
lesson is scored automatically 
and evaluated by the com- 
puter. For II Plus and He; 
floppy disks, $149.95. Orion 
Training Systems, POB 94, 
Dallastown, PA 17313. 



Job Cost III, a business pro- 
gram that lets you keep track 
of 350 items of cost and quan- 
tity totals. Headings can be 
entered for 35 categories and 
10 subcategories for cost-to- 
date figures. Additional cate- 
gories keep track of subcon- 
tracts, overhead figures, cash 
advances, loans, or final pay- 
ments without figuring in the 
cost-to-date figures. For the II 
Plus; floppy disk, $34.95. 
User-Friendly Software (see 
address above). 



Magicalc, an electronic 
spreadsheet program. You 
can create, manipulate, 
modify, and print reports 
that include such calculations 
as financial statements, bud- 
gets, cost estimates, sales 
forecasts, staffing plans, and 
development and product 
schedules. For II and He; 
floppy disk, $149.95. Artsci, 
5547 Satsuma Ave., North 
Hollywood, CA 91601. 

Matrix Utility, a matrix-ma- 
nipulation program that 
computes eigenvalues, in- 
verses, determinants, charac- 
teristic polynomials, and 
ranks of a matrix. It also 
solves linear and polynomial 
equations. Programming ex- 
perience is not necessary to 
operate program. For the II; 
floppy disk, $34.95. Wesware, 
2349 Fir, Glenview, IL 60025. 

Miko tekst, a word-process- 
ing package. You can edit let- 
ters or memos; chart your 
own chapters, index, or table 
of contents; and print, for- 
mat, or delete files. Docu- 
mentation accompanies four 
disks: text, help, letter, and 
DOC. For II and He; floppy 
disks, $190. Tomi Data, Kir- 
kerudkleiva 4, 1313 Voyen- 
enga, Norway. 

Minit Man, a trilevel arcade- 
type game. Waves of robots 



have already destroyed the 
bridge, and your missiles are 
on the other side. Your job is 
to rebuild the bridge while 
simultaneously defending 
your building complex that 
houses the computer. Re- 
quires a joystick. For the II; 
floppy disk, $19.95. Penguin 
Software (see address 
above). 

Monthly Accounting, an ac- 
counts-management pro- 
gram that handles up to 100 
expense and income ac- 
counts for business and 
home purposes. Monthly 
transactions can add up to 
six-digit quantities ranging 
from mortgage payments to 
gas mileage. For II Plus and 
He; floppy disk, $19.99. Soft- 
cell, 13 Webster Ave., Han- 
over, NH 03755. 

Net-Works II, an electronic 
bulletin-board program for 
home or business uses. This 
program automatically 
answers and records phone 
calls. It enables users to send 
messages to individuals, dis- 
tribute memos, and use as a 
24-hour-a-day message cen- 
ter. For the II; floppy disk, 
$99. High Technology Soft- 
ware Products Inc., POB 
60406, 1611 Northwest 23rd, 
Oklahoma City, OK 73146. 

PTD— 6502/6510 Debugger, 

an assembly-language utility. 
This program enables the 
user to write, modify, and 
debug games and utilities 
using BASIC editing features. 
Includes an 80-page tutorial 
manual. For the He; floppy 
disk, $50. Pterodactyl Soft- 
ware, 200 Bolinas Rd. #27, 
Fairfax, CA 94930. 

The Scrambler, a disk pro- 
tection/password system. 
This program lets you check 
disks for errors, copy-protect 
your disks by using a pass- 
word system, and create a 
scrambled data disk that can 



466 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Software Received. 



be stored. It will verify disks 
in 12 seconds. For II Plus and 
He; floppy disk, $28.95. Jag- 
ware, 127 Albany Ave. SE, 
Orange City, IA 51041. 

The Spy Strikes Back, a 

high-resolution graphics 
game in which you must 
locate Dr. X's terrorist opera- 
tion. Reports reveal that each 
of the five floors in his hide- 
away is divided into 24 
guarded sections, containing 
16 rooms. The object is to get 
through these rooms without 
being seen or getting caught. 
For the II; floppy disk, $19.95. 
Penguin Software (see ad- 
dress above). 

Stockfile, a stock-control 
program for smaller busi- 
nesses. You can store up to 
1000 stock lines on one disk. 
Using extra disks, up to 
30,000 stock lines can be 
created, viewed, updated, 
corrected, or printed. It auto- 
matically calculates stock 
values. For II and lie; floppy 
disk, $95. Felix Software, 19 
Leighton Ave., Pinner HA5 
3BW, England. 

Super Disk Labeller, a ma- 
chine-language utility pack- 
age. Prepare and print flop- 
py-disk labels that organize 
your disks into a library. This 
program allows use of a 
variety of printers using the 
printer configuration mode 
and lets you print labels of 
almost any size with the 
label-options mode. Requires 
Applesoft in ROM. For II, II 
Plus, and He; floppy disk, 
$34.95. Lakefront Software, 
7754 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys, 
CA 91406. 

Talk-U-Thru Wordstar, a 

step-by-step tutorial program 
to teach the functions of 
Wordstar. This program fea- 
tures an introduction to 
CP/M, Wordstar installation, 
cursor moves, text moves, de- 
leting and inserting text, on- 
screen formatting, file-man- 



agement techniques, and a 
variety of other functions. In- 
cludes audiocassettes cover- 
ing installation, cursor 
moves, and formatting and 
printing. For II, II Plus, He, 
and III; floppy disk, $49.95. 
Talk-U-Thru Tutorial Sys- 
tems, 6519 Fountain Ave., Los 
Angeles, CA 90028. 

Teacher's Pet, a report-card 
program that can keep track 
of an unlimited number of 
students ranging from ele- 
mentary to high school. Up 
to 800 objectives can be 
placed on the master disk, 
which already contains about 
700 standard objectives. For II 
Plus and He; floppy disk, 
$300. Softcell (see address 
above). 



Atari 

Computer Football Strategy, 

a football-simulation game 
similar to the board game. Pit 
your strategic skills against 
the computer or a live oppo- 
nent as you call both offense 
and defense plays. Many for- 
mations to choose from as 
the game clock ticks away. 
For 400/800; cassette, $16. 
Avalon Hill Game Co., 4517 
Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD 
21214. 

The Arcade Machine, a 

game-creation program. De- 
velop your own animated 
creatures, spaceships, aliens, 
tanks, monsters, or other ob- 
jects to move over a variety of 
backgrounds. Include such 
sounds as explosions, musi- 
cal tones, and other sound 
effects as you design your 
own arcade games. For 400/ 
800 and the XL series; flop- 
py disk, $59.95. Broderbund 
Software Inc., 17 Paul Dr., 
San Rafael, CA 94903. 

B/Graph, a professional 
graphics-charting and statis- 
tical-analysis program. You 
can assemble, process, and 



display complex, extensive 
numerical data in graphic 
form with this comprehen- 
sive, two-disk package. For 
400/800; floppy disk, $99. In- 
home Software Inc., Unit 8, 
2485 Dunwin Dr., Missis- 
sauga, Ontario L5L 1T1, 
Canada. 



CP/M 

Billchecker, a personal fi- 
nancial program that runs 
CP/M 2.2. This lets you 
handle check writing and bill 
paying. When you categorize 
bills due, their dates due are 
automatically updated. 
Checkbook will hold up to 
200 transactions with six-digit 
numerals using double preci- 
sion. Floppy disk, $39.95. 
Extal Alstar Inc., POB 850, 
Rome, NY 13440. 

CP/M.D., a utility program 
that diagnoses and cures ail- 
ments of CP/M disks. Menu- 
driven functions and a vari- 
ety of commands recover 
files from bad disks, locate 
and lock out bad sectors, and 
translate decimal numbers to 
hexadecimal and binary 
codes. Floppy disk, $29.95. 
Teleprint Inc., Simpl-Simon 
Software, POB 10, Sylvania, 
GA 30467. 

Magic/L, a general-purpose 
interactive language. Appli- 
cations include mailing-list, 
hardware diagnostics, de- 
bugging routines, an image- 
processing system, database 
query system, a turnkey 
process-control system, and 
a cross-assembler program. 
Floppy disk, $295. Loki Engi- 
neering Inc., 55 Wheeler St., 
Cambridge, MA 02138. 

Menu, a utility package that 
automatically sorts disk files 
using number codes without 
typing filenames. You select 
numbers and Menu handles 
functions such as copy, re- 



name, erase, type, restore, 
compare, and more. You can 
secure sensitive disk files 
with password protection 
and explore the internal sys- 
tem while programming. 
Floppy disk, $149. Comput- 
ing, 2519 Greenwich St., San 
Francisco, CA 94123. 

Real-Time C, a utility pro- 
gram that provides users of 
Whitesmiths' C compiler 
with an alternate run-time li- 
brary suitable for real-time 
programming. The library 
consists of approximately 100 
modules combined into two 
library files. Features include 
command-line parsing and 
error handling accessible to 
the application programmer. 
Floppy disk, $95. Kadak 
Products Ltd., 206-1847 West 
Broadway Ave., Vancouver, 
British Columbia V6J 1Y5, 
Canada. 

SAL/80, a utility compiler 
and language program. This 
program lets you maintain 
and reduce development and 
debugging time, and test 
branch code. It includes a 
complete set of console in- 
put/output primitives that 
perform case and base con- 
version, byte, word and 
string input/output through 
standard system calls and 
provide data manipulation 
using arithmetic functions. 
Floppy disk, $59. Protools, 
24225 Summerhill Ave., Los 
Altos, CA 94022. 

Text Addresser, a word-pro- 
cessing package that runs 
CP/M 2.2. A categorized ad- 
dress book automatically ad- 
dresses letters. You can edit, 
move text, center text, and 
print. Floppy disk, $39.95. 
Extal Alstar Inc. (see address 
above). 



Commodore 

Casual Writer, a word-pro- 
cessing program. You can 
write letters and lists, print 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 467 



Software Received - 



club bulletins, and store in- 
formation on tape. For the 64; 
cassette, $29. E.N. Publica- 
tions, RD 1, Box V, Worden, 
IL 62097. 

Design-a-Quilt, a graphic- 
design program that can de- 
sign more than 450 million 
quilt patterns. You key in a 
value for colors, blocks, and 
patches per block for a sym- 
metric arrangement of quilt 
patterns. For the VIC-20; cas- 
sette, $29.95. Don's Designs, 
1728 Womer, Wichita, KS 
67203. 

The Home Budget Ledger, a 

home-accounting program. 
This electronic checkbook 
and budget planner lets you 
set up spending categories to 
format as general ledger 
pages. It shows check num- 
bers and descriptions, debits, 
credits, and balances. It also 
features routines to track 
checks, noncheck transac- 
tions, and disk backup. For 
the 64; floppy disk, $24.95. 
Harpware— Software and 
Computers, POB 760954, 
Dallas, TX 75376-0954. 

Intermediate Language and 
Math, a five-program educa- 
tional package for ages 10 
through 12. Program titles in- 
clude Nouns and Verbs, Ad- 
jectives and Adverbs, Rocket 
Launch, Add Speed, and 
Math Squares. For the 64; 
cassette, $34.95 for all five 



programs or $9.95 each. 
Baned Software, 113 Tenth 
St., West Keansburg, NJ 
07734. 



FTD— 6502/6510 Debugger, 

an assembly-language utility 
(see description under Ap- 
ple). For the 64; floppy disk, 
$30. Pterodactyl Software, 
200 Bolinas Rd. #27, Fairfax, 
CA 94930. 



IBM 

Personal Computer 

Codewriter, a utility program 
that lets businesspeople de- 
sign their own programs 
without computer program- 
ming experience. Possible ap- 
plications include payables 
and receivables, sales analy- 
ses, customer and personnel 
files, mailing lists, invoicing, 
and inventory tracking. Flop- 
py disk, $399. Dynatech 
Microsoftware Inc., 7847 
North Caldwell Ave., Niles, 
IL 60648. 

Empire, a global-conflict sim- 
ulation game. You must an- 
nihilate other armies on a 
large map to gain total 
domination of the world. Re- 
quires strategic concentra- 
tion. Floppy disk, $40. 
Northwest Software, 15343 
Southeast 43 Place, Bellevue, 
WA 98006. 



Fast File, an applications- 
generator program designed 
for novice users to design 
their own application pro- 
grams. This program can be 
used to create automated sys- 
tems such as inventory, ac- 
counting, mass mailing, and 
other data-tracking systems. 
You can manipulate data, 
design reports, and generate 
labels. Includes security- 
protection features. Floppy 
disk, $695. ICCS, 7777 Lees- 
burg Pike, Falls Church, VA 
22043. 



Fixed Asset Manager, a fi- 
nancial-scheduling tool. Two 
depreciation schedules and 
various assets can be cata- 
loged for business and per- 
sonal uses. Features include 
standard depreciation meth- 
ods, assets classified by loca- 
tion or type, extensive in- 
quiry, and exception report- 
ing. Floppy disk, $150. Sof- 
trend, POB 1462, Charlottes- 
ville, VA 22902. 



The Itemizer, a financial- 
record-keeping program. 
This program lets you define 
up to 90 categories which can 
be printed, saved in a file, or 
displayed on the screen in 
summary and detail form. 
Floppy disk, $39.95. People 
Literate Software, POB 2039, 
Bozeman, MT 59715. 



Manager Program Collec- 
tion, an integrated schedul- 
ing and financial-planning 
system that contains three, 
programs. Task Manager pro- 
vides daily schedule control 
and a job-expense account- 
ing system. Records Manager 
offers a client- and associ- 
ate-information filing system. 
Project Manager is a project- 
planning and resource-anal- 
ysis system. Floppy disks, 
$499. Datamension Corp., 
615 Academy Dr., North- 
brook, IL 60062. 

The Real Estate Consultant, 

an investment-analysis pack- 
age. This package assists in 
comparing real estate invest- 
ment yields against alterna- 
tive investment potentials 
such as individual ownership 
vs. partners, rent-or-buy 
decisions, tax status vs. new 
tax shelters, and timing a sale 
vs. holding. Floppy disk, 
$275. Consultant Systems 
Inc., Suite #311, 3704 State 
St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105. 

Samna Word II, a word-pro- 
cessing business package. 
You can write, edit, and re- 
view any document with 
flexibility. This program also 
supports multiple window 
operations, a fold feature for 
wide columnar documents, 
floating footnotes, and a 
zoom feature that lets you see 
page makeup. Floppy disks, 
$450. Samna Corp., Suite 



Graphics for the IBMpc, Apple, Z-100 

This is a spectacular collection of programs in BASIC for 2D and 3D 
graphics. They form a complete self-teaching guide that will show you how 
to write graphics software quickly and easily. 

The programs are listed in a book beside full documentation. They show 

how to use basic plotting commands, create 2D and 3D shapes, translate,. 

rotate, scale, stretch, remove hidden lines, shade, clip, window, draw 

perspective views, use hi-speed animation for simulation, games. 

"If you have the slightest interest in graphics I recommend the book" 

- Programmer Magazine 
Book- $30.50 Disk- $21.50 (specify IBM, Apple Z-100) 



468 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 212 on Inquiry card. 



C-1200, 2700 Northeast Ex- 
pressway, Atlanta, GA 30345. 

Set-FX, a printer-control pro- 
gram. Designed to fully util- 
ize the Epson FX, this pro- 
gram can let you print the full 
IBM character set including 
line graphics, foreign lan- 
guages, and math and sci- 
ence symbols. You can also 
create custom fonts for spe- 
cial effects, set modes for 
variety, and employ ideas the 
program provides. Floppy 
disk, $59.95. Softstyle Inc., 
Suite 200, Department B12, 
7192 Kalanianaole Highway, 
Honolulu, HI 96825. 

Super Chartman II, a busi- 
ness-graphics-presentation 
program. Up to six graphs 
and charts can be displayed 
on one page, and stored data 
can be transferred from one 
graphic format to one of 20 
others. This program is 
menu- and input-form- 
driven; the manual is de- 
signed for the nontechnical 
user. Floppy disk, $425. 
Graphic Software Inc., 1972 
Massachusetts Ave., Cam- 
bridge, MA 02140. 

Time Value of Money, an in- 
vestment problem-solving 
tool. Make financial deci- 
sions based on analyses of 
compound interest, mort- 
gage, annuity, and gradient. 
Create investment and pay- 
ment schedules, merge these 



with reports, and file for 
future reference. Floppy disk, 
$39.95. People Literate Soft- 
ware (see address above). 

Type & Learn, a typing-in- 
struction program. Learn 
how to type while you learn 
about computers by match- 
ing computer terms, defini- 
tions, and paragraphs of 
computer information. This 
program calculates your 
score, accuracy percentage, 
and words-per-minute 
speed. The progress of your 
typing skills is reported. 
Floppy disk, $60. Simsoft 
Inc., POB 7095, Port Huron, 
MI 48301. 

Type-Righter, a typing-tutor 
program. Both novice and 
beginning users can develop 
speed and accuracy in typ- 
ing. Color and graphics are 
used to highlight keys and re- 
inforce the lessons. Floppy 
disk, $19. Martin Oakes, 2100 
Oriole Dr., Freeport, IL 
61032. 

Universal Loan Planner, a 

loan-planning utility pro- 
gram. You can plan the terms 
of a loan and the printing of 
an amortization schedule. 
Features also include calcula- 
tion of minimum payment, 
interest rates, amortization 
periods, and the maximum 
amount you can borrow. 
Floppy disk, $59.95. Andy's 
Software, Group 1, Box 44, 



RR 6, Bowmanville, Ontario 
L1C 3K7, Canada. 



Util, a utility package to ma- 
nipulate ASCII data files. 
Programmers can use these 
filter functions to provide 
flexibility in command lists 
processed by the batch-com- 
mand processor. Floppy 
disk, $30. John R. Hind, 4100 
Pickwick Dr., Raleigh, NC 
27612. 



WS-Patch, a utility package to 
enhance your printer's power 
using Wordstar. This pro- 
gram patches special infor- 
mation into programs to 
enable special printer func- 
tions. It amends the print- 
control menu to reflect letter- 
quality printing such as bold- 
face, italics, superscripts, and 
subscripts. Floppy disk, 
$49.95. CMB3 Enterprises, 
POB 3061, Walnut Creek, CA 
95498. 



Osborne 1 

Animate, a graphics and ani- 
mation-processor program. 
Using ASCII and graphics 
characters you can create pic- 
tures on the screen to edit, 
save, print, combine, and 
display. Floppy disk, $30. 
Softborne Software, 1217 
Hawthorne Lane, Fort Wash- 
ington, PA 19034. 



Cypho.bas, an interactive 
program that performs cryp- 
tographic algorithms on 
alphabetic text. The program 
encrypts or decrypts data 
entered from the console or 
in a disk file, and sends the 
resulting data to the disk file. 
Floppy disk, $10. Graven 
Imagery, Apt. Ill, 50 Walmer 
Rd., Toronto, Ontario M5R 
2X4, Canada. 

Magic, an investment-analy- 
sis program. Enter the values 
for up to 15 investments 
based on daily, weekly, or 
monthly data, and Magic 
provides 6 moving averages 
and 12 ratios of moving aver- 
ages for relative strength and 
momentum oscillators. You 
can compute averages for dif- 
ferent time periods. Floppy 
disk, $49.95. $ware Tools for 
Investors, POB 645, San Luis 
Rey, CA 92068. 



TRS-80 

Autoplot, a graphics pro- 
gram that automatically plots 
curves in color. Choose from 
among line graphs, scatter 
plots, and bar graphs plotted 
from mathematical functions 
or tabulated data. Axes are 
automatically scaled and 
labeled. For the Model 100; 
cassette, $39.50. Menlo Sys- 
tems, Suite 221, 3790 El 
Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 
94306. 



Statistics for the IBMpc, Apple, Z-100 

This Is a book/disk package of programs in BASIC for the application of 
statistics to business, science and engineering. Emphasis is on understan- 
ding statistics and using micros for the quick solution of real-life problems. 

Programs are included for statistical distributions, histograms, sorting, 
smoothing, mean, standard deviation, errors, sampling, estimations, reliability, 
confidence intervals, linear and multilinear regression, curve fitting, correla- 
tion, time series and forecasting. Also numerous case studies. Takes the 
mystery out of statistics! Book- $36 Disk- $26 (specify IBMpc, Apple, Z-100) 

KERN PUBLICATIONS - Call for faster delivery 

433 Washington St, PO Box 1029, Duxbury, MA 02331 (617)934-0445 



m 



Circle 213 on inquiry card. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 469 



Software Received 



Brainstormer, a universal 
problem-solving program. 
You can generate potential 
solutions to complex prob- 
lems with a structure tech- 
nique for describing prob- 
lems in strategy selection, 
idea generating, and solution 
implementation. Applica- 
tions include increasing flex- 
ible thinking, discovering 
new products, identifying 
new markets, and exploring 
personal or organizational 
problems. For the Model III; 
floppy disk, $50. Soft Path 
Systems, c/o Cheshire 
House, 105 North Adams, 
Eugene, OR 97402. 

Dyfin, a personal financing 
program. Make financial 
decisions on loans, savings, 
investments, and retire- 
ments. This program can cal- 
culate monthly payments or 
returns and balance a check- 
book. A 500-year calendar 
feature includes a monthly 



display. For the Color Com- 
puter; cassette, $19.95. 
Dynamic Electronics Inc., 
POB 896, Hartselle, AL 
35640. 

Maze Runner, a maze-type 
game. Create your own 
mazes or play the maze 
games already on disk. Test 
your skill and speed as the 
maze constantly changes. For 
the Models III and 4; floppy 
disk, $9.95. Point Video Prod- 
ucts, Box 34, 2005 A St., 
Garden City, KS 67846. 

Options 80A, a stock-option 
analyzing program. Investors 
can maximize stock-market 
yields, plot returns against 
actuals, and print graphs 
alphanumerically. This ver- 
sion includes Black-Scholes 
modeling and put-option 
spreads. For Models I and III; 
floppy disk, $170. Options-80, 
POB 471, Concord, MA 
01742. 




Buy ASCI Intelligent Port Expanders 

• Eliminate Manual Switching by Remote 
Control 

• Improve Productivity and Reliability 

• Share Printers, Modems or Plotters 

• Expand Computers or Terminals 

• Use Matrix Switching for Multiple Trans- 
mission or Security 

• Supports Polling and Queing 

INSTANT COMPATIBILITY with new computer devices 
and MAJOR OEM PRODUCTS: 

Altos — Burroughs — Data General — DEC 

H.P. — IBM — NCR — Northstar — Victor 

and other key manufacturers. 

Call 213-793-8979 to EXPAND YOUR SYSTEMS 






TODAY. 

Advanced Systems Concepts Inc. 

435 N. Lake Ave., Dept. b l 
Pasadena, CA9 1 l 1 

800-824-7080 Telex: 70 1 215 



Paintpot, an extended BASIC 
educational program for all 
ages. Four-color graphics can 
be sketched using arrow 
keys, a joystick, or mouse; 
colors are selected from an 
on-screen palette. Four 
screens can be stored at once. 
For the Color Computer; cas- 
sette and disk, $20 and $25, 
respectively. Tim Skene, 6073 
Durocher Ave., Montreal, 
Quebec H2V 3Y1, Canada. 

Scribe, a word-processing 
program. In addition to edit- 
ing text files, you can print 
letters and reports in finished 
forms using a dot-matrix 
printer. For the Model 100; 
cassette, $24.95. Chattanooga 
Systems Associates, POB 
22261, Chattanooga, TN 
27421. 



Texas Instruments 
99/4A 

Dow Editor/Assembler, a 

utility package that provides 
the ability to program in as- 
sembly language, save on 
cassette, restore the program 
from cassette, and display 
the program on the monitor. 
Cassette, $25. John X Dow, 
6360 Caton, Pittsburgh, PA 
15217. 

Wild Woods, an arcade-type 
game. After you are dropped 
from an airplane, you must 
fire your flamethrower to 
reach land safely and to forge 



through a dense forest in 
search of treasures. Avoid the 
rushing river, incoming tide, 
and the search plane. Cas- 
sette, $11.95. JW Software, 814 
West Main St., Urbana, IL 
61801. 

Wycove Forth, a program- 
ming-language program. 
Gain high-speed program- 
ming and control of the com- 
puter using printer access, 
sound, sprites, a graphics 
mode, text mode, and bit- 
map graphics-mode displays. 
Floppy disk with cassette, 
$50. Wycove Systems Ltd., 
POB 1105, Dartmouth, Nova 
Scotia B2Y 4B8, Canada. 



T/S1000 and ZX81 

The Fantastic Music Ma- 
chine and Light Show, a 

two-part program. Music 
Composer transforms the 
keyboard into a three-octave 
musical instrument that plays 
through a radio. Light Show 
animates random kaleido- 
scopic patterns or lets you 
create your own designs. 
Cassette, $9.95. Simulusion, 
Box 894, Lemon Grove, CA 
92045. 

Party Nibbles and Bites, a 

fast-recipe program. A dozen 
party recipes instantly ap- 
pear when you select from 
the menu of choices. Cas- 
sette, $9.95. Simulusion (see 
address above ).■ 



This is a list of software packages that have been received by 
BYTE Publications during the past month. The list is correct to 
the best of our knowledge, but it is not meant to be a full de- 
scription of the product or the forms in which the product is 
available. In particular, some packages may be sold for several 
machines or in both cassette and floppy-disk format; the prod- 
uct listed here is the version received by BYTE Publications. 
This is an all-inclusive list that makes no comment on the 
quality or usefulness of the software listed. \X/e regret that we 
cannot review every software package we receive. Instead, 
this list is meant to be a monthly acknowledgment of these 
packages and the companies that sent them. All software re- 
ceived is considered to be on loan to BYTE and is returned to 
the manufacturer after a set period of time. Companies send- 
ing software packages should be sure to include the list price 
of the packages and (where appropriate) the alternate forms 
in which they are available. 



470 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Circle 16 on inquiry card. 



Event Queue 



January 1984 



January 

Courses from Q. E. D. Infor- 
mation Sciences, various 
sites throughout the U.S. 
Scheduled courses include 
"Cost-Benefit Analysis/ 7 
"Leadership: Managing and 
Influencing People/ 7 and 
"Designing Systems Con- 
trols.' 7 Address inquiries to 
Q. E. D. Information Sci- 
ences Inc., Q. E. D. Plaza, 
POB 181, Wellesley, MA 
02181, (800) 343-4848; in Mas- 
sachusetts, (617) 237-5656. 

January-February 

Fundamentals of Finance 
and Accounting Using a Mi- 
crocomputer, various sites 
throughout the U.S. This 
three-day seminar is spon- 
sored by the Data Processing 
Institute of the New York 
University School of Con- 
tinuing Education. It will 
cover microcomputer appli- 
cations for effective decision 
making and controlling busi- 
ness requirements. Previous 
computer knowledge is not 
required. The fee for the 
course is $695. For specific 
dates and locations, contact 
the NYU School of Continu- 
ing Education Seminar Cen- 
ter, 575 Madison Ave., New 
York, NY 10022, (212) 
748-5094. 

January-April 

Courses in C Language and 
Unix, various sites through- 
out the U.S. Three five-day 
courses are offered: "C Pro- 
gramming Workshop, 77 "Ad- 
vanced C Topics Seminar, 77 
and "Unix Workshop. 77 For 
complete details, contact Joan 
Hall, Plum Hall Inc., 1 
Spruce Ave., Cardiff, NJ 
08232, (609) 927-3770. 

January-August 

Conferences and Expositions 
from the Society of Manu- 
facturing Engineers, various 



sites throughout the U.S. and 
around the world. More than 
25 conferences and exposi- 
tions are scheduled. For a 
calendar, contact the Public 
Relations Department, Soci- 
ety of Manufacturing Engi- 
neers, One SME Dr., POB 
930, Dearborn, MI 48121, 
(313) 271-0777. 

January 10-22 

Mainframe Seismic and 
Remote Sensing Applica- 
tions of Optical Storage, 

Westin Oaks Hotel, Houston, 
TX. This conference will em- 
phasize the uses of optical 
storage in oil exploration, 
geophysical, atmospheric, 
and oceanographic-sensing 
industries, where massive 
amounts of data must be col- 
lected, analyzed, and ar- 
chived. The fee is $695 for the 
first person from an organiza- 
tion and $595 for each addi- 
tional attendee. For details, 
contact Technology Opportu- 
nity Conference, POB 14817, 
San Francisco, CA 94114-0817, 
(415) 626-1133. 

January 14-15 

The Fourth Annual Com- 
puter Fair, Northland Mall, 
Sterling, IL. This event is 
sponsored by the Sauk Valley 
Computer Club. For details, 
contact Vinus Williams, Rt. 1, 
Milledgeville, IL 61051, (815) 
625-8585 days. 

January 16-17 

Data Communications for 
Personal Computers, Boston, 
MA. This seminar seeks to 
impart an understanding of 
the fundamentals of data 
communications, describe 
the possible applications 
available to computer users, 
and provide guidance in the 
selection and use of data 
communications hardware 
and software. Topics covered 
range from electronic mail to 
troubleshooting an installed 
system. The fee is $545, 
which includes all materials. 



Contact the Center for Ad- 
vanced Professional Educa- 
tion (CAPE), Suite 110, 1820 
East Garry St., Santa Ana, 
CA 92705, (714) 261-0240. 

January 16-17 

MOS Analog/Digital Inter- 
face Circuit Design for VLSI 
Systems, San Francisco Air- 
port Hilton Hotel, San Fran- 
cisco, CA. This short course 
will emphasize applicable 
design techniques for very 
large-scale integration sys- 
tems. Course notes are in- 
cluded in the $450 fee. For a 
brochure, contact Continuing 
Education in Engineering, 
University of California Ex- 
tension, 2223 Fulton St., 
Berkeley, CA 94720, (415) 
642-4151. 

January 16-20 

The IEEE Instrumentation 
and Measurement Technol- 
ogy Conference and The 
Measurement Science Con- 
ference, Long Beach, CA. 
Both of these conferences ad- 
dress the theme "Automa- 
tion—Quality—Productivity. 77 
Tutorials, seminars, and 
workshops will cover such 
topics as "Design for Test- 
ability, 77 "Solid State Trans- 
ducers, 77 and "Testing Re- 
lating to VLSI Design. 77 The 
first conference will empha- 
size automated testing and 
computer-aided instrumenta- 
tion, while the second fo- 
cuses on the latest develop- 
ments in metrology. The 
venue for both convocations 
is aboard the Queen Mary 
ocean liner. For more infor- 
mation, contact John C. 
Schulz, Ford Aerospace and 
Communications Corp., Ford 
Rd., POB A, Building 4, 
Room 28, Newport Beach, 
CA 92660, (714) 720-4787. 

January 17-19 

The Midwestern Telecommu- 
nications Showcase, Bartle 
Hall, Kansas City, MO. Tech- 
nical sessions and a large ex- 



hibition of products and ser- 
vices designed for the tele- 
communications industry are 
planned. For details, contact 
the United States Telecom- 
munications Suppliers Asso- 
ciation (USTSA) Exhibit Of- 
fice, 7076 Taft St., Holly- 
wood, FL 33024, (305) 
963-1485. 

January 17-19 

Mini/Micro-Southeast and 
Southcon/84 High-Technol- 
ogy Electronics Exhibition 
and Convention, Orange 
County Convention/Civic 
Center, Orlando, FL. Mini/ 
Micro, designed for the ori- 
ginal equipment manufactur- 
ing community, explores pe- 
ripherals, processors, data 
communications, and soft- 
ware. A few of the topics to 
be addressed at Southcon/84 
are artificial intelligence, 
computer-aided design, and 
factory automation. For de- 
tails on these concurrent 
events, contact Electronic 
Conventions Inc., 8110 Air- 
port Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 
90045, (213) 772-2965. 

January 17-20 

Uniforum, Washington-Hil- 
ton, Washington, DC. This 
conference and exposition is 
designed for and by users of 
Unix-based systems. For de- 
tails, contact Mark Weber, 
Professional Exposition Man- 
agement Co. Inc., Suite 205, 
2400 East Devon Ave., Des 
Plaines, IL 60018, (800) 
323-5155; in Illinois, (312) 
299-3131. 

January 18-23 

Commtex International and 
NAVA/ICIA '84 Convention, 

Dallas Convention Center, 
Dallas, TX. Commtex, a com- 
munications and information 
technologies exposition, 
highlights the latest develop- 
ments in audio-visual, video, 
and microcomputer products 
for many communication 
needs. The concurrent con- 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 471 



Event Queue 



vention is sponsored by the 
National Audio Visual Asso- 
ciation/International Com- 
munications Industries Asso- 
ciation (NAVA/ICIA). For in- 
formation, contact Robert 
Milko, NAVA, 3150 Spring 
St., Fairfax, VA 22031, (703) 
273-7200. 



Januaiy 19 

Microtrends Update, Dallas, 
TX. This conference focuses 
on future trends in the micro- 
computer industry and on 
the needs in the educational 
software field. It's held in 
conjunction with the NAVA/ 
International Communica- 
tions Industries Association 
1984 Convention. For infor- 
mation, contact Kathy Eisen- 
rauch, NAVA/ICIA, 3150 
Spring St., Fairfax, VA 22031, 
(703) 273-7200. 

January 19-20 

Data Communications for 
Personal Computers, New 
Brunswick, NJ. For details, 
see January 16-17. 

Januaiy 23-25 

Teaching Math with Micro- 
computers, Hacienda Resort 
Hotel, Las Vegas, NV. This 
seminar, sponsored by the 
National Council of Teachers 
of Mathematics (NCTM), is 
designed to inform educators 
in elementary, intermediate, 
and secondary schools about 
using microcomputers effec- 
tively in mathematics educa- 
tion. For details, contact 
NCTM Seminar Series, 1906 
Association Dr., Reston, VA 
22091, (703) 620-9840. 

January 24-26 

Advanced Semiconductor 
Equipment Exposition (ASEE) 
and Technical Conference, 

Convention Center, San Jose, 
CA. Five sessions designed 
as a broad-based program 
cover the manufacturing 
aspects of the semiconductor 
industry. For details, contact 
Joyce Estill, Cartlidge & As- 
sociates Inc., Suite 205, 4030 



Moorpark Ave., San Jose, CA 
95117, (408) 554-6644. 

Januaiy 25-27 

The Business Telecommuni- 
cations Exposition, Stadium 
Club, Giants Stadium, East 
Rutherford, NJ. This commu- 
nications exposition is de- 
signed for business, industry, 
and trade. Topics of interest 
include facsimile, voice, 
video, and data communica- 
tions. Other topics to be 
covered are office automa- 
tion, word processing, and 
purchasing. Registration is 
required for admittance to 
the exposition. Contact 
Michael Houston, The Expo- 
sition Group Inc., 9128 Co- 
lumbia Ave., North Bergen, 
NJ 07047, (201) 662-1318. 

Januaiy 25-27 

Fundamentals of Digital 
Electronics: A Hands-on 
Workshop, Hilton Hotel, Los 
Angeles, CA. Technical man- 
agers and engineers will ex- 
plore the practical essentials 
of digital theory and applica- 
tions. This seminar is spon- 
sored by Electronics maga- 
zine, a McGraw-Hill publica- 
tion. In-house presentations 
can be arranged. For a catalog 
outlining seminars, locations, 
and fees, contact Irene 
Parker, McGraw-Hill Semi- 
nar Center, Suite 603, 331 
Madison Ave., New York, NY 
10017, (212) 687-0243. 

January 26-27 

Computers in Construction, 

Las Vegas, NV. This seminar 
is designed to assist construc- 
tion contractors and con- 
struction management firms 
in acquiring computer sys- 
tems. The fee is $425 per 
registrant. More details are 
available from CIP Informa- 
tion Services Inc., 1105-F 
Spring St., Silver Spring, 
MD 20910, (301) 589-7933. 

Januaiy 26-27 

Software Business Opportu- 
nities in Japan, Monterey, 
CA. This seminar will cover 



the marketing of packaged 
software in Japan, software 
licensing, protecting software 
from competitors, methods 
of distribution, tax planning 
considerations, and sales 
techniques. American and 
Japanese computer, technol- 
ogy, trade, and legal experts 
will discuss strategies for 
penetrating the Japanese 
market. Registration informa- 
tion is available from the 
Technology Analysis Group 
Inc., Suite 101, 1424 16th St. 
NW, Washington, DC 20036, 
(202) 483-6642. 



Januaiy 27-29 

Resource '84, Shamrock Hil- 
ton Hotel, Houston, TX. This 
computer exposition is dedi- 
cated to users in the medical, 
dental, legal, and accounting 
professions who need to buy 
a new system or want to up- 
grade existing systems. Tele- 
communications information 
and software applicable to 
home and office uses will be 
displayed. Admission is free 
for physicians, dentists, at- 
torneys, and accountants; all 
others pay $2.50. Entrance to 
any or all of the seminars is 
$10. For details, contact Joyce 
Fadem, Professional Re- 
sources Inc., POB 740433, 
Houston, TX 77274. 



Januaiy 30-31 

Data Communications for 

Personal Computers, Los 

Angeles, CA. For details, see 
January 16-17. 

Januaiy 31-Februaiy 3 
The Sixth Annual Commu- 
nication Networks 1984 Con- 
ference and Exposition, 

Washington Convention 
Center, Washington, DC. 
Voice and telecommunica- 
tions, electronic mail, data 
processing, and communica- 
tions are a few of the prod- 
ucts and services to be dis- 
played at this event. Registra- 
tion information is available 
from Louise Myerow, POB 
880, Framingham, MA 01701, 



(800) 225-4698; in Massachu- 
setts, (617) 879-0700. 



February 1984 

Februaiy- April 

Courses from Integrated 
Computer Systems, various 
sites throughout the U.S. 
"Implementing Local Area 
Networks" and "Computer 
Network Design and Proto- 
cols" are two of the courses 
to be presented. For complete 
course information, contact 
Ruth Dordick, Integrated 
Computer Systems, 6305 
Arizona Place, POB 45405, 
Los Angeles, CA 90045, (213) 
450-2060. 

Februaiy-July 

Reliability and Maintain- 
ability Engineering Insti- 
tutes and Short Courses, 

various sites throughout the 
U.S. A few of the programs 
to be offered are "Reliability 
Engineering, Testing, and 
Maintainability Engineering" 
and "The Tenth Annual Re- 
liability Testing Institute." For 
a complete schedule, contact 
Dr. Dimitri Kececioglu, Col- 
lege of Engineering, Aero- 
space and Mechanical Engi- 
neering Department, Univer- 
sity of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 
85721, (602) 621-2495. 

Februaiy 1-2 

Data Communications for 

Personal Computers, San 

Jose, CA. For details, see 
January 16-17. 

Februaiy 2-4 

The Third Annual SCS Mul- 
ticonference, Bahia Hotel, 
Mission Bay, San Diego, CA. 
This conference, sponsored 
by the Society for Computer 
Simulation (SCS), is com- 
posed of four conferences: 
Modeling and Simulation on 
Microcomputers, Simulation 
in Health Care Delivery Sys- 
tems, Aerospace Simulation, 
and Simulation in Strongly 
Typed Languages, Ada, Pas- 
cal, Simula. For details, con- 



472 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



tact Gloria Rico, SCS, POB 
2228, La Jolla, CA 92038, (619) 
459-3888. 

February 7-9 

Florida Agribusiness Com- 
puter Conference and Trade 
Show, Civic Center, Lake- 
land, FL. This conference 
will demonstrate how com- 
puters can be used as deci- 
sion-making tools for mana- 
gers in agribusiness. The 
sponsor of this second an- 
nual farm computer confer- 
ence is the University of 
Florida's Institute of Food and 
Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). 
For details, contact IFAS 
Director of Conferences, 1041 
McCarty Hall, University of 
Florida, Gainesville, FL 
32611, (904) 392-5930. 

February 7-10 

Florida Instructional Com- 
puting Conference, Orlando, 
FL. This conference is de- 
signed to provide kindergar- 



ten, elementary school, high 
school, and college and uni- 
versity instructors and ad- 
ministrators with the oppor- 
tunity to learn about admin- 
istrative and instructional 
computing. More than 85 
concurrent sessions, 120 ex- 
hibits, and preconference 
workshops will be offered. 
Full details are available from 
Educational Technology, 
Florida Department of Edu- 
cation, Knott Building, Talla- 
hassee, FL 32301, (904) 
487-3104. 

February 13-16 

Kuwait Info '84, Internation- 
al Exhibition Center, Kuwait 
City, Kuwait. Exhibits in this 
third annual event will en- 
compass a broad range of in- 
formation businesses, includ- 
ing data and word process- 
ing, communications, office 
automation, micrographics, 
security systems, and en- 
vironmental control systems. 



Information is available from 
Carol Purdey, Intermarket 
Network Corp., Suite 203, 
1110 Vermont Ave. NW, 
Washington, DC 20005, (202) 
822-9127. 

February 14-15 

The First Annual Automated 
Manufacturing Systems 
Conference: A Market As- 
sessment, Inn of Westchester, 
White Plains, NY. For infor- 
mation, contact Carol Sap- 
chin, Frost & Sullivan Inc., 
106 Fulton St., New York, NY 
10038, (212) 233-1080. 

February 14-16 

The Twelfth Annual ACM 
Computer Science Confer- 
ence, Franklin Plaza Hotel, 
Philadelphia, PA. Papers, 
panel sessions, and abstracts 
will address the central 
themes of "Factory of the 
Future/' "Coping with Small 
Computers," and "Social and 
Ethical Implications of Com- 



puters/' Exhibits will feature 
over 50 computer and in- 
structional materials. Par- 
ticulars are available from the 
Association for Computing 
Machinery, 1133 Avenue of 
the Americas, New York, NY 
10036, (212) 265-6300. 



February 20-22 

The 1984 Office Automation 
Conference (OAC '84), Con- 
vention Center, Los Angeles, 
CA. The theme of this con- 
ference is "Office Automa- 
tion and You/' For the first 
time, an executive-only pro- 
gram will be offered. Further 
information is available from 
the American Federation of 
Information Processing Soci- 
eties Inc., 1899 Preston White 
Dr., Reston, VA 22091, (703) 
620-8926. For details on the 
Executive Program, contact 
John J. Connell, Office Tech- 
nology Research Group, POB 
65, Pasadena, CA 91102. 



i»PRIfT SFRVIfT INTEGRITY Y °u owe it to yourself to call uss (ord l er S f only) (800)392-7081 

*■ l%IV>t-* JUV¥IV-L^ II1ILUI\I1 1 ••• mours: Monday-Friday 8:30 8 m-4:30 P m Pacific Time) Calif., Alaska, Hawaii & all info Call {213)725-3080 



HihiiHililifiM I 




Gemini-lOX, 120 CPS, 80 Col., fric- 
tion & tractor feed, (parallel) .SCall 
Gemini-15, above w/1 5" platen.Call 
Delta-10, New! Like 10-X but with 
a faster speed of 160 CPS .SCall 

FX-80. 160 CPS, 80 Col., friction & 

tractor feed, parallel Call 

FX-100, 160 CPS, 132 Col., friction 

& tractor feed, parallel Call 

RX-80. MX- 80F/T, M X-100...Call 

3550 Spinwriter, 30 CPS, 203 Col., 
letterquality, (Parallel). . . S1,850 

Tractor for NEC 3550 S245 

8023A, 10 CPS, 80co l.,par..S385 

8510AP Prowriter, 120 CPS, 80 col., 

graphics,(Parallel) SCall 

1550 Prowriter-ll,120CPS, 136 col., 
2K buffer, graphics. (parallel) . SCall 



120 CPS, 9x9 matrix, tractor/fric- 
tion feed, comp act', (parallel) . $389 

Super dot-matrix printer w/24-pin 
hi-resolution head. 192 CPS draft, 
100 CPS letter-quality (parallel) Scall 



ML-S2A, 120 CPS, 80 col, pin & 
friction feed, serial & parallel .S3 79 
ML-83A. 120 CPS, 136 col., tractor 
& friction feed, parallel/serial .5629 
ML-84P, 200 CPS, 136 col., friction 
& tractor feed, (parallel) . . , .$989 
ML-92P, 1 60 CPS, 80 col ., friction 
& tractor feed, (parallel) . . , .S499 
ML-93P, 160 CPS, 136 col., tractor. 
& friction feed, ( parallel). . . .$84f ' 

BSaEM 

IDS Prism 80C, 200 CPS, 80 col., 4- 
cofor, graphics, friction/tractor feed, 
sheet feeder, (parallel) , , . $1,259 
IDS Prism 132C, above but 132 col. 
Parallel $1,495 




New! 23 CPS daisywheel printer w/ 
2 color printing, 3K buffer, propor- 
tional spacing, etc. Parallel. S769 

EIH3aaS'lEXP-550 

16 CPS daisywheel printer, bi direc- 
tional printing, proportional and in- 
cremental spacing. Parallel . S649 

HEEaaa 

40 CPS daisy wheel (parallel) Si, 089 
55 CPS daisywheel (parallel) $1,349 

EEESEsa 

13 CPS daisywheel printer, 2-color 
printing, 3K buffer, (parallel) .SCall 

EHEEa 

18 CPS daisywheel, 13" platen, 2K 
buffer, 3-pitch, (parallel). . . .S539 

A super daisywheel printer w/ultra 
fast 80 CPS printing speed, plus 
many outstanding features $2,095 

t3ME3E3Em 

The intelligent letter-quality printer 
w/48K built-in buffer memory, 17 
CPS, bi-directional, auto margin jus- 
tification, universal interfaces $1,059 

EmiiaTTx-1014 

TTX-1014, 12 CPS daisywheel with 
built-in tractor adjustable 2%-14W, 
Parallel & serial inte rfaces . . $519 




TTX-3000 
Smart Terminal 

Built-in text edit & 
graphic capability. 
:ign for upgrad- 
to stand-alone 
^computer, word 
processing & 
telecom sys- 
. 80x25 line swivel screen,10 func- 
tion keys & numeric keypad. . $549 
■Complete w/1014 printer . . . S999 



you at an unbelievable price 



.... is the famous daisywhee, 
printer that sets the industry 
standard for reliability & dura- 
bility. 16 CPS, bi-directional & 
proportional spacing. 10,12,15 
pitch. Uses standard typewriter 
ribbon. 1614" paper. Parallel 
interface. We have purchased a 
huge quantity of . 

, « rin ='°{j>599 




Multi-Function 

Cards for 
IBM PC and XT 

New Low PricesI 

(Each card now comes w/ «- - ~ — 

SuperDrive&SuperSpool) ESt '-' '' I 

Six-function card with 64K-384K RAM memory, Parallel port. Serial port, 
Optional Game port, Clock-Calendar,"SuperDrive & SuperSpool Software. 

Memory installed on card - none 64K 128K 192K 256K 320K 384K 

with paralle, serial ports & Clock $227 S2B7 $317 $367 $417 $467 S517 
above plus game port $262 $302 S352 $402 $452 $502 $552 

EEMTIFffl 

Amount of memory installed on board ■— None 64 K 128K 192K 256K 

w/seriat port No. 1 & clock - $226 $266 $316 $366 $416 

w/either parallel or serial port No. 2 S274 $314 $364 S414 $464 

w/both parallel & serial port No. 2 S309 $349 $399 $449 $499 

MegaPak- - (128K) $199 (256K) $299 

Standard card w/one serial port (SI) and clock/calendar $129 

Additional Parallel (P), Game (G), or Serial 2 (S2) port add $35 ea. 

TE\ E Wk nS S W\ Mi I QUADBOARD - Multi-Function board for 
IWilrAlPJftijalkil IBM-PC. Full parity checkings, memory selec- 
^M^jAflMU tive addressing. w/QSpool & QDrive software. 

Amount of memory installed on card none 64K 128K 192K 256K 

with parallel, serial ports, clock/calendar-— $235 $275 S325 $375 $425 




Roland DXY-800 Plotter 

8-pen intellegent X-Y plotter. High 
speed 180mm/sec. IBM-PC compati- 
ble. 11"x17" paper size. Dual speed 
switch. Both parallel & serial interface. 
Intro special $795 



EASTERN ENTERPRISES, INC. r 

Mass Merchandising Since 1969 r™ 

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for Apple II and Franklin Ace 
Super 5 (ALPS) 40- track, SS . S199 
Super 5 (Teac) 40 track, SS . . $239 
Super 5 (Teac) double sided . . $339 

Control card for SS drive $59 

Control card for DS drive .... $69 




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BMC BM-AU9191MU, 13" RGB 

color, 640-dot. 16 color . . . S449 

Princeton HX-12, 12" RGB color, 

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Amdek RGB Color II Plus, 640-dot. 

16 colors $459 

Quadchrome, 12" RGB Color, 690- 
dot. S569 

Zenith ZVM 134 RGB Color .$399 

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20MHz. ListS200 $129 

USI PI-2, 12" green, 1,000 line, 20 

MHz S155 

Taxan KG-12N, 12" green 800-dot, 

List S199.00 S149 

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Amdek 310A, 12" amber, 720-dot, 
runs on IBM monochrome card 
& multi-display cards only .$179 

Dynax AM121, 12" umber, 600-dot 
20 MHz. List $250. , . . S149 

Taxan KA12N, 12" amber, 800-dot, 
List $205.00 $150 

USI PI-3, 12" amber, 1,000-dot, 
20Mhz .$169 





Tandon TM-100-1 SSDD 160K ,$159 
Tandon TM-100-2, DSDD 320K $225 
Tandon Half-Height,DSDD 320KS219 
TEAC 55B Half ht. DSDD 320K $225 
Control Datafullht.DSDD 32QK$235 
QUME half height DSDD 320K . $229 
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WordStar $495 S269 

MailMerge S250 S149 

SpellStar S250 S149 

Wordstar Professional S489 

Infostar S299 

1-2-3 (Req. OS drive). .S495 CALL 

dBASE II S700 S395 

Financial Planner S489 

Friday $199 

Bottom Line Strategist .... S295 
Home AccountantPlus. $150 S99 

TKISolver 5 299 S219 

Multiplan S275 S175 

PFS: File. $95 

PFS: Report S85 

Versaform $389 $249 

PeachPak (GL/AR/AP). $395 S239 

Peach Text 5000 S237 

The Tax Manager . . . .$250 S179 

VisiCalc/256K $250 S169 

Real Estate Analyzer . .$250 S189 

SuperCalc I $295 S115 

SuperCalc II $295 $175 

Spell Guard S195 $119 

Super Writer S295 S185 




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Circle 145 on Inquiry card. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 473 



Event Queue- 



February 20-23 

Arabian Productivity Ad- 
vancement Using Computers/ 
Graphics, APAC '84> Inter- 
Continental Hotel, Riyadh, 
Saudi Arabia. This is the first 
international conference and 
exposition on computer 
graphics to be held in Saudi 
Arabia. Industry and govern- 
ment representatives from 
Middle Eastern and Western 
nations will attend. For infor- 
mation, contact APAC '84 
Conference Director, World 
Computer Graphics Associa- 
tion Inc., Suite 399, 2033 M 
St. NW, Washington, DC 
20036, (202) 775-9556. 

February 21-23 

Softcon, Superdome, New 
Orleans, LA. This interna- 
tional software conference 
and trade fair is designed for 
retailers, independent sales 
organizations, consultants, 
government agencies, educa- 
tional institutions, and pro- 
fessional software develop- 
ers. Registration is $15. For in- 
formation, contact Northeast 
Expositions, 822 Boylston St., 
Chestnut Hill, MA 02167, 
(800) 841-7000; in Massachu- 
setts, (617) 739-2000. 

February 22-28 

Imprinta 84, Fairgrounds, 
Dusseldorf, West Germany. 
This international congress 
and exhibition will feature 
techniques and services in 
print communication and its 
alternatives. For details, con- 
tact Dusseldorf Trade Shows, 
500 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 
10110, (212) 840-7744. 

February 23-24 

Computers in Construction, 

Orlando, FL. For details, see 
January 26-27. 

February 23-26 

Technology, Entertainment, 
Design Communications 
Conference, Conference 
Center, Monterey, CA. Audio 
and visual presentations 
documenting technological 
advances and their usage in 



communications processes 
will be presented at this con- 
ference. Registration fees are 
$475. Contact Judi Skalsky, 
T. E. D. Communications 
Conference, 635 Westbourne 
Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90069, 
(213) 854-6307. 

February 27-March 2 

MICAD '84, Paris, France. 
An exhibition associated with 
the MICAD biennial confer- 
ence will be held for the first 
time. This event also marks 
the tenth anniversary of 
MICADO, the French Com- 
puter Graphics Association. 
MICAD will provide an op- 
portunity for manufacturers 
of computer graphics hard- 
ware and software to make 
contact with the rapidly 
growing French computer- 
graphics market. For infor- 
mation, contact Caby Smith, 
World Computer Graphics 
Association Inc., Suite 399, 
2033 M St. NW, Washington, 
DC 20036, (202) 775-9556. In 
Europe, contact MICADO, 
ZIRSX Chemin de Pre Carre, 
38240 Meylan, France; tel: 
(76) 90-31-90; Telex: 980882 F. 

February 27-March 2 

Welcome to the World of Per- 
sonal Computing, Fort Lau- 
derdale, FL. This workshop 
serves as a comprehensive 
introduction to the uses of 
microcomputer technology 
in business, industry, and 
government. Six modules, 
ranging from user produc- 
tivity to software reliability, 
are on the agenda. For fur- 
ther information, contact 
Keston Associates, 11317 Old 
Club Rd., Rockville, MD 
20852, (301) 881-7666. 

February 28-29 

The Twelfth Annual Mid- 
west Digital Equipment Ex- 
hibit and Seminar, Thunder- 
bird Motel, Minneapolis, 
MN. More than 100 manufac- 
turers of computer terminals, 
data communications equip- 
ment, peripherals, data-ac- 
quisition systems, and digital 



test instruments will display 
their products. Admission to 
both the exhibits and semi- 
nars is free of charge. For 
more details, contact Coun- 
tryman Associates Co., 1821 
University Ave., St. Paul, 
MN 55104, (612) 645-9151. 

February 28-March 1 
The Annual Computer Fair 
of the Computer Society of 
Bermuda, Princess Hotel, 
Southampton, Bermuda. 
The theme for this event is 
"Bermuda— The International 
Offshore Software Mart." 
Seminars, demonstrations, 
presentations, and vendor 
exhibits will highlight this 
show. For full details, contact 
James H. Young Jr., Com- 
puter Society of Bermuda, 
POB 1479, Hamilton 5, Ber- 
muda, (809) 2957111. 

Feb man/ 28-March 2 

The Air Force Conference on 
Technology in Training and 
Education, School of Health 
Care Sciences, Sheppard Air 
Force Base, TX. This confer- 
ence will explore technology 
in aerospace applications, 
technical training, and edu- 
cation with emphasis on cur- 
rent developments in the 
Department of Defense. Top- 
ics of discussion include 
computer-generated simula- 
tions and training aids and 
innovative uses of interactive 
video disks. For information, 
contact Captain Jim Camp- 
bell, SHCS/USAF/MSSA, 
SAFB Wichita Falls, TX 76311, 
(817) 851-6461. 



March 1984 

March 8-9 

Computers in Construction, 

San Diego, CA. For details, 
see January 26-27. 

March 8-10 

The Role of the Microcom- 
puter in Education IV, Ar- 
lington Park Hilton, Arling- 
ton Heights, IL. In-depth 



seminars and sessions cover- 
ing a wide range of educa- 
tional topics make up this 
conference. Further informa- 
tion is available from Rick 
Nelson, Micro-Ideas, 1335 
North Waukegan Rd., Glen- 
view, IL 60025, (312) 998-5065. 

March 12-14 

Auditing and Controlling 
Microcomputers, Houston, 
TX. This seminar reviews the 
technology behind micro- 
computers and shows how 
they can be used by an audi- 
tor for practice management 
or as a tool in an audit en- 
gagement. For a course out- 
line, contact Miriam Hoyt, 
MIS Training Institute Inc., 4 
Brewster Rd., Framingham, 
MA 01701, (617) 879-7999. 

March 12-15 

Interface '84, Convention 
Center, Las Vegas, NV, For 
details on this twelfth annual 
data communications/infor- 
mation-processing confer- 
ence and exposition, contact 
the Interface Group Inc., 300 
First Ave., Needham, MA 
02194, (800) 325-3330; in Mas- 
sachusetts, (617) 449-6600. 

March 13-25 

Micro/SET 84: Microcom- 
puter Expo for Scientific, 
Engineering, and Technol- 
ogy, Engineering Society of 
Detroit, MI. Papers empha- 
sizing microcomputer appli- 
cations in research, design, 
engineering, and manufac- 
turing will be presented. 
Complementing the confer- 
ence program will be dis- 
plays of scientific, engineer- 
ing, and technical microcom- 
puter hardware and soft- 
ware. For more information, 
write to the Conference Man- 
ager, Engineering Society of 
Detroit, 100 Farnsworth, 
Detroit, MI 48202. 

March 23-25 

Optical Storage of Docu- 
ments and Images, Biltmore 
Hotel, Los Angeles, CA. Top- 
ics to be covered are read- 



474 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



write and read-only storage 
of analog and digital informa- 
tion including office docu- 
ments, engineering draw- 
ings, and parts catalogs. The 
fee is $695 for the first person 
from an organization and 
$595 for each additional at- 
tendee. For more informa- 
tion, contact Technology Op- 
portunity Conference, POB 
14817, San Francisco, CA 
94114-0817, (415) 6264133. 

March 18-22 

Saudicomputer '84— The 
Business Computer Show, 

al-Dhiafa Exhibition Centre, 
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For in- 
formation, contact Philip Jen- 
kinson, Saudicomputer '84, 
Overseas Exhibition Services 
Ltd., 11 Manchester Square, 
London W1M5AB, England; 
tel: 01-486 1951; Telex: 24591 
Montex G. 

March 19-22 

Automated Manufacturing 

Conference and Exhibition 

(AM84), Textile Hall, Green- 
ville, SC. The latest auto- 
mated manufacturing tech- 
nologies will be the focus of 
this combination exhibition 
and seminar. Representatives 
from more than 200 firms are 
expected. Complete details 
about the conference can be 
obtained from the AM84 
Registration Control Center, 
POB 5616, Station B, Green- 
ville, SC 29606, (803) 242-3170, 
ext. 260. Details about the ex- 
hibition are available from 
AM84, POB 5823, Greenville, 
SC 29606, (803) 233-2562. 

March 19-22 

The Eighth Annual Federal 

Office Systems Expo (FOSE 

'84), Convention Center, 
Washington, DC. The theme 
for this year's expo is the 
"Realities of Integration: 
Technologies, Applications, 
Human Resources/' More 
than 60 conference sessions 
and 1200 exhibits are 
planned. Address inquiries 
to Jacqueline Voigt, National 
Trade Productions, 9418 An- 



napolis Rd., Lanham, MD 
20706, (800) 638-8510; in 
Maryland, (301) 459-8383. 

March 22-23 

Computers in Construction, 

New York, NY. For details, 
see January 26-27 

March 26-28 

The Seventh International 
Conference on Software En- 
gineering, Orlando, FL. This 
conference seeks to evaluate 
what has been learned from 
the past and to provide direc- 
tions for future investigations 
in software engineering. Its 
theme is "Fifteen Years of 
Software Engineering: Re- 
sults and Futures." A soft- 
ware tools fair will be held 
concurrently. Contact the 
IEEE Computer Society, POB 
639, Silver Spring, MD 20901, 
(301) 589-3386. 

March 26-30 

The Sixth NC Industrial 
Automation and Robot Con- 
ference and Exhibition, 

Milan Fair, Milan, Italy. Con- 
trols for automated material 
handling, variable mission 
manufacturing systems, and 
quality control will be fea- 
tured. A concurrent confer- 
ence consisting of 20 sessions 
will be presented. For more 
information, contact the So- 
ciety of Mechanical Engi- 
neers, One SME Dr., POB 
930, Dearborn, MI 48121, 
(313) 271-0023. 

March 28-30 

The Sixth Annual Computer 
Graphics Conference, Doral 
Hotel On-the-Ocean, Miami 
Beach, FL. The theme for this 
conference is "Forecasts and 
Assessments/' Further details 
are available from Carol Sap- 
chin, Frost & Sullivan Inc., 
106 Fulton St., New York, NY 
10038, (212) 233-1080. 

March 30-31 

Third Annual Conference on 
Communication Technol- 
ogy, Joseph Stokes Auditori- 
um, Children's Hospital of 



Philadelphia, PA. This pro- 
gram presents advances in 
technology and treatment al- 
ternatives for physically han- 
dicapped and speech im- 
paired persons. Speakers, 
equipment demonstrations, 
and workshops are planned. 
The two-day registration fee 
is $95, which includes all 
course materials. If your reg- 
istration request is post- 
marked before March 10, the 
fee is reduced by $10. Group 
rates are offered. For full par- 
ticulars, contact Joan Bruno, 
Children's Seashore House, 
4100 Atlantic Ave., POB 4111, 



Atlantic City, NJ 08404, (609) 
345-5191, ext. 278. 

March 30-April 1 

The NY Personal Computer 
Show, Exposition Rotunda, 
Madison Square Garden, 
New York City. Formerly 
called the Eighty/Apple/PC 
Computer Show, this event 
will feature products and ser- 
vices for all small computer 
systems. More than 240 ex- 
hibitors are expected. Com- 
plete show details can be ob- 
tained from the Kengore 
Corp., POB 13, Franklin Park, 
NJ 08823, (201) 297-2526. ■ 



In order to gain optimal coverage of your organization's com- 
puter conferences, seminars, workshops, courses, etc., notice 
should reach our office at least three months in advance of the 
date of the event. Entries should be sent to: Event Queue, 
BYTE Publications, POB 372, Hancock, IMH 03449. Each month 
we publish the current contents of the queue for the month of 
the cover date and the two following calendar months. Thus a 
given event may appear as many as three times in this section 
if it is sent to us far enough in advance. 



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January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 475 



Books Received 



Apple II BASIC-Quick 
Reference Guide, Gilbert Held. 
New York: John Wiley & 
Sons, 1983; 1 page, 15.5 by 
30 cm, fold-out card, ISBN 0- 
471-87039-0, $2.95. 

Atari BASIC— Quick Refer- 
ence Guide, Gilbert Held. 
New York: John Wiley & 
Sons, 1983; 1 page, 15.5 by 
30 cm, fold-out card, ISBN 0- 
471-87041-2, $2.95. 

Catching up with the Com- 
puter Revolution, Lynn M. 
Salerno, ed. New York: John 
Wiley & Sons, 1983; 544 
pages, 17 by 24 cm, hard- 
cover, ISBN 0-471-87594-5, 
$22.95. 

The Compleat Computer, 2nd 
ed. Dennie and Cynthia Van 
Tassel. Chicago, IL: Science 
Research Associates, 1983; 
282 pages, 30.5 by 22.5 cm, 
softcover, ISBN 0-574- 
21415-1, $14.95. 

Computer Images, State of the 
Art, Joseph Deken. New 
York: Stewart, Tabori & 
Chang Publishers Inc., 1983; 
200 pages, 24.8 by 24.8 cm, 
softcover, ISBN 0-941434- 
40-0, $16.95. 

Data and File Management 
for the IBM Personal Compute?; 
John P. Grillo and J. D. 



Robertson. Dubuque, IA: 
Wm. C. Brown Company 
Publishers, 1983; 208 pages, 
21.3 by 28 cm, spiral-bound, 
ISBN 0-697-09987-3, $16.95. 
. Database Design, 2nd ed. 
Gio Wiederhold. New York: 
McGraw-Hill, 1983; 767 
pages, hardcover, ISBN 0-07- 
070132-6, $32. 

Designing With Program- 
mable Array Logic, 2nd ed. 
The Technical Staff of 
Monolithic Memories Inc. 
New York: McGraw-Hill, 
1983; 690 pages, 19.5 by 24.5 
cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-07- 
042723-2, $32.95. 

Electronic Instrumentation 
and Measurements, David A. 
Bell. Reston, VA: Reston Pub- 
lishing Co., 1983; 544 pages, 
18.5 by 24 cm, hardcover, 
ISBN 0-8359-1669-3, $25.95. 

Fifty 1K/2K Games for the 
ZX-81 and Timex Sinclair 1000, 
Alastair Gourlay, James 
Walsh, and Paul Holmes. 
Reston, VA: Reston Publish- 
ing Co., 1982; 112 pages, 15.8 
by 23.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 
0-8359-1979-X, $10.95. 

54 Visicalc Models, Robert 
H. Flast. Berkeley, CA: 
Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1983; 
288 pages, 21 by 275 cm, soft- 



cover, ISBN 0-33134-100-2, 
$12.95. 

Free to Teach, Achieving Equi- 
ty and Excellence in Schools, Joe 
Nathan. New York: Pilgrim 
Press, 1983; 201 pages, 16 by 
25 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0- 
8298-0657-1, $14.95. 

IBM PC BASIC-Quick Ref- 
erence Guide, Gilbert Held. 
New York: John Wiley & 
Sons, 1983; 1 page, 15.5 by 30 
cm, fold-out card, ISBN 0- 
471-87042-0, $2.95. 

Image Sequence Processing 
and Dynamic Scene Analysis, 
T. S. Huang, ed. New York: 
Springer-Verlag Inc., 1983; 
760 pages, 17 by 25 cm, hard- 
cover, ISBN 0-387-11997-3, 
$59.20. 

Interfacing to Microproces- 
sors, J. C. Cluley. New York: 
McGraw-Hill, 1983; 168 
pages, 16 by 24 cm, hard- 
cover, ISBN 0-07-011409-9, 
$24.50. 

Intermediate-Level Apple II 
Handbook, David L. Heiser- 
man. Indianapolis, IN: 
Howard W. Sams & Co., 
1983; 328 pages, 15.3 by 23 
cm, spiral-bound, ISBN 0- 
672-21889-5, $16.95. 

International Microcomputer 
Dictionary, Berkeley, CA: 



Sybex, 1981; 142 pages, 10.5 
by 16.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0- 
89588-067-9, $3.95. 

The Intimate Machine, Close 
Encounters with Computers and 
Robots, Neil Frude. New York: 
New American Library, 1983; 
256 pages, 14.5 by 22.5 cm, 
hardcover, ISBN 0-453-00450- 
4, $15.50. 

Introduction to Graphics for 
the IBM Personal Computer, 
John P. Grillo and J. D. 
Robertson. Dubuque, IA: 
Wm. C. Brown Company 
Publishers, 1983; 144 pages, 
21.3 by 28 cm, spiral-bound, 
ISBN 0-697-09989-X, $15.95. 

M6805 HMOS M146805 
CMOS Family, 2nd ed. 
Motorola. Englewood Cliffs, 
NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1983; 272 
pages, 17.5 by 23.5 cm, soft- 
cover, ISBN 0-13-541375-3, 
$17.95. 

Machine & Assembly Lan- 
guage Programming, David C. 
Alexander. Blue Ridge Sum- 
mit, PA: Tab Books, 1982; 210 
pages, 13 by 21 cm, softcover, 
ISBN 0-8306-1389-7, $9.95. 

Managing the Data-Base En- 
vironment, James Martin. 
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Pren- 
tice-Hall, 1983; 784 pages, 19 
by 24 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0- 



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BASIC* Features 

A powerful extension of Applesoft BASIC for engineers, scien- 
tists and students. Some of the BASIC* features are: 

• BUILT-IN COMPLEX ARITHMETIC 

Replaces Applesoft integer variables with complex variables for 
built-in complex arithmetic capabilities. 

• BUILT-IN COMPLEX FUNCTIONS 

Useful functions for complex arithmetic like CSQRT, CEXP. 
CABS and CLOG are available. Several complex/real and 
real/complex functions are standard. 

• POWERFUL EXTENDED HI-RES COMMANDS 

Area oriented byte graphic capabilities for pixel manipulation, 
image magnification, inter-scteen and intm-screen image tmnsla- 
tion, and screen/memory data movement. Commands for screen 
switching and displays, and clearing screens to different 
background colors. 

• PROGRAMMABLE CHARACTER SETS 

Instead of the standard text screen, hi-res screens can be used 
for upper/lower cases and for mixed graphic modes. Program- 
mable character sets for foreign language alphabets, variable 
fonts and animation applications. 

• VARIABLE PITCH SCREEN PRINTING 

Variable pitch printing capabilities permit printing 40 to 70 
characters per line. 

Several application programs (like FFT, EQUATION SOLVER) 
are contained in the BASIC* diskette to illustrate the powerful 
features of the language. 

Requires APPLE II 711 Plus with a I6K memory card or APPLE 
HE and one disk drive. 

Price: $60 + $2 shipping and handling + 6% tax for Califor- 
nia residents. We accept checks, Visa or Master Card. 

Contact SS. Reddi, Softesmythe Software, 

1000 W. Mac Arthur U9, 

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Circle 493 on inquiry card. 



Circle 494 on inquiry card. 



Circle 495 on inquiry card. 



13-550582-8, $49.95. 

Messner's Introduction to the 
Compute?', Fred D'Ignazio. 
New York: Simon & 
Schuster, 1983; 288 pages, 
14.5 by 21.5 cm, hardcover, 
ISBN 0-671-42267-7, $10.29. 

Microcomputer Interfacing, 
Harold S. Stone. Reading, 
MA: Addison-Wesley, 1983; 
400 pages, 16.5 by 24 cm, 
hardcover, ISBN 0-201-07403- 
6, $32.95. 

Microelectronics and Office 
Jobs, Diane Werneke. Wash- 
ington, DC: International 
Labor Office, 1983; 108 pages, 
16 by 24 cm, softcover, ISBN 
92-2-103278-7, $10. 

Modern Methods for COBOL 
Programmers, John R. Pugh 
and Doug H. Bell. Engle- 
wood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice- 
Hall, 1983; 224 pages, 16 by 
24 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-13- 
595215-8, $17.95. 

Photovoltaics, Robert G . 
Seippel. Reston, VA: Reston 
Publishing Co., 1983; 256 
pages, 18 by 24 cm, hard- 
cover, ISBN 0-8359-5538-9, 
$22.95. 

Practical Digital Design Us- 
ing ICs, 2nd ed. Joseph D. 
Greenfield. New York: John 
Wiley & Sons, 1983; 736 
pages, 16.5 by 24.5 cm, hard- 
cover, ISBN 0-471-05791-6, 
$26.95. 



Programming in Pascal, C. 
William Gear. Chicago, IL: 
Science Research Associates, 
1983; 256 pages, 18.5 by 23.5 
cm, softcover, ISBN 0-574- 
21360-0, $14.95. 

Programming the IBM Per- 
sonal Computer: Fortran 77, 
Robert Rouse and Thomas 
Bugnitz. New York: Holt, 
Rinehart and Winston, 1983; 
256 pages, 17.5 by 23.3 cm, 
softcover, ISBN 0-03-062042- 
2, $35.95. 

Programming Your Atari 
Computer, Mark Thompson. 
Blue Ridge Summit, PA: Tab 
Books, 1983; 280 pages, 13 by 
21 cm, softcover, ISBN 0- 
8306-1453-2, $10.95. 

Software Engineering for 
Small Computers, R. B. Coats. 
Reston, VA: Reston Publish- 
ing Co., 1982; 256 pages, 18 
by 24 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0- 
8359-7026-4, $24.95. 

Strategies for Natural Lan- 
guage Processing, Wendy G. 
Lehnert and Martin H. 
Ringle, eds. Hillsdale, NJ: 
Lawrence Erlbaum Associ- 
ates Inc., 1983; 560 pages, 16 
by 23.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 
0-89859-191-0, $49.95. 

A Structured Approach to 
Fortran, J. Winston Crawley 
and Charles E. Miller. Res- 
ton, VA: Reston Publishing 
Co., 1983; 766 pages, 19 by 24 



cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-8359- 
7092-2, $16.95. 

Techniques of BASIC for the 
IBM Personal Computer, John 
P. Grillo and J. D. Robertson. 
Dubuque, IA: Wm. C. Brown 
Company Publishers, 1983; 
270 pages, 21.3 by 28 cm, 
spiral-bound, ISBN 0-697- 
08276-8, $18.95. 

Useful BASIC Programs for 
the IBM PC, Stanley R. Trost. 
Berkeley, CA: Sybex, 1983; 
192 pages, 14 by 21 cm, soft- 
cover, ISBN 0-89588-111-X, 
$8.95. 

User's Guide with Applica- 
tions for the IBM Personal Com- 
puter, John P. Grillo and J. D. 
Robertson. Dubuque, IA: 
Wm. C. Brown Company 
Publishers, 1983; 272 pages, 
21.3 by 28 cm, spiral-bound, 
ISBN 0-697-09985-7, $17.95. 

Using and Troubleshooting 
the MC68000, James' W. Cof- 
fron. Reston, VA: Reston 
Publishing Co., 1983; 224 
pages, 15.5 by. 23.5 cm, hard- 
cover, ISBN 0-8359-8158-4, 
$21.95. 

VisiCalc Advanced Version, 
Worksheets for Business, Van 
Wolverton. San Jose, CA: 
Visicorp, 1983; 256 pages, 19 
by 23 cm, softcover, ISBN 0- 
912213-00-0, $18.95. 

VisiCalc for Science and Engi- 
neering, Stanley R. Trost and 



Charles Pomernacki. Berke- 
ley, CA: Sybex, 1983; 224 
pages, 17.7 by 22.8 cm, soft- 
cover, ISBN 0-89588-096-2, 
$13.95. 

What Can I Do With My 
Timex/Sinclair 1000? Lots!, 
Roger Valentine. New York: 
John Wiley & Sons, 1983; 164 
pages, 17 by 25.5 cm, soft- 
cover, ISBN 0-471-88730-7, 
$9.95. 

Z80 Applications, James W. 
Coffron. Berkeley, CA: 
Sybex, 1983; 320 pages, 17.5 
by 22.5 cm, softcover, ISBN0- 
89588-094-6, $14.95. ■ 



This is a list of books 
received at BYTE Publica- 
tions during this past 
month. Although the list 
is not meant to be exhaus- 
tive, its purpose is to ac- 
quaint BYTE readers with 
recently published titles in 
computer science and re- 
lated fields. \X/e regret 
that we cannot review or 
comment on all the books 
we receive; instead, this 
list is meant to be a 
monthly acknowledgment 
of these books and the 
publishers who sent them. 



Extended Processing SI 00 Boards 




BURNER I/O 

The BURNER I/O is a full feature multifunc- 
tion S100/IEEE-696 board. It has a complete 
EPROM programmer, 2 Serial ports, parallel 
output port, parallel input port and memory 
management. Programs 2704 thru 2764, 
2508, 251 6 and TMS2716 EPROMS. Menu 
driven disk based software supplied in 4K EPROM that is easily loaded on your 
disk. Zero insertion force programming socket. Totally I/O mapped. Serial ports 
are independent and support hardware handshaking. Baud rates from 50-19,200. 
Serial ports are software programmable. Seperate parallel input and output ports 
with full handshaking plus 4 direct sense bits. Memory management controls the 
S-100 address lines A16-A23. 

The board is offered in various configurations. In all versions it is fully assembled 
and tested. 

Option A: Complete board with programmer, I/O and memory 

management, $354.95 
Option B: Programmer only, $219.95 
Option C: I/O only (2S + P), $219.95 
Option D: Options B and C, $329.95 
Option E: Memory management only, $109.95 
Memory management may be added to Options B and C for $25.00 




POWER I/O 

The POWER I/O is a high performance slave 
computer that is a complete system includ- 
ing all hardware, software and documenta- 
tion. It is guaranteed to operate properly with 
any S-100/IEEE-696 system. The POWER I/O 
sets a new standard in flexibility, ease of 
integration, expandability and performance. It is designed with the future in mind. 
All I/O and memory may be doubled with the addition of our POWER I/O add-on. 
Memory can be quadrupled when the 256k rams are available. The standard soft- 
ware supports 6 serial ports, 2 parallel ports and 512K of ram. 
The basic board consists of a 4MHz Z80A, 64K DRAM, 3 serial (8251 A) I/O ports, 
baud rates to 1 9,200. Hardware, ETX, ACK and X-on/X-off handshaking, 1 parallel 
port, timer, 6 programmable delays, high speed parallel I/O to host, complete 
POWER I/O software in 4K EPROM (expandable to 8K). On board software is de- 
signed for maximum flexibility and ease of use. Supports user written programs. 
Complete documentation including source code, schematics and many software 
interface examples. 

The POWER I/O add-on has 3 additional serial ports, 1 parallel port and 
64K DRAM. 



POWER I/O: $375.00 

64K RAM ADD-ON: $175.00 



3 SERIAL, 1 PARALLEL ADD-ON: $195.00 
RAM AND I/O ADD-ON: $295.00 



ep extended Processing 3861 Woodcreek Lane ■ San Jose, California, 95117 ■ (408)249-8248 



Circle 158 on inquiry card. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 477 



Clubs and Newsletters 



Exchanges via 
Newsletter 

Electronics Projects is a 
newsletter for the exchange 
of projects, technical articles, 
software, computer applica- 
tions, programming tips, and 
money-making opportuni- 
ties. All members of the Elec- 
tronics Projects Club can re- 
ceive free advertising and are 
encouraged to submit articles 
in any electronics area. A $15 
membership fee includes a 
subscription to eight issues of 
Electronics Projects. For infor- 
mation, send a self-ad- 
dressed, stamped envelope 
to Kamenar Enterprises, POB 
186, Hatboro, PA 19040. 



Unigroup of 
Manhattan 

Unigroup is a nonprofit 
organization for users of the 
Unix operating system and 
its related products that 
meets in the New York 
metropolitan area. Meetings 
are held every two months 
and feature speakers who are 
prominent in the Unix field. 
Membership is $25 a year 
and includes a subscription 
to the newsletter Unigroup 
Journal Nonmembers must 
pay $10 to attend meetings, 
which are open to all inter- 
ested people. Address appli- 
cations and inquiries to Uni- 
group of New York Inc., 
GPO Box 1931, New York, 
NY 10116. 



New Englanders 

Organize for 

Osbornes 

The Vermont— New Hamp- 
shire Osborne Users Group 
(VNHOG) meets once a 
month at the Universalist 
Church in Woodstock, Ver- 
mont. Osborne users and 



other interested people are 
welcome to attend meetings. 
Topics include database-man- 
agement programs, Super- 
calc spreadsheets, Word- 
star-Mailmerge word pro- 
cessing, and more. For de- 
tails, contact VNHOG, RFD 
1, Box 20A, Killington, VT 
03751, or call Solveig Overby 
at (802) 422-3667. 



Monthly Review 
for the 64 

The 64 Review is a monthly 
newsletter for users of the 
Commodore 64 personal 
computer. Features of the 
newsletter are a question- 
and-answer column, pro- 
grams, a technical column, 
information on graphics and 
sound, and more. Annual 
subscriptions are $11.95. 
Sample issues cost $2.50. For 
further information, write to 
The 64 Review, POB 322, 
Livermore, CA 94550. 



IBM PC Users 
Meet In Fresno 

The Fresno IBM PC Users 
Club meets monthly in 
Fresno, California, to discuss 
intricacies of the PC. The 
club's newsletter announces 
the times and locations of 
future meetings, contains a 
trade column, and informs 
users of the IBM PC about 
events of interest. For further 
details, contact R. Betan- 
court, Fresno IBM PC Users 
Club, 6750 North Woodrow 
Ave., Fresno, CA 93710. 



Tribune 
for CP/M Users 

The CP/M Houston Users 
Group, an active group in 
Houston, Texas, produces a 
newsletter called the CP/M 



Houston Tribune. The group 
seeks to educate its members 
about communications, pub- 
lic-domain software, and 
video microbroadcasting of 
software. Other interests in- 
clude expanding the uses of 
CP/M-based systems regard- 
less of brands and sharing ac- 
tivities with other user 
groups. For details on meet- 
ings and fees, contact Thom- 
as McCormick, CP/M Hous- 
ton Users Group, Box 570473, 
Houston, TX 77257-0473, or 
call (713) 975-6061. 



Computer Cost 
Estimating 

Micapp Inc. (Microcom- 
puter Assisted Process Plan- 
ning) produces the Micapp 
Newsletter bimonthly for 
people in the metal-working 
industry who use microcom- 
puters to perform engineer- 
ing tasks. Listings for applica- 
tions such as cost estimating 
and process planning for 
turning, drilling, milling, 
boring, and grinding are in- 
cluded. Subscriptions cost 
$37.50 a year in the U.S. and 
$47.50 in Canada and abroad. 
For details, contact Micapp 
Inc., 16956 230th Ave., Big 
Rapids, MI 49307, or call (616) 
796-6637. 



For the Alpha Micro 

The Southern California 
Alpha Micro Users Society 
(SC/AMUS) meets on the 
second Sunday of every 
month (except holidays) from 
1 to 3 p.m. at the Fullerton 
Savings and Loan, 12860 
Euclid in Garden Grove, 
California. Membership dues 
are $22 the first year and $12 
thereafter for annual renewal 
of the newsletter. Nonmem- 
bers can receive the newslet- 
ter for $6 a year; back issues 
are available. For informa- 



tion, contact Bob Alex, 17632 
Fiesta Way, Santa Ana, CA 
92705, or call (714) 669-0360. 

Comprehensive 
Tandy Group 

The Tandy Business Users 
Group (T-BUG) meets on the 
third Wednesday of every 
month in the Chicago metro- 
politan area to discuss appli- 
cations for the TRS-80 
Models II, 12, 16,andl6B. A 
newsletter, T-BUG, is pro- 
duced and is included with 
the $25 annual membership. 
It contains information on 
past and future meetings, 
software reviews, and a con- 
sultant's column. For details, 
contact Carlos Hidalgo, 311 
Long view Rd., Waukegan, IL 
60087, or call (312) 623-9661. 



Central Jersey Users 

The Central Jersey IBM/PC 
Users (CJPC) is a group de- 
signed for users to exchange 
information about the IBM 
PC. For information, contact 
Howard Dean, CJPC, POB 
8280, Red Bank, NJ 07701, 
(201) 842-5800. 



TS User Newsletter 

TS User is a monthly news- 
letter for users of the Timex/ 
Sinclair microcomputer and 
its products. It includes hard- 
ware, software, and book re- 
views, editorials, and other 
columns for improved appli- 
cations. Annual subscrip- 
tions are $16.95 for 12 issues; 
$25 outside the U.S. and 
Canada. TS User is available 
from Yagsee, POB 155, Vicks- 
burg, MI 49097. 



Osborne Group 
In Philadelphia 

The Philadelphia Regional 
Osborne Group (PHROG) 



478 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



meets monthly in the Lans- 
dale area outside Philadel- 
phia to serve those interested 
in increasing the scope of 
their Osborne-related en- 
deavors. A newsletter is 
planned. For details, contact 
Joe Gervase, PHROG, Box 
340, Lamplighter Plaza, 
Kulpsville, PA 19443, or call 
(215) 362-1888. 



Meet In Miami 

The Miami PC User Group 
meets bimonthly to share ex- 
periences and knowledge in 
the current and future uses 
of the IBM PC at home and 
at the office. Members can 
access a private bulletin 
board service and a software 
library. Annual dues are $20. 
For details, contact Eddy 
Cue, Miami PC User Group, 
6925 Southwest 16 St., 
Miami, FL 33155, or call (305) 
262-1891. 



Westchester Apples 

The Westchester Apple 
Users Club meets at 8 p.m. 
on the third Wednesday of 



each month to discuss topics 
of interest to owners of Apple 
computers. The meetings are 
open to the public. A fee to 
cover the cost of club mail- 
ings is $11 for adults and $5 
for students. For further in- 
formation, contact Linda Hal- 
pern, 330 High Point Dr., 
Hartsdale, NY 10530, (914) 
428-5242. 



Engineering 
Working Group 

Educators interested in 
using microcomputers for 
engineering purposes are in- 
vited to join a nationwide 
group and receive a quarter- 
ly newsletter. For further in- 
formation, write Marilyn 
Henry, Microcomputer Engi- 
neering Working Group, 
George Washington Univer- 
sity (SEAS), Washington, DC 
20052. 



Kaypro Club for 
People in Queens 

The Peoples Computer (of 
Queens) Kaypro Club unites 
users and promotes useful 
information about the Kay- 



pro II. An $8 membership fee 
automatically enters mem- 
bers into a national database, 
and entitles them to receive 
a quarterly newsletter. The 
Piece ofKayke National Newslet- 
ter could become a monthly 
newsletter with enough in- 
put. For further details, con- 
tact Steve Bender, Peoples 
Computer (of Queens) Kay- 
pro Club, Box 28360, Queens 
Village, NY 11428. 



Telecommunicate 
the News 

Plumb is a newsletter that 
includes information about 
electronic bulletin board sys- 
tems and related communi- 
cations systems for all types 
of computers. Stories include 
news and features about soft- 
ware downloaders, message 
systems, merchandise boards, 
and more. For details on cur- 



rent subscription prices, con- 
tact Plumb, Box 300, Harrods 
Creek, KY 40027. 



Schools Take Note 

CHIME, the newsletter of 
the Clearinghouse of Infor- 
mation on Microcomputers 
in Education, is produced by 
the College of Education of 
Oklahoma State University. It 
contains software reviews 
written by teachers about 
educational programs for lan- 
guages, sciences, mathemat- 
ics, statistics, and more. A 
one-year subscription is $15; 
additional subscriptions 
delivered to the same ad- 
dress are available for $10 a 
year. For details, contact 
CHIME, College of Educa- 
tion, Oklahoma State Uni- 
versity, 108 Gundersen, Still- 
water, OK 74048, or call (405) 
624-6254. ■ 



If you would like BYTE readers t o know about your club or 
newsletter send the details accompanied by no more than one 
newsletter to Clubs and Newsletters, BYTE Publications, POB 
372, Hancock, IMH 03449. Overseas groups are encouraged to 
participate. Please allow at least three months for your 
announcement to appear. 



a message to our subscribers 

From time to time we make the BYTE subscriber list available to other companies who wish to send our sub- 
scribers material about their products. We take great care to screen these companies, choosing only those 
who are reputable, and whose products, services, or information we feel would be of interest to you. Direct 
ma/I is an efficient medium for presenting the latest personal computer goods and services to our subscribers. 

Many BYTE subscribers appreciate this controlled use of our mailing list, and look forward to finding informa- 
tion of interest to them In the mail. Used are our subscribers' names and addresses only [no other Informa- 
tion we may have is ever given). 

While we believe the distribution of this information is of benefit to our subscribers, we firmly respect the 
wishes of any subscriber who does not want to receive such promotional literature. Should you wish to 
restrict the use of your name, simply send your request to the following address. 

BYTE Publications Inc 

Attn: Circulation Department 

70 Main St 

Peterborough NH 

03458 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 479 



What's New? 



SOFTWARE 




Time Manager Eyes 
Expenditures 



Time Manager is just one 
of eight programs in Travel- 
ing Software's Business 
Manager Series for Radio 
Shack Model 100 and NEC 
PC-8201 computers. This 
program records time ex- 
penditures for projects, 
clients, and, \f desired, by in- 
dividual work activity. 
Hours worked can be 
logged as either billable or 
nonbillable with optional 
standard billing rates gener- 
ated for work activities. 
Flexible reporting of sum- 
mary information can be 
displayed on screen or 
printed out in either 40- or 



80-column formats. 

Time Manager costs 
$59.95, which includes a 
tutorial notebook and 
audiocassette tutorial. The 
other programs in the 
Business Manager Series 
cover appointments, ex- 
penses, sales, projects, 
taxes, and accountant 
books. A communications 
program is also available. 
For more information, call 
or write Traveling Software 
Inc., 11050 Fifth Ave. NE, 
Seattle, WA 98125, (206) 
367-8090. 
Circle 550 on inquiry card. 



Graphics Package 

Announced by 

Accent 



A graphics creation and 
animation package for the 
Apple \\ or III has been in- 
troduced by Accent Soft- 
ware. TGS: The Graphic 
Solution combines text and 
graphics in a manner that's 
similar to cinematic anima- 
tion techniques. This pro- 
gram provides simple key- 
board commands that you 



wield to build bit-mapped 
shapes, which are used to 
create interactive graphics 
presentations. TGS lets you 
mingle text and graphics on 
screen using its resident 
character set or your own 
fonts. Special graphics com- 
mands can be created with 
macroinstructions that 
enable execution of several 



graphics tasks with a single 
keystroke. Multiple object 
and background, variable 
speed animation, dual low- 
and high-resolution opera- 
tion, single-keystroke edit- 
ing, and hidden line anima- 
tion are provided. 

TGS is fully compatible 
with graphics programs 
that permit saving high- 
resolution screens as stan- 
dard Apple \\ DOS 3.3 files. 
Its hardware requirements 
are 48K bytes of RAM, Ap- 
plesoft in ROM, one disk 
drive, and a monitor. The 
list price is $149.95. A 
manual, backup disk, and 
demonstration applications 
are supplied. A demonstra- 
tion disk is available for S10 
directly from Accent Soft- 
ware Inc., 3750 Wright PI., 
Palo Alto, CA 94306, (415) 
856-6505. 
Circle 552 on inquiry card. 



Program Knocks 

Spreadsheets on 

Their Side 

Sideways lets you print all 
the columns ofyour spread- 
sheet, all at one time, on 
one continuous page. This 
program, developed by 
Funk Software, causes your 
hard copy to print out side- 
ways and is compatible 
with such spreadsheets as 
Lotus 1-2-3, Visicalc, Multi- 
plan, and Supercalc. Stan- 
dard printing features in- 
clude a choice of type sizes 
.ranging from compressed 
to large, a double-strike 
mode, unlimited printing 
width, and adjustable char- 
acter spacing, line spacing, 
margins, and print dimen- 
sions. Sideways accepts or- 
dinary ASCII textfiles 



created by spreadsheets, 
word processors, and 
editors. 

Sideways works with the 
IBM Personal Computer. It 
supports such printers as 
the Epson MX-80/100 and 
FX-80/100, IBM Graphics 
Printer, Okidata's Microline 
series, C.ltoh Prowriter, and 
Integral Data Systems' 
Prism, 460, and 560. The 
suggested retail price is $60. 
For more information, con- 
tact Funk Software Inc., 
POB 1290, Cambridge, MA 
02238, (617) 497-6339. 
Circle 558 on inquiry card. 



Executive Expense 
Account Manager 

Adaptive Software's Ex- 
pense Account Manager is 
purported to be the first 
microcomputer software 
package designed specifi- 
cally to organize and track 
travel and entertainment 
expenses for company ex- 
ecutives and professionals. 
Salient features include 
easy expense entry and 
corrections, reminders of 
expenses that are often 
overlooked, prompting for 
specific information re- 
quired by the IRS, and 
budget projections. Ex- 
pense subtotals can be 
organized by client or proj- 
ect, and a table of fre- 
quently traveled trips is 
maintained, which allows 
easy and consistent report- 
ing of automobile mileage. 
Expense Account Manager 
a utomatically reconciles 
travel advances and tracks 
reimbursements. For ad 
hoc reporting of expense 
data, an interface to 
Visicalc is provided. Addi- 



480 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



What's New? 






tional features include the 
ability to print out pocket 
recording sheets for record- 
ing expenses as they are in- 
curred and the ability to 
change expense items, 
budget lines, and subtotal 
definitions without pro- 
gramming. 

The Expense Account 
Manager runs on 48K-byte 
Apple II Plus and lie com- 
puters. It requires a disk 
drive and a printer. The 
suggested retail price is 
$150. Contact Adaptive 
Software, 1868 Cavell 
Ave., High/and Park, IL 
60035, (312) 831-4420. 
Circle 556 on inquiry card. 



PC Chess Program 

The Sfinks PC Chess pro- 
gram is designed for both 
beginners and experts. Pro- 
gram highlights include a 
problem mode, infinite 
levels of play, a dual chess 
clock, a save and restore 
function, multiple move 
take backs, move sugges- 
tions, and algebraic nota- 
tion. Sfinks a/so has op- 
tional printout and audio 
signal capabilities. All 
United States Chess Feder- 
ation rules, such as cas- 
tling, en passant, and 
underpromotion, are ob- 
served. Monochrome and 
color graphics are sup- 
ported. 

The Sfinks PC Chess pro- 
gram runs on 64K-byte IBM 
Personal Computers. It's 
available on floppy disk for 
$49.95 plus $2 shipping, 
from William Fink, Suite 
24-B, 1105 North Main St., 
Gainesville, FL 32601, 
(904| 377-4847. 
Circle 564 on inquiry card. 



Multiple Applications 
on Screen at Once 

Jack2 for the IBM Per- 
sonal Computer lets you do 
word processing, spread- 
sheeting, charting, and 
database-management 
tasks on screen simulta- 
neously without windows. 
One feature of Jack2 auto- 
matically changes the cor- 
responding values in text or 
a bar graph when you alter 
a number in a spreadsheet. 
All screen data, such as a 
spreadsheet with explana- 
tory text and a bar chart, 
can be printed out on a 
single page in the same 
manner as it appears on 
screen. Multiple columns of 
text can be displayed on the 
same page. Since word- 
wrap occurs within in- 
dividual columns, text can 
be entered or deleted in any 
of the columns without af- 
fecting the layout of the 
other columns. Pages can 
be as large as 25/2 inches 
wide, and horizontal scroll 
is automatic. 

Jack2 spreadsheets can 
handle 1000 columns and 
rows, each of which can 
have as many as 255 
values. Numeric values can 
be stored with up to 24 
digits of precision. Addi- 
tionally Jack2 offers user- 
selectable automatic or 
manual recalculation, user- 
definable column widths, 
and right justify, left justify, 
or center entries. Other 
features include a two-line 
command ares on top of 
the screen, a help line that 
explains what a command 
does, user-defined database 
and record formats, char- 
ting and printing functions, 
and the ability to. hide a 
scratchpad and confidential 
information in text. Fields 



can be deleted, added, or 
contracted, and three-level 
ascending, descending, 
alphabetic, and numeric 
sorts are permitted. 

Two utility programs, a 
report generator and a data 
transfer program, are offered 
as options. Jack2 costs 
$495. Contact Business 
Solutions Inc., 60 East Main 
St., Kings Park, NY 11754, 
(516) 269-1120. 
Circle 562 on inquiry card. 



Accounting 
Programs for HP 150 

BPI Systems announced 
the availability of a family of 
accounting packages for 
Hewlett-Packard's HP 1 50 
personal computer. The 
packages are General Ac- 
counting, Personal Ac- 
counting, Accounts Pay- 
able, Accounts Receivable, 
Payroll, Job Cost, and In- 
ventory Control. Each 
package can be used alone 
or integrated with other BPI 
software. The programs 
come on 3 1 /? -inch floppy 
disks and are supplied with 
documentation tailored for 
the HP 150. Each package 
retails for $425 and is mar- 
keted through existing 
Hewlett-Packard outlets. 

BPI Systems also pro- 
duces software for such 
computers as the Apple, 
Commodore 8032, IBM 
Personal Computer, NEC 
PC 8000, Sanyo MBC 
series, Texas Instruments 
Professional Computer, and 
CP/M-based systems. Com- 
plete details are available 
from BPI Systems Inc., 3423 
Guadalupe, Austin, TX 
78705, (512) 454-7191. 
Circle 561 on inquiry card. 



Prolog Interpreter 

Runs Under CP/M-80, 

MS-DOS 

Micro-Prolog 3 is an ex- 
tended Prolog interpreter 
for Z80-based machines 
running CP/M-80 and 
8088/8086-based ma- 
chines running MS-DOS. 
Prolog has enjoyed wide 
popularity abroad as a de- 
velopment language for in- 
telligent databases, expert 
systems, and artificial-intel- 
ligence applications. Al- 
though tailored for micro- 
computers, Micro-Prolog 3 
sacrifices none of the fea- 
tures of Prolog. Program- 
development aids such as 
interactive text and struc- 
ture editors, three trace util- 
ities, and user-definable er- 
ror trapping and recovery 
are standard. 

Micro-Prolog 3 features 
user-friendly syntax, tail 
recursive programs run in 
bounded memory, a gar- 
bage collector, and the abili- 
ty to wrap completed pro- 
grams as protected modules 
that can communicate with 
other programs by means 
of import/export name lists. 
More than 60 primitive rela- 
tions are provided, some of 
which include integer and 
floating-point arithmetic, 
two-way conversation bet- 
ween constant and charac- 
ter lists, and formatted 
record I/O for intelligent 
database applications. 
Among its new extensions 
are user-definable com- 
mands and the ability to 
add new primitive relations 
using an integral systems 
interface to machine-code 
programs. Micro-Prolog 3 
has an average speed of 
240 resolutions per second 
on a 4-MHz Z80 or 8088 
microprocessor. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 481 



What's New? 



On CP/M-80 systems, 
Micro-Prolog 3 requires 48K 
bytes of memory; MS-DOS 
systems need I28K bytes. A 
single license with docu- 
mentation is $275. Addi- 
tional computer licenses 
cost $75. For full details, 
contact Prolog Systems, 54 
Edgemont Rd., Milford, CT 
06460, [203] 877-7988. 
Circle 563 on inquiry card. 



Interactive Sales Aid 

GINA is an interactive 
point-of-purchase sales aid 
designed to attract, inform, 
and entertain your cus- 
tomers. GINA (General In- 
formation and Analysis) is a 
self-paced, hands-on tutor- 
ial that acquaints customers 
with computer basics. It 
uses a simple question-and- 
answer format that helps to 
define and clarify 
customers' computer 
needs. After collecting data 
on your customers' needs, 
GINA presents them with a 
purchase proposal that is 
tailored to those needs. 

Two versions of the pro- 
gram are available. Standard 
GINA recommends generic 
systems, while GINA+ sug- 
gests specific brand names 
that can be geared to your 
inventory. It runs on the 
IBM Personal Computer 
and its compatibles. Either 
version can also be pur- 
chased in almost any CP/M 
format. GINA costs $295, 
and GINA+ is $495. For 
more information, contact 
System Vision Corp., Suite 
207, 199 California Dr., 
Millbrae, CA 94030, (800) 
352-9999; in California, 
(415) 697-3861. 
Circle 559 on inquiry card. 




SAT Study Program 
from Barron's 



Barron's Computer Study 
Program for the SAT is 
tailored for high school 
students preparing to take 
the Scholastic Aptitude Test 
(SAT). This program purport- 
edly helps students pin- 
point academic strengths 
and weaknesses and pre- 
scribes a personalized study 
program. Four full-length, 
simulated SATs are provided, 
each featuring two modes 
of operation: Question and 
Test. 

For each problem in the 
Question mode, the com- 
puter supplies an explana- 
tion of the correct response, 
an explanation of wrong 
answers for verbal ques- 
tions, problem-solving 
strategies for mathematics 
questions, and a hint and a 
second chance to correct 
wrong answers. The Test 
mode provides uninter- 
rupted and timed test- 
taking. 

In addition, the program 
provides students with the 
number of questions 
answered correctly and in- 
correctly, a scaled SAT score, 
and the percentage of cor- 



rect answers in 42 skill 
areas. Complementary 
workbooks address text, 
mathematics, and verbal 
skills. Sound effects and col- 
or are featured. 

The Computer Study Pro- 
gram for the SAT comprises 
three double-sided floppy 
disks, a users manual, and 
three study guides. Versions 
are available for IBM PC, 
Commodore 64, and Apple 
I II Plus, and He computers. 
The list price is $79.95. A 
teacher's disk is offered. For 
more details, contact Bar- 
ron's Educational Series 
Inc., 113 Crossways Park Dr., 
Woodbury NY 11797, (516) 
921-8750. 
Circle 555 on inquiry card. 



Utility Recovers Lost 
Files 

You can reconstruct files 
with bad sectors, recover 
files from disks with 
damaged directories, and 
restore erased files with the 
Disk Fix-Disk Editor and 
Recovery Utility from the 



Software Store. This utility 
automatically configures 
itself to floppy or hard disks 
and can display, edit, or 
copy any sector of a CP/M 
2.0 disk. Other features in- 
clude menus and on-screen 
editing in both hexadecimal 
and controlled ASCII. 

Disk Fix works on 8080-, 
8085-, or Z80-based com- 
puters with CP/M. It costs 
$150 and is available in 
most 5/4- and 8-inch for- 
mats. For more information, 
contact the Software Store, 
706 Chippewa Square, 
Marquette, Ml 49855, (906) 
228-7622. 
Circle 553 on inquiry card. 



Casino Pac Runs on 
Commodore 64 

Advanced Microware 
recently introduced Casino 
Pac for the Commodore 
64. Casino Pac includes 
four gambling games: 
Blackjack, Poker, Keno, 
and Slot Machine. Each 
game is said to be an ac- 
curate simulation of the 
video gaming machines 
being used in Las Vegas, 
Reno, and Atlantic City. 
Casino Pac is available on 
tape or floppy disk for $39. 

64Tour, a grand tour of 
the features and capabili- 
ties of your Commodore, is 
also available from Ad- 
vanced Microware. It has 
demonstrations of all the 
64's graphics modes as 
well as music and sound 
effects. It costs $12. 

Both programs can be 
obtained from Advanced 
Microware, POB 6143, 
Santa Ana, CA 92706, 
(714) 554-6470. 
Circle 565 on inquiry card. 



482 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



What's New? 



Action Games Set on 
a River and In Space 

Two games for the 
Commodore 64, River 
Chase and Galactic Battles, 
were recently released by 
Cyberia Inc. In River Chase, 
you must contend with 
enemy gunboats and 
perilous objects as you try 
to steer your boat safely 
home. Your fuel and ex- 
plosives sre limited, but 
you can replenish them at 
supply depots along the 
way. River Chase features 
color graphics, music, and 
six levels of play. 

Galactic Battles is the 
saga of a space explorer 
ship that accidentally 
crosses into a new uni- 
verse inhabited by an array 
of aliens. This game gives 
you three different sce- 
narios to choose from. 
Graphics and sound effects 
heighten the action. 

Both games require joy- 
sticks. They sre available 
on floppy disk or cassette 
for $19.95 each. For fur- 
ther information, contact 
Cyberia Inc., POB 784, 
Ames, IA 50010, (800) 
247-3900; in Iowa, (800) 
262-2004. 
Circle 566 on inquiry card. 



Business Graphics 

Package Runs on 

Rainbow 

A business graphics 
package from the Redding 
Group, Graftalk runs on 
the DEC Rainbow 100. 
This device-independent 
software uses English com- 
mands interactively, runs 
commands from disk files, 
and uses customized or 
standard menus. It pro- 



duces exploded pie charts, 
scatter diagrams, line and 
combination plots, and 
stacked, percentage, 
clustered, and floating bar 
charts. A range of move, 
draw, and other graphics 
and text commands sre at 
your disposal, and a mini- 
spreadsheet and a text 
editor sre provided. 

Graftalk also supports 
the IBM PC and Zenith 
computers. Versions for 
NEC, Epson, and Victor 
computers will be available 
soon. For the DEC Rain- 
bow, Graftalk is priced at 
$450. For more details, 
contact the Redding Group 
Inc., 609 Main St., Ridge- 
field, CT 06877, [203] 
431-4661. 
Circle 567 on inquiry card. 



Law Office 
Organizer 

The Legal Assistant com- 
prises f\\/e programs de- 
signed to increase produc- 
tivity in the law office: In- 
corporating-by-Reference 
(IBR), Folio, Footnote, Gram- 
matik, and the Random 
House Proofreader. IBR can 
be used for compiling client 
letters, contracts, wills, and 
briefs. A database manager, 
Folio stores and retrieves 
client records, indexes of 
legal documents, pleadings 
and briefs, bibliographies, 
and article abstracts. Foot- 
note numbers and formats 
footnotes in Wordstar or 
Select files. Grammatik and 
the Random House Proof- 
reader will check your 
documents for correct 
grammar and spelling, re- 
spectively. In addition, the 
Proofreader will let you 



create your own dictionary 
of legal terms. 
. These programs sre avail- 
able in most popular micro- 
computer formats, includ- 
ing CP/M, MS-DOS, and 
PC-DOS. The Legal Assis- 
tant package is $349. For 
full details, contact Digital 
Marketing Corp., 2363 
Boulevard Circle, Walnut 
Creek, CA 94595, (415) 
947-1000. 
Circle 560 on inquiry card. 



Model IV CP/M Has 
Interchange Utility 

Montezuma Micro offers 
an implementation of 
Digital Research's CP/M 2.2 
for the Radio Shack TRS-80 
Model IV that has an Inter- 
change utility capable of 
reading, writing, and copy- 
ing more than 20 disk for- 
mats, including IBM, 
Kaypro, Osborne, and 
Xerox. A configuration pro- 
gram for 35-, 40-, 77-, and 
80-track single- or double- 
density drives is built in, as 
is a utility that can format 
more than 50 different flop- 
py disks. Additional features 
include full utilization of 
function keys, a 4-MHz 
clock speed, and ADM-3A 
emulation with reverse 
video. 

Montezuma Micro has 
compressed the system 
code for CP/M 2.2 so that 
it will occupy only the first 
two tracks of a floppy disk, 
which leaves 170K bytes for 
storage. It works with either 
64K- or 128K-byte Model 
IVs. Complete with utilities 
and a 300-page manual, 
this DOS costs $199.95. 
Contact Montezuma Micro, 
Redbird Airport Hanger #8, 



Dallas, TX 75232, (800) 

527-0347; in Texas, (800) 

442-1310. 

Circle 554 on inquiry card. 



A Fontastic Program 
for Printers 

You can enhance your 
dot-matrix printouts with 
diagrams, charts, and spe- 
cial graphics characters 
with a new program from 
IHS Systems. Fontastic lets 
you create and incorporate 
such diagrams as electrical 
schematics or bar charts as 
part of the text in a stan- 
dard PC-DOS file. A unique 
feature of this program is a 
full-screen font-creation util- 
ity that lets you change any 
standard Fontastic font, 
create new fonts, and add 
newly designed fonts to the 
resident library. Word-pro- 
cessing forms control and 
proportional printing sre 
among Fontastic's other 
features. 

Fontastic works with 
most popular word proces- 
sors, including Benchmark, 
Easy writer 1.1, Peach text, 
Volkswriter, and Wordstar. 
Printers such as the IBM 
Graphics, Epson MX/FX, 
C.ltoh Model 8510A, and 
Okidata Microline sre sup- 
ported. The program is sup- 
plied on two floppy disks; 
one has utilities while the 
other has more than 20 
fonts to get you up and 
running. Fontastic runs on 
128K-byte IBM Personal 
Computers. Address in- 
quiries to IHS Systems, Suite 
211, 4718 Meridian Ave., San 
Jose, CA 95118, (408) 
265-5503. 
Circle 551 on inquiry card. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 483 



What's New? 



C Compiler for IBM 

A full C language com- 
piler for the IBM Personal 
Computer is available from 
Sure-Wing Systems. A com- 
plete implementation of C 
as defined by Kernighan 
and Ritchie, Sure-Wing C 
has full floating-point math- 
ematics, a complete I/O 
library, and all standard C 
language structures, 
unions, and typedefs. With 
this two-pass compiler, as- 
sembled routines can be 
linked in and called from C 
routines. It produces OBJ 
files compatible with the 
PC-DOS linker. Program size 
can be up to 64 K bytes of 
code and 64K bytes of data. 
The source code for the 
library functions Is provided. 

Sure-Wing C runs on the 
IBM PC or PC XT with 128K 
bytes of memory and either 
PC-DOS 1.1 or 2.0. Two 
320K-byte floppy-disk drives 
or a combination of one 
floppy disk and a hard-disk 
unit are required. Sure-Wing 
C costs $100. Updates will 
be available for $10. A ver- 
sion for 8087-based IBMs is 
being developed. The com- 
piler can be ordered from 
Sure-Wing Systems, POB 
20008, Oakland, CA 
94620, (415) 655-4773. 
Circle 557 on inquiry card. 



LISP System 
for TRS-80 

A fast machine-lan- 
guage LISP system for users 
of Radio Shack TRS-80 
Models l/lll and IV has been 
announced by Artificial In- 
telligence Technologies. 
This system offers standard 
LISP functions and is en- 
hanced with such features 
as visual display capability 



with pixel graphics and 
cursor addressability, 
random-access disk I/O, 
character-oriented I/O 
capabilities, user-selectable 
prompt, automatic closing 
of s-expressions with left 
and right brackets, ab- 
breviated quoting, floating- 
point routines, and strings, 
files, and arrays ds addi- 
tional data types. 

The LISP system comes 
with a manual containing 
an introduction to LISP fun- 
damentals and detailed 
coverage of the use of the 
LISP interpreter, structurally 
oriented editor, and the dif- 
ferentiator and algebraic 
simplifies A poker player is 
provided. The system costs 
$79.95. Full particulars sre 
available from Artificial In- 
telligence Technologies, 
2121 Northeast 152nd, 
Redmond, WA 98052, 
(206) 644-3068. 
Circle 568 on inquiry card. 



Genealogy Program 
Handles 30 
Generations 

Cyclone Software's 
Patriarch I Is a comprehen- 
sive genealogy system ca- 
pable of tracking 30 
generations. It offers three 
modes of relationships: that 
between two people, be- 
tween one person and all 
the descendants of an- 
other, and all those related 
in a specific way to one per- 
son. Up to 26 children can 
be entered per person. 
Patriarch I lets you print 
family trees and generate 
an unlimited number of 
reports with up to 60 print 
conditions sorted on any of 
five fields. This fully rela- 
tional database offers 50 



user-definable fields, menu- 
driven operation, the ability 
to handle six indexes 
simultaneously, and the 
capacity to store 2144 char- 
acters per record. 

Patriarch I is designed for 
48K-byte Apple II Plus and 
lie computers equipped 
with a disk drive and run- 



ning under DOS 3.3. It 
costs $ 195, which includes 
a manual with tutorials. For 
complete information and a 
sample printout, contact 
Cyclone Software, 3305 
Macomb St. NW, Washing- 
ton, DC 20008, (202) 
362-8740. 
Circle 569 on inquiry card. 



Communications 






Hayes Modem Bundled With Software 



Hayes Microcomputer 
Products has announced 
the availability of a modem 
and communications soft- 
ware package for Apple 
computers. The Micro- 
modem He is a compact 
modem housed on a circuit 
board that slides into an 
Apple's expansion slot. It 
then connects directly to 
the telephone line, giving 
you the ability to commu- 
nicate with other com- 
puters and timesharing and 
information services. It sup- 
ports both Touch-Tone and 
rotary-pulse dialing and 
single- and multiline tele- 
phone connections. A built- 
in speaker lets you monitor 
calls as they sre being 
made. Data rates sre 110 
and 300 bps. Micromodem 
lie Is Bell 103-type compat- 
ible, and it's FCC approved. 

The Smartcom I commu- 
nications software directs 
the Micromodem to place 
and answer calls and to 
send and receive files with 



any of three transfer pro- 
tocols, which dre stop/start, 
send lines, and verification 
for error-free transfers be- 
tween Hayes's programs. 
Smartcom routes data to a 
printer, stores three tele- 
phone numbers, and has a 
comprehensive set of vari- 
able communications pa- 
rameters that dre predefined 
for a common environ- 
ment. This program will 
also create, delete, and dis- 
play files and a directory. It 
can handle up to six disk 
drives, several printer cards, 
40- and 80-column dis- 
plays, and lowercase char- 
acters. 

The suggested retail price 
for this package Is $329. 
Previous owners of the 
Micromodem II can obtain 
Smartcom for $ 119. Contact 
Hayes Microcomputer Prod- 
ucts Inc., 5923 Peachtree 
Industrial Blvd., Norcross, 
GA 30092, (404) 449-8791. 
Circle 572 on inquiry card. 



484 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



What's New? 



^*%o*i* 




Customized Modem/ 
Software Packages 

Access 1-2-3 is a new 
family of customized data 
communications packages 
from Novation. The pre- 
miere system is designed for 
the IBM PC, IBM PC XX 
Columbia Data Systems' 
Portable and Multi Personal 
Computers, the Corona 
Portable and Personal Com- 
puters, and the Compaq. Ac- 
cess 1-2-3 comprises Nova- 
tion's PC1200B modem, 
necessary cables and ac- 
cessories, and Multistuf's 
Crosstalk XVI software. Its 
suggested retail price is 
$595. 

The PCI200B \s a smart 
modem featuring an exten- 
sive set of commands and 
responses that provide tele- 
phone line status. It has a 
built-in dialer with dial tone 
and busy detect, auto- 
answer, and audio moni- 
toring through the com- 
puter's speaker. The 
PCI 200B operates a 1 300 or 
1200 bps, full duplex, and 
can perform an automatic 
self-test and receiver align- 
ment at power-on. It can be 
put into analog or digital 
loopback modes. The 
modem requires a single ex- 
pansion slot. 

Crosstalk XVI is an intel- 
ligent terminal and file- 




transfer program. It uses the 
PC1200B's features to ac- 
complish auto-dial, auto- 
matic log-on, auto-answer, 
and disk-to-disk data trans- 
fers. It stores as many as 40 
separate log-on passwords 
and IDs, which enables 
you to reach utilities or 
mainframes with a single 
keystroke. Stop bits, parity, 
data rates, and duplex oper- 
ations sre under its control, 
and extensive error-check- 
ing and retransmission sre 
included. It provides the 
means for sending captured 
data to a printer, buffer, or 
floppy disk. Crosstalk also 
displays the transmission 
time for each file. 

For additional informa- 
tion, contact Novation Inc., 
20409 Prs\r\e St., Chats- 
worth, CA 91311, (213) 
996-5060. 
Circle 576 on inquiry card. 



Software Links 

Incompatible 

Computers 

U.S. Digital's Copylink 
program provides the 
means for the high-speed 
transfer of text and program 
code between dissimilar 
computers and DOSes. 
Copylink also provides ac- 
cess to public database ser- 
vices, Telex and TWX capa- 
bilities, and emulation of 
both smart and dumb ter- 
minals. Its error-detection 
code supports binary file 
trsnsfers, and its CP/M error 
recovery technique, with 
DOS extensions, prevents 
the loss of data by uninten- 
tional exiting from the pro- 
gram or by disk overflow 
during file transfers. An 
audible prompt signals an 
error condition. Standard 
features include the ability 
to receive more than one 
disk of data, modem data 
rates up to 1200 bps, single- 
keystroke operation of func- 
tions, auto-answer, auto- 
redial, automatic configura- 
tion of smart modems, full- 
and half-duplex transmis- 
sion, display of previous file 
transfers, display of control 
characters, transmitter con- 
trol for amateur radio trans- 
mission, a hard-copy op- 
tion, and such user-defined 
parameters as originate/ 
answer mode, parity, num- 
ber of data and stop bits, 
and end-of-line sequence. 

Copylink supports local 
data and program transfers 
between computers using 
8- and 5/4 -inch floppy-disk 
formats and machines run- 
ning CP/M and MS-DOS. Its 
documentation includes a 
user's manual and The 
Complete Handbook of 
Personal Computer Com- 
munications. The sug- 



gested retail price is $99. 
User and dealer information 
is available from U.S. Digital 
Corp., 5899-D Southeast In- 
ternational Way Milwau- 
kee, OR 97222, (503) 
654-0668. 
Circle 573 on inquiry card. 



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Secure Networks 

Safeguard 
Communications 

Complete computer net- 
works that sre said to be 
virtually untappable sre 
produced by Codenell 
Technology Corporation. 
TheCodebeam line-of-sight 
optical communications 
system, the Codenet fiber- 
optic Ethernet local-area 
network, and the Codelink 
fiber-optic computer net- 
work transmit signals either 
through thin fiber-optic 
cables or by means of light 
beams. The Codenet-2020 
Transceiver is compatible 
with Ethernet interface 
equipment through a 15- 
pin transceiver cable. It 
works with the Codestar 
passive star coupler to 
create a fiber-optic Ethernet 
network. This system 
enables the computer net- 
work to be removed from 
telephone lines, improving 
security and reducing oper- 
ating costs. 

For interbuilding net- 
working, the Codebeam- 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 485 



What's New? 



20 line-of -sight system can 
link networks without 
cables or telephone con- 
nections over distances of 
up to 2 kilometers. Large 
multisite computer net- 
works can be implemented 
with the combination of 
the Codenet, Codelink, and 
Codebeam. For technical 
specifications, possible con- 
figurations, and purchasing 
information, contact Code- 
nell Technology Corp., 
1086 North Broadway, 
Yonkers, NY 10701, (914) 
965-6300. 
Circle 570 on inquiry card. 




Modem Can Transmit 
at 76,800 bps 

The LVS 76.8 limited- 
distance modem from 
Complexx Systems can 
send data 16,250 feet (5000 
meters) on 22-gauge wire 
at 76,800 bps, and even 
greater distances can be 
achieved by transmitting at 
slower speeds or on heavier- 
gauge wire. The LVS has a 
front-cover thumbwheel 
that lets you select from 
eight synchronous speeds 
ranging from 2400 to 
76,800 bps and LED in- 
dicators for power, data 
transmit, data receive, car- 
rier detect, and testing. It 
can operate in point-to- 
point, multidrop polled, 
half-duplex two-wire, and 
full-duplex four-wire modes. 
The LVS is equipped with a 
Bell 43401-compatible 
switch. Additionally, the 
LVS is programmed to pro- 



vide local and remote 
loopback. 

Complexx Systems offers 
the LVS 76.8 with either an 
EIA RS-232C digital inter- 
face or with a V35 inter- 
face. The retail price for the 
RS-232C model is $650, 



and the V35 version is 
$725. For more informa- 
tion, contact Complexx 
Systems Inc., 4930 Research 
Dr., Huntsville, AL 35805, 
(205) 830-4310. 
Circle 574 on inquiry card. 




254 IBM PCs Linked 
with Percomnet 



A user-installable local- 
area network, Percom Data 
Corporation's Percomnet in- 
terface for the IBM Personal 
Computer can link up to 
254 nodes per network. 
Called the PN-IBM, this net- 
work interface plugs into 
the host computer and 
then is linked to the net- 
work through a data cable 
interface. At the heart of 
the PN-IBM is Western 
Digital's WD2840 network 
control processor. The 
WD2840 is designed to 
handle major communica- 
tions tasks as they relate to 
the network token-access 
protocol, including network 
initialization, addressing, 
data transmission, ac- 
knowledgments, and diag- 
nostics. Global addressing 
and dynamically alterable 



station priority are supported. 
Other key features include 
NBS data encryption for 
data security, signal 
regeneration at each node 
in order to maintain high 
signal-to-noise ratios, and a 
built-in 64K-byte FIFO buf- 
fer to speed data transmis- 
sions. PN-IBM supports 
simultaneous voice and 
data transmissions and is 
available with MS-DOS-, 
CP/M-, or Unix-compatible 
software. 

Percomnet interface 
adapters will soon be an- 
nounced for S-100, Multi- 
bus, and STD bus com- 
puters. Technical specifica- 
tions dre available from Per- 
com Data Corp., 11220 
Page Mill Rd., Dallas, TX 
75243, (214) 340-5800. 
Circle 571 on inquiry card. 



Network Interface 

Unit for IBM and Tl 

Computers 

Ungermann-Bass has an- 
nounced an intelligent 
Ethernet-compatible net- 
work interface unit (NIU) 
that allows IBM PC and 
Texas Instruments Profes- 
sional Computers to share 
information and resources 
and integrate with large 
mainframes using IBM SNA 
protocols. 

An extension of the com- 
pany's Net/One general- 
purpose local-area network, 
the Net/One Personal Con- 
nection is based on the Per- 
sonal NIU, a plug-in board 
with on-board intelligence 
to handle all communica- 
tions. PCs configured with 
these NIUs can run any ap- 
plication programs under 
MS-DOS without modifica- 
tion. Applications can be 
shared across the network. 
Also featured dre XNS pro- 
tocols, and support for 
Ethernet and thin coaxial 
cabling. Net/One uses SNA 
gateways that let users 
access mainframe-based 
application programs. (SNA 
gateways sre computers 
running software that per- 
mits them to emulate IBM 
3274 controllers or 3278 
terminals and 3287 
printers.) 

The Personal NIU costs 
$850, which includes MS- 
DOS networking com- 
mands. Quantity discounts 
dre available. Print and disk- 
sharing software packages 
on 5/4 -inch floppy disks dre 
$ 500 per server. For com- 
plete details, contact Unger- 
mann-Bass Inc., 2560 Mis- 
sion College Blvd., Santa 
Clara, CA 95050, (408) 
496-0111. 
Circle 575 on inquiry card. 



486 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



What's New? 



On-line Brokerage 

C. D. Anderson & Com- 
pany a San Francisco-based 
brokerage house, has an- 
nounced that the Desk Top 
Broker financial service is on 
line. The Desk Top Broker 
lets you make transactions, 
maintain portfolios, see cur- 
rent stock prices, and check 
such data as change from 
previous close through your 
personal computer 24 
hours a day seven days a 
week. A unique feature of 
this service is an electronic- 
mail facility that enables 
you to make requests, such 
as transferring securities be- 
tween cash and margin ac- 
counts, and notifies you 
that your orders have been 
carried out. A Stock Watch 
mode will track various 
aspects of up to 18 selected 
stocks, sound an alarm \f a 
price changes, and alert 
you when a stock falls or 
rises above preset buy-and- 
sell limits. Additionally you 
can maintain three separate 
portfolios, keep up-to-date 
tax records that reflect trade 
transactions, and attach 
conditions to buy orders. All 
the information stored in 
the Desk Top Broker can be 
transferred to a spreadsheet 
program for analysis and 
chart production. Double 
password security ensures 
data integrity. 

Users of the Desk Top 
Broker are billed with a one- 
time charge of $300, which 
includes required software 
and registration fees. On- 
line connection fees range 
from $0.40 per minute dur- 
ing business hours to $0.10 
per minute nighttime and 
weekends. Transaction 
charges are levied. Costs 
associated with the Desk 
Top Broker are said to be 



generally tax deductible. 
The system works with 
modem-equipped Apple 
and IBM Personal Com- 
puters. Inquire about its 
availability for other 
systems. Further details can 
be obtained from C. D. 
Anderson & Co., Suite 440, 
300 Montgomery St., San 
Francisco, CA 94104, (415) 
433-2120. 
Circle 577 on inquiry card. 



Low-cost Modem 
Uses Tl Chip 

The Micromint's ECM- 
103 build-it-yourself 300- 
bps modem is based on 
Texas Instruments' NMOS- 
technology TMS99532 FSK 
modem chip. The 
TMS99532 features all the 
necessary modulation, 
demodulation, and circuitry 
required for a full-duplex 
serial asynchronous com- 
munications link and elimi- 
nates many discrete com- 
ponents, reducing size and 
improving reliability The 
ECM-103 is completely 
crystal-controlled and is 
suitable for acoustic or 
direct telephone-line con- 
nection through an FCC- 
registered data-access ar- 
rangement. Connection to 
data terminal equipment is 
ElA-standard RS-232C con- 
nector. No calibrations or 
adjustments are required, 
and it does not use external 
filtering or frequency set- 
point components. 

The ECM-103 comes 
complete with all com- 
ponents, a printed-circuit 
board, RS-232C and power 
connectors, and an 
assembly manual. It costs 
$60 and is available direct- 



ly from the Micromint Inc., 
561 Willow Ave., 
Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 
374-6793; or (800) 
645-3479 (orders only). 
Circle 579 on inquiry card. 



Source Subscription 
Free with Modem 

Apple users will receive a 
permanent subscription to 
The Source database ser- 
vice free of charge with the 
purchase of the Networker 
modem from Zoom Tele- 
phonics. The Networker, a 



single-slot 300-bps modem, 
combines Apple communi- 
cations circuitry and 
modem functions on a 
single card with direct low- 
noise modular-telephone 
connections. It works with 
Apple II, II Plus, and lie com- 
puters. A floppy disk con- 
taining communications 
software is included in the 
Networker's $129 price tag. 
For the name of your near- 
est Networker dealer, con- 
tact Zoom Telephonies Inc., 
207 South St., Boston, MA 
02)}), (617) 423-1072. 
Circle 578 on inquiry card. 



PRINTERS 




Six-color Plotter 

Plots Graphs at 14 

IPS 



A fully automated six- 
pen plotter, the Sweet-P 
Model 600 Six-Shooter is 
produced by Enter Com- 
puter. Standard features in- 
clude a 14-ips plotting 
speed, 3g acceleration, 
RS-232C and parallel inter- 
faces, 19 character sets, self- 
test, and a 2K-byte buffer. Its 
six pens, housed in a 
rotating carousel, are auto- 
matically capped after use. 



Normally the Six-Shooter 
plots with fiber-tip pens, but 
when necessary it can use 
a ballpoint or, for CAD ap- 
plications, radiograph-type 
pens. It can draw on both 
8/2- by 11-inch and 11- by 
17-inch paper, and it can 
create overhead transparen- 
cies. Operating features in- 
clude pause and pen-selec- 
tion keys and bar, pie, and 
polygon fill. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 487 



What's New? 



The Six-Shooter senses 
whether it's connected to a 
serial or parallel port and 
automatically switches 
from one to the other. In 
the serial mode, it can be 
used as a shared resource. 
You can place it between a 
computer and printer or 
between a terminal and 
printer and, operating in its 
eavesdrop mode, program it 
to perform only those tasks 
you want. All graphics soft- 
ware that supports the 
single-pen Sweet-P Model 
100 will work with the Six- 
Shooter. It operates with 
Enter Computer's SPGL 
graphics language and is 



compatible with Hewlett- 
Packard's HPGL graphics 
language. It works with 
Apple and IBM computers, 
their compatibles, and 
CP/M-based systems. 

Buffer expansion of up to 
8K bytes and a choice of 
pens in 12 colors are op- 
tions. The retail price for the 
Sweet-P Model 600 Six- 
Shooteris $1095, including 
pens, paper, and operating 
manual. For more details, 
contact Enter Computer 
Inc., 6867 Nancy Ridge Dr., 
San Diego, CA 92121, (619) 
450-0601. 
Circle 580 on inquiry card. 



Printer Mechanism 
Targeted at OEMs 



An 80-column printing 
mechanism targeted at the 
OEM and system-integra- 
tor market has been an- 
nounced by Hi-G Printers 
Corporation. The Model 
9/80 ME printer mechan- 
ism features independent 
horizontal- and vertical-axis 
control for accurate dot 
placement in multipass 
printing and graphics out- 
put. Using a standard 9- by 
7-dot array and off-the- 
shelf ribbons, the 9/80 ME 
will print at speeds as high 
as 200 cps. The unit has 
front, bottom, and rear 
paper entrances and top 
and bottom exits. It has 
provisions for internal roll 
paper and for mounting a 
sheet feeder for 8Vi~ by 
1 1-inch cut paper or en- 
velopes. The 9/80 ME ac- 
cepts externally housed, 
fan-folded, sprocket-driven 
paper and can handle stan- 
dard paper stock, carbon 
or carbonless forms, and 



gummed or pressure-sensi- 
tive labels. It's furnished 
with a nine-wire printhead 
and a standard tractor 
drive. Its physical specifica- 
tions are 5% inches high by 
20 3 / 4 inches wide by 16'/ 4 
inches deep. It weighs 17 
pounds. All critical compo- 
nents, such as the print- 
head, ribbon motor, and 
carriage subassembly, are 
manufactured by Hi-G 
Printers. 

The 9/80 is also available 
in a reverse tractor, de- 
mand-document version 
featuring a dedicated paper 
chute. An 18-wire print- 
head can be furnished. 
Evaluation quantities cost 
$299 each. Delivery is from 
stock. For additional infor- 
mation, contact Hi-G 
Printers Corp., 96 West 
Dudleytown Rd., Bloom- 
field, CT 06002, (203) 
242-3048. 
Circle 605 on inquiry card. 




Portable Printer 

Weighs In at 1 6 

Pounds 



Sprinter is an 80-column, 
1 60-cps portable printer 
from Micro Peripherals Inc. 
This 1 6-pound dot-matrix 
printer features an IBM- 
compatible parallel port, 
high-speed skipover, five 
character sets, built-in fric- 
tion- and tractor-feed me- 
chanisms, user-program- 
mable character sets, a 
4K-byte buffer, and graph- 
ics capabilities. Its base 
price Is $795. 

The Sprinter can be or- 
dered with a unique option 
called the Softswitch. Soft- 
switch Is a keypad that pro- 
vides a simple way to 
change the printer's oper- 
ating functions. It offers 
control over such functions 
as horizontal tabbing, alter- 
nate character-set selec- 
tion, form length, linefeed 
on carriage return, and ver- 
tical line density. A battery- 
backed RAM that retains 
user-set functions when 
the power is off completes 
the Softswitch option. 

Additional options for 
the Sprinter include up to 
68K (34 pages) of data buf- 
fers and IEEE-488 and RS- 
232C interfaces. A carrying 



case will be offered after 
the first of the year. The 
base price is $795. For full 
particulars, contact Micro 
Peripherals Inc., 4426 
South Century Dr., Salt 
Lake City, UT 84107, (800) 
821-8848; in Utah, (801) 
263-3081. 
Circle 582 on inquiry card. 




P1350 Works with 
Variety of Micros 

Toshiba's PI 350 desktop 
dot-matrix printer will now 
work with microcomputers 
from such manufacturers 
as Apple, DEC, and IBM. 
The PI 350 produces letter- 
quality correspondence, 
high-speed drafts, and dot- 
addressable graphics with 
a 24-pin printhead that 
uses fine-wire 8-mil pins to 
overlap dots in a single 
pass. When in the letter- 
quality mode, this printer 



488 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



What's New? 



operates at ]00 cps. Draft 
work runs at 1 92 cps, and 
graphics are printed at a 
density of 1 80 by 1 80 dots 
per inch. 

The PI 350 is a 132-col- 
umn printer that yields an 
original plus three copies 
on letter-sheet or con- 
tinuous-form paper that 
can be as wide as 15 in- 
ches or as narrow as 5 
inches. Qume Sprint 5 em- 
ulation, an enhanced 
Courier font, and software- 
selectable multiple fonts, 
pitches, and line spacing 
are standard. For feeding 



paper, the PI 350 can be 
equipped with a friction 
roller or with optional pin- 
feed tractor or sheet 
feeders. The standard inter- 
face is Centronics parallel. 
An RS-232C serial interface 
is available as an option at 
no extra charge. 

The PI 350 retails for 
$2195. For more informa- 
tion, contact Toshiba 
America Inc., Information 
Systems Division, 244 1 Mi- 
chelle Dr., Tustin, CA 
92680, (714) 730-5000. 
Circle 677 on inquiry card. 






%» t ; 



'■' 



/ 



^ 




Low-cost Impact 
Printer 



The Impact Printer works 
with Fidelity Electronics' 
Desk Companion and the 
Commodore VIC-20 and 
64. This dot-matrix printer 
offers 24, 32, or 40 col- 
umns of uppercase and 
lowercase 5- by 7-dot- 
matr/x characters. Standard 
features include 30-cps 
operation, dot-addressable 
graphics, reverse character 
mode, and two character 
sets. A power-on LED and 
manual controls for power 
on and off and paper feed 



are provided. The mean 
time between failures is ap- 
proximately 50,000 lines. 
The Impact Printer mea- 
sures 4 inches wide by 4/2 
inches long by 2 inches 
high. Standard 2/4 -inch 
adding-machine roll paper 
is required. 

The suggested retail 
price is $129.95. For more 
details, contact Fidelity 
Electronics Ltd., 8800 
Northwest 36th St., Miami, 
FL33178, (305)888-1000. 
Circle 681 on inquiry card. 



Graph Option for 
Plotter 



Yokogawa Corporation 
of America has announced 
the availability of a PROM 
option for its PL-] 000 four- 
color plotter. The PROM 
provides the plotter with 
the ability to generate pie, 
line, and bar graphs with- 
out external programming. 
In addition, it provides 
cross-hatching and letter- 
ing/labeling capabilities. 
The PL-] 000 has a stan- 



dard RS-232C interface and 
plots on paper or foil as 
large as 1 1 by 15 inches. 

The PROM option costs 
$215. For current owners 
of the plotter, the option is 
available as a factory- 
installed retro fit. For more 
details, call or write Yoko- 
gawa Corp. of America, 2 
Dart Rd., Shenandoah, GA 
30265, (404) 253-7000. 
Circle 678 on inquiry card. 



PERIPHERALS 




ss^ 




Image Processing 

Camera Sees for 

Micros 



Datacopy's Model 610 
electronic digitizing camera 
lets you enter photos, docu- 
ments, or three-dimensional 
objects into your office's 
desktop computer without 
the use of a keyboard. The 
610 captures an image 
through a standard 35-mm 
camera lens. Inside the unit, 
a linear array of 1728 solid- 
state photosensors is 



physically scanned across 
the image, translating it into 
computer-readable digital 
code. Image information is 
then organized into a 
matrix of 4.9 million cells, 
called pixels (picture ele- 
ments). A digital converter 
changes the information in- 
to the digital equivalent of 
the optical image on a pixel- 
by-pixel basis. The image 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 489 



What's New? 



represented in two dimen- 
sions with shades of gray 
can now be displayed, 
printed out, or stored in the 
computer's memory 

The 610 requires little il- 
lumination, even when 
capturing microfiche, draw- 
ings, or printed text. A com- 
plementary product, the 
Model UO Image Processing 
Interface, provides image- 
capture software and the 
ability to work with the IBM 
Personal Computer. For sys- 
tems integrators and soft- 
ware houses using the IBM, 
the Model 90 Integrated 



System is offered. This sys- 
tem is made up of the 610 
camera, the UO interface, 
and such accessories as the 
camera power supply and 
cables. 

The Model 610 electronic 
digitizing camera has a 
$7850 end-user price. The 
Model 110 and Model 90 list 
for $795 and $9945, re- 
spectively Address inquiries 
to Datacopy Corp., 1070 
East Meadow Circle, Palo 
Alto; CA 94303, (415) 
493-3420. 
Circle 592 on inquiry card. 




Joystick for Apples 

The Data Spec line of joy- 
sticks works with Apple \\, 
lie, and IBM Personal Com- 
puters. One model in the 
line, the Model IB-XY-23, is 
plug-compatible with the 
IBM PC. It's designed to 
meet the demands of the 
commercial/industrial mar- 
ket. Standard features in- 
clude linear potentiometers, 
a metal enclosure for maxi- 
mum shielding and stabili- 
ty dual X-Y fine centering, 
positive feel push buttons, 
and a four-foot cord. The 
suggested retail price is 
$69.95. Contact Ora Elec- 
tronics, 18215 Parthenia St., 



and IBMs 

Northridge, CA 91325, (213) 

701-5848. 

Circle 587 on inquiry card. 



Multifunction A/D 
I/O Subsystems 

The PCDAX Subsystem 
provides multifunction data- 
acquisition and control 
capabilities for a variety of 
computers. A minimum 
configuration comprises a 
PCDAX enclosure with in- 
terface to a host computer 
and LDT2801 series analog 



and digital I/O boards. The 
LDT2801 board includes \2- 
or 16-bit A/D converter for 
16 single-end or eight dif- 
ferential analog input chan- 
nels, software-selectable 
gains of 1, 2, 4, and 8 to ac- 
commodate a range of sig- 
nal levels, analog outputs, 
digital \IO, direct memory 
access, and a program- 
mable clock. Sampling rates 
can be as high as 22,000 
samples per second. The 
LDT2801 boards are built 
around an on-board micro- 
processor that acts as an in- 
terface to the computer, 
controls all analog and 
digital operations, and 
facilitates program control 
by the host computer. To 
initiate repetitive conversion 
events, the LDT2801 has an 
internal system clock that's 
programmable for periods 
ranging from 5 microsec- 
onds to 0.1638 seconds, in 
2.5-microsecond incre- 
ments. Other boards pro- 
vide periods of 2.5 micro- 
seconds to 0.0819 seconds 
with 1.25-microsecond in- 
crements. All boards pro- 
vide for an external clock, 
which enables synchroniz- 
ation of multiple A/D or D/A 
conversions with a fre- 
quency source. Two 
LDT2801 boards can be in- 
stalled in a single PCDAX. 
They can be programmed 
in any language resident in 
the host computer. 

Two screw terminal/sig- 
nal conditioning panels 
and software subroutine 
packages are available as 
options. For data sheets 
and complete price infor- 
mation, contact Data Trans- 
lation, ]00 Locke Dr., Marl- 
boro, MA 01752, (617) 
481-3700. 
Circle 593 on inquiry card. 



Trio Enhances 
IBM PC 

PC Ware has introduced 
three products for the IBM 
PC and PC XT: a parallel 
printer adapter, a serial 
communications adapter, 
and a 256K-byte RAM 
board. The parallel printer 
adapter, which can serve 
as a general-purpose I/O 
port, offers 1 2 buffered TTL 
latched outputs five buffered 
TTL inputs, software- 
controlled interrupts, and full 
software programmability. It 
costs $89.95. 

The software-program- 
mable asynchronous RS- 
232C serial communica- 
tions adapter supports full- 
and half -duplex operations. 
Its crystal-controlled data 
rates are software-pro- 
grammable from 50 to 
\9,200 bps and include 
134.5 bps. Among its other 
features are a simple 
DCE/DTE configuration 
header; a programmable 
control register; double- 
buffered data; parity, over- 
run, and framing error 
checks; hardware selection 
of I/O mapping; support for 
such modem controls as 
CTS, RTS, DTR, Rl, and car- 
rier detect; four handshake 
signals; line-break genera- 
tion and detection; and 
fully prioritized interrupts to 
control transmit, receive, 
error, line status, and data- 
set interrupts. The sug- 
gested price is $94.95. 

The RAM board offers 
DIP-switched addresses, 
selectable on any 64K-byte 
boundary. A bare board 
costs $189.95. With RAM 
chips, it ranges from 
$229.95 (64K bytes) to 
$349.95 (256K bytes). 

For full details on these 
products, call or write PC 



490 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



What's New? 



Ware Inc., 4883 Tonino 
Dr., San Jose, CA 95136, 
(408) 978-8626. 
Circle 600 on inquiry card. 



Color Graphics 
Adapter for Eagles 

A single card providing 
the Eagle PC, Eagle 1600 
Series, and the IBM PC with 
a color display and graph- 
ics capabilities is now being 
marketed by Eagle Com- 
puter. This color graphics 
adapter, which can oper- 
ate in color or mono- 
chrome, features two basic 
modes of operation: alpha- 
numeric and all-points-ad- 
dressable graphics; addi- 
tional operating modes are 
available from within these 
formats. A medium resolu- 
tion of 320 by 200 pixels 
and 16 foreground and 8 
background colors are of- 
fered in the color mode. In 
the monochrome mode, a 
high-resolution display of 
640 by 200 pixels is 
achievable. Also featured 
in the monochrome mode 
are reverse video, blinking 
character, and highlight- 
ing. Character blinking is 
offered in the color mode. 
The color graphics 
adapter will link the Eagle 
to a display through a com- 
posite video port, a direct- 
drive RGB port, or an inter- 
face for driving a user-sup- 
plied RF modulator. The 
adapter costs $295. For 
more information, contact 
Eagle Computer Inc., 983 
University Ave., LosGatos, 
CA 95030, (408) 395- 
5005. 
Circle 599 on inquiry card. 



* 








PERCON 


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ft 


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III 
111 

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v 



Bar-Code Reader 

Supports 39 and 

Interleave 205 Codes 



Percon's E-Z-Reader bar- 
code reader supports 39 
and interleave 205 in- 
dustrial bar codes. It pro- 
vides operator feedback 
and can read dot-matrix 
and medium-density 
printed labels. Operator 
feedback is provided by a 
beeper, two host-controlled 
LED status indicators, and 
a low-frequency tone. 
Communications is stan- 
dard RS-232C, eavesdrop, 



or with a stand-alone com- 
puter. The digital wand is 
produced by Hewlett- 
Packard. 

The E-Z-Reader costs 
$395. An operating and in- 
stallation manual is avail- 
able for S20. Dealer and 
OEM inquiries are invited. 
Contact Percon, POB 1352, 
Eugene, OR 97440, (503) 
688-3374. 
Circle 595 on inquiry card. 




Expansion Box and 

Control Device 

Introduced 



Intercomputer has intro- 
duced two interrelated 
products that are compat- 
ible with Timex/Sinclair, 



Commodore 64 and VIC-20, 
and Texas Instruments 
99/4A computers: Intercon- 
troller and the Softbox. Inter- 



controller is a programmable 
control unit that lets you 
control electrical devices 
with your computer. It has 
four standard electrical 
outlets that you can pro- 
gram using a few simple 
BASIC commands. The Soft- 
box expansion box has four 
software-selectable slots that 
are used with program 
cartridges and the Intercon- 
troller. It also contains an ex- 
tra peripheral port. 

A nonvolatile memory 
cartridge and temperature, 
sound, and light sensors 
will soon be available for 
the Softbox, which costs 
$59.95. A required connec- 
tor cable is available for 
$17.95. Intercontroller is 
$99.95. For dealer informa- 
tion or to place an order, 
contact Intercomputer Inc., 
358 Chestnut Hill Ave., 
Boston, MA 02146, (617) 
738-5310. 
Circle 591 on inquiry card. 



Autocrat Provides 

Remote Control over 

AC Lines 

The Autocrat is a power- 
line communications prod- 
uct from Bi-Comm Systems. 
This microprocessor-based 
controller is used to remote- 
ly control electrical devices 
through existing AC wiring. 
It plugs directly into a stan- 
dard wall socket, where it 
transmits and receives sig- 
nals over the AC lines. Up 
to 256 Leviton CCS acces- 
sories and BSR X-10 devices 
can be controlled by Auto- 
crat. A battery-backed 
CMOS clock/calendar, a 
firmware operating system 
in EPROM, memory from 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 491 



What's New? 



data and applications pro- 
gram storage, and self -diag- 
nostics sre included with 
Autocrat. It can operate as 
a stand-alone unit, as a 
computer-controlled inter- 
. face, or under telephone 
modem control. 

Autocrat is compatible 
with computers, terminals, 
and energy-management 
controllers equipped with 



an RS-232C port. The 
manufacturer will develop 
custom applications soft- 
ware by contract and sup- 
port customers developing 
their own software. Auto- 
crat costs $485 and is avail- 
able factory-direct from Bi- 
Comm Systems, 10 York- 
town Court, St. Paul, MN 
55117, (612) 481-0775. 
Circle 590 on inquiry card. 




Buffer Can Handle 
256K 



An S-100-compatible 
printer buffer capable of 
handling up to 256K bytes 
of memory, the Spool-Z-Q 
100 works with both serial 
and Centronics-type parallel 
printers. Its on-board micro- 
processor handles all proto- 
cols and handshaking, and 
an open socket is available 
for a switch panel that lets 
you control Copy, Clear, 
Buffer, and self-test func- 
tions. The Spool-Z-Q has 
Normal and Pause-on- 
Form-Feed modes that pro- 
vide for both normal buf- 
fered printing and a pause 
for, say, inserting another 
sheet of paper. Several pro- 
tocols 3re supported, in- 
cluding Xon/Xoff, ETX/ACK, 
ENQ/ACK, and DTR. For 



the serial interface, Spool-Z- 
Q provides switch-select- 
able data rates, parity, and 
word length. The data rates 
3re 150, 300, 600, 1200, 
2400, 4800, 9600, and 
19,200 bps. 

The Spool-Z-Q, which 
uses 4164-type chips, is fully 
socketed for 256K bytes of 
memory Memory sizes 
available are 32K, 64K, 
128K, and 256K bytes. 
Prices range from $319 for 
a 32K-byte buffer to $529 
for the fully loaded version. 
For more information, con- 
tact JVB Electronics, Suite 
10 A, 1601 Fulton Ave., 
Sacramento, CA 95825, 
(916) 483-0709. 
Circle 594 on inquiry card. 




Add-on Package Turns Apple into 68000 
Development System 



The Apple II can be con- 
verted into a 68000 assem- 
bly-language development 
system with the Qpak-68 
board and software pack- 
age from Qwerty Inc. 
Qpak-68 comprises a plug- 
in board to run 68000 pro- 
grams, an editor/assembler 
to create 68000 source 
code, a debugger, and sup- 
port documentation. The 
board plugs directly into the 
Apple and uses the 68008 
microprocessor, which is an 
8-bit software-compatible 
version of the 68000. The 
68008 is driven by the Ap- 
ple's clock, which permits it 
to run parallel with the 
6502 in the Apple. The pro- 
cessor can be started, 
stopped, or interrupted at 
any time from the Apple. 

The Qpak board is able 
to run directly out of the 
Apple's memory. It shares 
the Apple's 64K-byte mem- 
ory space and can access 
the same memory and pe- 
ripherals as the Apple's 
6502 processor, including 
the high-resolution display. 
It comes with 8K bytes of 
local EPROM and 2K bytes 
of RAM, expandable to 32K 
and 8K bytes, respectively. 
The debugger, resident in 
EPROM, displays five screen 
windows to monitor or 



change registers or memory 
and to set breakpoints. It in- 
cludes instruction single- 
step and disassembly The 
source-code development 
package, which comes on 
an Apple-compatible disk, 
can assemble 68000 pro- 
grams with object code 
larger than 8K bytes direct- 
ly from RAM. Larger pro- 
grams can be assembled 
from Apple disks. 

The complete Qpak-68 
package costs $695. It's 
available directly from 
Qwerty Inc., Suite 600, 
Chesapeake Dr., San Diego, 
CA 92123, (619) 569-5283. 
Circle 589 on inquiry card. 



Scanner Recognizes 

Characters and 

Images 

When connected to an 
RS-232C port, Symeon & H. 
Corporation's Cosmos 
CAX-2 1 image-scanning 
system transfers images 
and printed characters to a 
personal computer. Salient 
specifications include a 
scanning width of 3.3 mm 
and a 0.16- by 0.1 6-mm 
per dot scanning rate. 
Power requirements sre 9 
to 12 volts DC or 110, 115, 



492 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



What's New? 



220, or 240 volts AC at 50 
or 60 Hz, with an AC 
adapter. Accessories in- 
clude software, a scale, RS- 
232C interface cable, 
power adapter, and a base 
plate. Presently, the soft- 
ware for CAX-21 works 
with the Apple II; how- 
ever, the programs are be- 
ing converted for other 
computers. 

Cosmos CAX-2 1 fea- 
tures two software-based 
scanning modes: List 
Reader and Image Scanner. 
Program listings, docu- 
ments, and other charac- 
ters produced by serial dot- 
matrix printers can be read 
and transmitted to your 
computer with List Reader. 



If the transmitted charac- 
ters match a user-created 
standard pattern, they are 
displayed on your video 
monitor. Recognized char- 
acters can be stored on disk 
for later printout. The Im- 
age Scanner handles 
printed or hand-drawn il- 
lustrations, maps, and 
other images. Image edit- 
ing is possible through the 
keyboard. Hard copies can 
be produced. Its maximum 
image size is 180 by 180 
mm. 

For more information, 
contact Symeon & H. 
Corp., 5676 Francis Ave., 
Chino> CA 91710, (714) 
627-9887. 
Circle 596 on inquiry card. 



Half-Megabyte 

Bubble Memory 

for IBM 

A ha/f-megabyte bubble- 
memory board designed to 
emulate a mini-Winchester 
disk drive inside the IBM 
Personal Computer is avail- 
able from Helix Labora- 
tories. The PC Bubble Board 
Is said to respond to fixed- 
disk commands under most 
operating systems, includ- 
ing MS-DOS 2.0, Softech 
Pascal IV.13, and CP/M-86 
for the IBM PC XT Among 
the software features avail- 
able to users are Restore, 
Backup, and partitioning to 
hold multiple operating sys- 
tems. The solid-state PC 
Bubble has four 1-megabit 
Intel 7/10 bubble memories, 
a 40-millisecond access 
time, and a data transfer 
rate of ^00,000 bits per 
second. 

The PC Bubble Board will 
also work with such com- 
puters as the Corona and 
Compaq. It costs $1495. 




Complete specifications are 
available from Helix Labora- 
tories Inc., Suite 106A, 
16776 Bernardo Center Dr., 
San Diego, CA 92128, (619) 
451-0270. 
Circle 586 on inquiry card. 



SYSTEMS 




80186-based Systems 

Onyx Systems' 186 Series 
of 16-bit desktop computers 
is based on Intel's 80186 
processor and is capable of 
running Concurrent 
CP/M-86. A basic con- 
figuration has a display ter- 
minal, 256K bytes of RAM, 
and 1 megabyte of floppy- 
disk storage. The 14-inch 
nonglare blue- or green- 
phosphor display features 
the 256-character ASCII set 
and business graphics ca- 
pabilities. The terminal tilts 
and swivels and has a 
104-key intelligent key- 
board. A numeric keypad, 
cursor-control pad, 28 func- 
tion keys, and a standard 
typewriter format are fea- 
tured. 

Expansion capabilities 
provided include six 
RS-232C serial ports, an 
8-bit Centronics-compatible 
parallel port, and two disk/ 
tape ports. Additional ex- 
pansion options include up 
to 512 K bytes of RAM, a 
cabinet to house drives and 
backup tape cartridges, 1 



Run Concurrent CP/M 

megabyte of floppy-disk 
storage, and 7-, 14-, or 
21-megabyte 5/4 -inch Win- 
chester hard-disk drives. 
The Onyx 186 Series is 
available with Concurrent 
CP/M-86, Oasis-16, or 
MBOS/BB3 for multiple 
users and MS-DOS for 
single users. 

Prices for complete work- 
stations begin at $4495. For 
complete details, contact 
Onyx Systems Inc., 25 East 
Trimble Rd., San Jose, CA 
95131, (408) 946-6330. 
Circle 609 on inquiry card. 



PC Plus and PC 
Deluxe Run MS-DOS 

The PC Plus and the PC 
Deluxe from Scottsdale Sys- 
tems run MS-DOS programs 
as well as a number of PC- 
DOS programs. The PC Plus 
is an 8088-based machine 
that's outfitted with a 160K- 
byte floppy-disk drive, 256K 
bytes of RAM, a printer 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 493 



What's New? 



spooler, a parallel printer 
port, and color/mono- 
chrome video output. Sys- 
tem software includes Ram- 
disk, MS-DOS, Wordstar, 
Calcstar, Easywriter, and 
Sanyo Color BASIC. It costs 
$999. 

In addition to the soft- 
ware supplied with PC Plus, 
PC Deluxe comes with 



Easy Planner, Easy Filer, 
Easy Mailer, and Easy 
Speller. It also has two 
floppy-disk drives. Its price is 
$1399. For more informa- 
tion, contact Scottsdale 
Systems Ltd., 617 North 
Scottsdale Rd. #B, Scotts- 
dale, AZ 85257, (602) 
941-5856. 
Circle 604 on inquiry card. 




IBM PCjr Available 

A 16-bit 8088-based 
computer, the IBM PCjr is 
available in two versions: a 
$699 system unit and a 
$1269 slim-line floppy-disk 
drive model. The basic PCjr 
features a cordless keyboard 
that transmits keystrokes to 
the main unit by Infrared 
signals at distances of up to 
20 feet. Each of its 62 keys 
can be programmed for 
custom applications, and its 
function keys are color 
coded. 

Standard equipment in- 
cludes 64K bytes of ROM, 
two cartridge slots, 64 K 
bytes of RAM, a serial port, 
cassette level BASIC, sound 
and graphics subsystems, 
and interfaces for a cassette, 



In Two Versions 

two joysticks, keyboard, 
modem, floppy disk, light 
pen, direct video, composite 
video, and television. To 
help new computer users 
get started, the PCjr comes 
with a ROM-based pro- 
gram that uses graphics, 
colors, and sound to high- 
light the keyboard. 

The PCjr can display 40 
columns of text on a televi- 
sion, composite display or 
a direct-drive color monitor 
with the addition of an op- 
tional adapter or connector. 
The enhanced PCjr has 80- 
column display capabilities 
and comes with 128K bytes 
of RAM, 360K bytes of 
floppy-disk storage, and a 
pair of tutorial disks. It has 



80-column display capabil- 
ities. Both versions are sup- 
plied with an operator 
manual and a BASIC hand- 
book. 

Options include a modem 
and parallel printer attach- 
ment. The IBM PCjr is avail- 
able at IBM Personal Com- 
puter dealers. IBM Entry 
Systems Division, POB 
2989, Delray Beach, FL 
33444. 
Circle 601 on inquiry card. 



2000 Uses 80186 
Chip, Two DOSes 

A 16-bit Intel 80186- 
based computer, the Sys- 
tem 2000 was recently un- 
veiled by Monroe Systems 
for Business. Supplied with 
two DOSes, MS-DOS and 
CP/M-86 DPX, and GW 
BASIC, the 2000 will sup- 
port such languages as 
Pascal, FORTRAN, C, and 
COBOL. Single or dual 
5 ] A -inch floppy-disk drives, 
128K or 256K bytes of 
RAM, a monitor, a parallel 
printer port, five expansion 
slots, and a clock/calendar 
are standard. Mass-storage 
capacities are 720K bytes 
per disk under MS-DOS or 
640K bytes under CP/M-86. 
The 2000's twin RS-232C 
serial ports offer program- 
mable data rates ranging 
from 75 to \9,200 bps and 
are offered with asynchro- 
nous or asynchronous and 
synchronous capabilities. 
The low-profile, detached 
keyboard that comes with 
the System 2000 has sepa- 
rate cursor and numeric 
keypads, four applica- 
tion-defined program keys, 




and 10 user-defined func- 
tion keys. 

The 12-inch amber 
monochrome monitor is 
backed by 128K bytes of 
dedicated RAM. The anti- 
glare screen can display 
2000 characters in an 80- 
column by 25-line format 
while offering 640- by 400- 
pixel bit-mapped graphics 
capabilities. Its 256 IBM- 
compatible character set 
can be produced with such 
attributes as reverse, under- 
line, high-intensity, blinking, 
and nondisp/ay black or 
white. The tilt and swivel 
pedestal can also accom- 
modate a 14-inch, 16-color 
RGB monitor. 

Options include a Z80A 
coprocessor, RAM expan- 
sion up to 896K bytes, up 
to three RS-232C interface 
boards, internal or external 
hard-disk drives, and letter- 
quality and dot-matrix 
printers. Word-processing, 
spreadsheet, database- 
management, and graphics 
packages are among the 
programs available. Prices 
begin at $3695. For addi- 
tional information, contact 
Monroe Systems for Busi- 
ness, The American Rd., 
Morris Plains, NJ 07950, 
(201) 993-2000. 
Circle 607 on inquiry card. 



494 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



What's New? 



PC-Compatible 

Targeted at 

Professionals 

TheTS 1605 computer is 
targeted at business and 
professional users. Manu- 
factured by Televideo Sys- 
tems, this 16-bit computer is 
hardware- and software- 
compatible with the IBM 
PC. It comes equipped with 
dual half -height 5/4 -inch 
floppy-disk drives, each of 
which accommodates 
368.6K bytes of formatted 
data, a single RS-232C 
asynchronous port, and an 
IBM-style DB-25S parallel 
printer port. The TS 1605's 
128K bytes of user memory 
can be expanded to 256K 
bytes. High-resolution 640- 
by 200-pixel graphics are 
possible on the unit's stan- 
dard 14-inch green-phos- 
phor display. The TS 1605 
can be networked under 
CP/M-86. For more details, 
contact Te/evideo Systems 
Inc., 1170 Morse Ave., Sun- 
nyvale, CA 94086, (408) 
745-7760. 
Circle 602 on inquiry card. 



Low-cost 64K 
Computer 

Video Technologies de- 
signed its Laser 3000 per- 
sonal computer with two 
tiny gate-array chips that 
take the place of more than 
200 integrated circuits at a 
fraction of the cost. The 
basic Laser has 64K bytes of 
RAM, 80-column display 
capabilities, a Centronics- 
type parallel printer port, 
and a four-channel pro- 
grammable sound gener- 
ator. Its graphics capabilities 
comprise three modes, one 
of which provides a six- 



color 560- by 192-pixel 
matrix. Other features in- 
clude a 24K-byte ROM with 
Microsoft BASIC, eight user- 
definable function keys, a 
calculator numeric pad, 
and a switching power 
supply The Laser 3000 is 
said to be able to run most 
Apple \\ software. Optional 
components will enable it 
to run CP/M software and 
provide 16-bit capabilities 
for running MS-DOS and 
CP/M-86. 

Disk-drive units sre avail- 
able. The Laser 3000 costs 
$695. For more informa- 
tion, contact Video Tech- 
nologies (U.S.A.) Inc., 2633 
Greenleaf Ave., Elk Grove 
Village, IL 60007, (312) 
640-1776. 
Circle 603 on inquiry card. 



Computer Serves 
Alone or In Network 

The Lanier Business Pro- 
cessor \000 works as a 
stand-alone unit or can be 
linked with other work- 
stations in a Lanier Business 
System 5000 network. The 
]000 can also be interfaced 
with office data-communi- 
cations systems using IBM 
3270 SNA and 3780 com- 
munications protocols or 
those with TTY-ASCII capa- 
bilities. Basic system hard- 
ware comprises dual 8- and 
16-bit processors, 128K or 
256K bytes of RAM, and 
half-height floppy-disk 
drives. It can be equipped 
with optional 5- or ]0- 
megabyte Winchester 
hard-disk and floppy-disk 
drive configurations. Other 
options include a tilt-and- 
swivel base for operator 
comfort and graphics capa- 



bilities for generating 
business charts and graphs. 
The ]000 supports CP/M 
and MS-DOS in addition to 
Lanier's software. 

The base price for the 
Processor 1000 is $2995, 
which includes installation 
and on-site training. It's 
available at more than 340 
sales locations nationwide. 
For further information, 
contact Lanier Business 
Products Inc., 1700Chantil- 
ly Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 
30324, (404) 329-8000. 
Circle 608 on inquiry card. 



PUBLICATIONS 




CAD/CAM Directory 
Focuses on Specs 

A directory of the com- 
puter-aided design and 
manufacturing hardware 
and software relying 
heavily on technical 
specifications, The CAD/ 
CAM Industry Directory is 
available from Technical 
Database Corporation. This 
directory offers more than 
100 listings detailing CAD/ 
CAM systems, CAD video- 
display terminals, testing 
systems, plotters, program- 
mable controllers, harsh en- 



vironment CAM terminals, 
special communications 
software, industrial data- 
bases, systems houses, and 
consultants. Each product 
listing includes full specifica- 
tions, price information, 
delivery time, length of 
warranty, European and 
Japanese marketing con- 
tacts, and vendor name, 
address, and telephone 
number. 

The directory costs $35 
domestic, $43 overseas. Bi- 
monthly specification up- 
dates sre available for $15 
($19 foreign). Contact Tech- 
nical Database Corp., POB 
720, Conroe, TX 77305, 
(409) 539-9688. 
Circle 611 on inquiry card. 



Research via 
Communication 

Alfred Glossbrenner has 
written a buyer's and 
user's guide. The Com- 
plete Handbook of Per- 
sonal Computer Commu- 
nications, which details 
the time- and money-sav- 
ing benefits of inter- 
computer communica- 
tions. Tips in the book in- 
clude descriptions of how 
your research is enhanced 
by access to CompuServe, 
Tradenet for swapping 
goods and services, three 
encyclopedic databases, 
telephone directories, a 
daily index of 2000 news 
stories, and a magazine 
index that can search 
600,000 citations from 
more than 350 current 
periodicals. The paperback 
version is $ 14.95. Contact 
St. Martin's Press, 175 Fifth 
Ave., New York, NY 
]00)0 f (212) 674-5151. 
Circle 617 on inquiry card. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 495 



What's New? 




IBM PC XT 

A 200-page IBM PC and 
PC XT repair manual writ- 
ten for both the experi- 
enced and nontechnical 
user has been released by 
Personal Systems Publica- 
tions. How to Repair and 
Maintain Your Own IBM 
PC/XT offers step-by-step in- 
structions, explains most 
probable hardware prob- 
lems, and provides trouble- 
shooting tips. The book 



Repair Manual 

aids the novice by showing 
him or her how to use a 
volt-ohmmeter and logic 
probe for troubleshooting 
testing. 

How to Repair and 
Maintain Your Own IBM 
PC/XT costs $19.95. Order 
from Personal Systems 
Publications, POB 90754, 
Los Angeles, CA 90009. 
Circle 610 on inquiry card. 



Communicative 
Directory 



A 26-page directory, 
Personal Computers and 
User-Programmable Ter- 
minals, contains details 
about 100 terminals that 
can communicate with 5 1 
personal computers in a 
data-communications en- 
vironment. All products 
covered connect to the 



communications network 
via an RS-232C serial inter- 
face, and all have soft- 
ware that supports in- 
teraction with the host 
processor. Different sec- 
tions in the report relate to 
stand-alone or cluster en- 
vironments, displays, data 
editing and formatting, 



operating systems, and 
programming languages. 
The report costs $29 and is 
available from Data Deci- 
sions, 20 Brace Rd., Cherry 
Hill, NJ 08034, (609) 
429-7100. 
Circle 618 on inquiry card. 



The Naked Truth 

Behind the 

Computer 

Computer trivia, anec- 
dotes, world records, and 
lore are the subject of The 
Naked Computer by Jack 
B. Rochester and John 
Grantz. From this work 
you'll learn that the first 
computer bug was actual- 
ly a moth that met its de- 
mise in a relay of the Mark 
I analyzer at Harvard and 
read about a computer that 
attempted to use water in- 
stead of electrons for 
switching circuits. Subtitled 
The Layperson's Almanac 
of Computer Lore, Wizar- 
dry, Personalities, Memor- 
abilia, World Records, 
Mind Blowers, and Tom- 
foolery, this 335-page 
hardcover book costs 
$15.95. It's published by 
William Morrow & Co., 105 
Madison Ave., New York, 
NY 10016, (212) 889-3050. 
Circle 613 on inquiry card. 



MS-DOS Explained 

A thorough overview of 
Microsoft's popular MS- 
DOS operating system is 
provided in How to Get 
Started with MS-DOS by 
Carl Townsend. Written in 
a manner that helps begin- 
ners understand and use 



MS-DOS quickly and effec- 
tively, this book covers such 
topics as why computers re- 
quire DOSes and how to 
use a word processor. 
Other areas covered include 
IBM hardware, files, records, 
disks, using commands and 
utilities, and backup and 
safety procedures for disks. 
A series of appendices con- 
taining MS-DOS tables and 
maps, error messages, MS- 
DOS and BASIC com- 
mands, and a glossary 
round off the book. 

How to Get Started 
with MS-DOS is $13.95. It 
can be ordered directly from 
the Dilithium Press, Suite 
151, 8285 Southwest Nim- 
bus, Beaverton, OR 97005, 
(800) 547-1842; in Oregon, 
(503) 646-2713. 
Circle 612 on inquiry card. 



Computer Bulletin 
for Educators 

The School Microcom- 
puting Bulletin provides 
educators with information 
on the use of computers as 
effective teaching aids and 
administrative tools. The 
Bulletin has descriptions 
and evaluations of com- 
puter products as they per- 
formed in school settings 
and news on industry de- 
velopments of interest to 
educators. Eight 8-page 
issues are produced during 
the school year. The 
Bulletin does not accept 
advertisements. For order- 
ing information and a free 
sample copy, write to the 
Managing Editor, Learning 
Publications Inc., Depart- 
ment NR, POB 1326, 
Holmes Beach, FL 33509. 
Circle 616 on inquiry card. 



496 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



What's New? 



Mitchell Waite • Donald Martin • Stephen Prata 

UNIX PRIMER 
PLUS 



User Friendly 

I Guide to 
the UNIX" 
Operating SysU . 



■. : A \ . '■.-,' 



Unix Guide Starts 
from Scratch 



Mitchell Waite, Donald 
Martin, and Stephen Parta 
have teamed up to produce 
a start-from-scratch guide to 
Bell Laboratories' Unix 
operating system. The Unix 
Primer Plus is a 288-page 
tutorial and guide designed 
for anyone interested in 
learning about Unix. Anec- 
dotes, analogies, and il- 
lustrations frame the pre- 
sentations, and nontech- 
nical introductory chapters 
explain fundamental Unix 
concepts and commands. 
Later in the book, detailed 
chapters describe advanced 
commands and features. 
Overviews and summaries 
supplement introductory 
materials to help compre- 
hension. 

The Unix Primer Plus 
comes in a loose-leaf binder 



so that readers can add 
pages of notes, supplement 
information, or customize 
the presentation to specific 
Unix installations. It costs 
$19.95. For more informa- 
tion, contact Howard W. 
Sams & Co. Inc., 4300 West 
62nd St., Indianapolis, IN 
46268, (317) 298-5400. 
Circle 615 on inquiry card. 



MISCELLANEOUS 

Gang Programmer 

Has 32K of Buffer 

Memory 

The Model 8204 is a self- 
contained gang program- 
mer with 32K bytes of buf- 
fer memory. It offers select- 
able protocols for popular 
development systems, 
block-mode data transfer, 



selectable data rates, edit- 
ing, checksum computa- 
tion, and the ability to pro- 
gram up to eight EPROMs. 
This device can operate as 
a stand-alone unit or in 
conjunction with a com- 
puter. The Model 8204 
programs such EPROMs as 
the Intel 2758 and 2732/A, 
the Texas Instruments 
TMS2508 and TMS2558, 
the National NMC2724, 
the Motorola MCM2816, 
and the Hitachi HN48016P. 
Operation features in- 
clude verification during 
and after the program cycle, 
confirmation of the 
master's validity by the 
display of its checksum, 
and occupancy checks to 
ensure that the master is 
present and programmed, 
that at least one blank 
slave is present, and that all 
devices are properly reg- 
istered. Failures are indi- 
cated visually and audibly. 
Operating voltage is 
W0I220 V AC ±15 per- 
cent at 50/60 Hz. 

The Model 8204 Pro- 
grammer costs $1295. It's 
available from Sherman 
Pirkle Inc., 3 Captain Parker 
Arms, Lexington, MA 
02173, (617) 861-6688. 
Circle 621 on inquiry card. 



Standby Supply 

Powers 16-Bit 

Systems 

Ladco Development's 
Model 250B standby pow- 
er supply has a rating of 
250 amperes at 1 15 VAC. 
It comes with a 1 0-ampere- 
hour maintenance-free bat- 
tery, RFI line filtering, volt- 
age surge suppression, 
oyer- and underline volt- 
age protection, a battery 



charger with overcharge 
and short-circuit protec- 
tion, a battery condition 
meter, visible and audible 
failure indication, and a 
frequency -con trolled, 
square-wave-output 60- 
cycle inverter. It can power 
1 6-bit computers with hard 
disks as well as video ter- 
minals. The battery can 
operate for ]0 minutes. 
The Model 250B monitors 
line voltage for factory-set 
limits of 103 to 130 volts 
and automatically switches 
to standby when deviation 
occurs. 

The Model 250B costs 
$545. Quantity discounts 
are available. For more in- 
formation, contact Ladco 
Development Co. Inc., 
POB 464, Olean, NY 
14760, (716) 372-0168. 
Circle 619 on inquiry card. 



Videotaped Short 
Course on FORTRAN 

A videotaped short 
course on FORTRAN is 
available from Colorado 
State University. This intro- 
ductory course covers 
FORTRAN in 10 half-hour 
lectures. Each lecture 
begins with a discussion of 
the previous assignment. 
Topics such as batch use 
and interactive FORTRAN 
are covered step by step in 
this presentation. Leasing 
and purchasing informa- 
tion is available from W. L. 
Somervell Jr., Engineering 
Renewal and Growth Pro- 
gram, Engineering Re- 
search Center, Colorado 
State University, Fort Col- 
lins, CO 80523, (800J 
525-4950; in Colorado, 
(303) 49 1 -841 7. ■ 
Circle 620 on inquiry card. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 497 



Circle 69 on inquiry card. 



MEGA BYTES FOR MICRO BUDGETS 

Why pay more for top quality peripherals and accessories when our prices are consistently among the lowest anywhere? Expand your system and 

shrink your cost. We invite you to compare prices, then call us. 



MICROSOFT 
For IBM PC 

9913 64K card 

0313 256K card 

9938 64K system card . . 

0338 256K system card. 

9937 mouse 



SALE PRICE 



.$243.10 
.607.76 
.274.36 
.439.16 
. . 135.44 



For Apple II, H + , He 

2304 softcard system 

2312 softcard system plus. . 

2313 ramcard 

2223 multiplan el. wrksheet. 

9804 softcard prem. system. 

2348 prem. softcard He 



.239.62 
.436.59 
. . 69.41 
.191.01 
.482.73 
.343.81 



MISC. ITEMS 

644-0100 lemon surge protector. . 

644-0110 orange surge protector. 

644-0120 lime surge protector. . . . 

7654 system saver (APPLE). 

92P . . . OKIDATA . . . printer 

93P . . . OKIDATA . . . printer 

NEC JB1260 monitor 

NEC JB1205 monitor 

AMDEK COLOR II . . . monitor 

PEGASUS disk drives 

CORVUS disk drives 



SALE PRICE 

$46.73 

114.86 

73.47 

68.19 

485.10 

812.70 

112.50 

177.50 

466.50 

CALL 

CALL 



VIDEX 

UL-00 

VT-600 


. . ultraterm 

. . videoterm 60. Hz 


SALE PRICE 

$282.39 

207.87 

230.22 

.237.68 

14.15 

170.61 


VT-601 

VT-602 

VT-SPA000 

PS-000 

ENH-000 

ENH-FS-000 .... 


. . videoterm 60. Hz Softswitch 

. . videoterm 60.Hz Softswitch inver. 

. . switchplate 

. . paral, ser. I/O card 


. . Enhancer II 

. . Function Strip 


111.04 

29.06 


ENH-FS-001 


. . Enhancer II, Function Strip 


133.37 








DYSAN DISKETTES {Boxes of 10 each) 

104/1 . . ." 5.25" .ss.sd 

104/1D 5.25" .ss dd 


SALE PRICE 

$32.83 

34.72 

41.04 


104/2D 

3740/1 

3740/1 D 


. . 5.25" .ds.dd 


. . 8" .ss.sd 


34.09 


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42.29 

42.29 

49.24 


3740/2 

3740/2D 


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MODEMS 

01 HAYES 

02 HAYES 

03 HAYES 

04 NOVATION . . 

05 NOVATION . . 

06 NOVATION . . 

07 NOVATION . . 
OB NOVATION . . 
09 NOVATION . . 


. . stack chronograph 

. . stack smartmodem 

. . smartmodem 1200 

. . cat 


SALE PRICE 

$200.79 

232.37 

568.29 

164.17 


. . dcat 

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. . smartcat 103/212 

. . smartcat 103 


180.58 

657.95 

122.30 

488.35 

204.43 



ORDERS ONL Y 800-858-4810 
IN CAL. 800-821-6662 



-^- COMMERCIAL BUSINESS SUPPLY 

2858 S. ROBERTSON BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CA 90034 



INFORMATION 
(213) 559-0596 



Phone orders accepted on Visa and Mastercard only. California residents add 6.5% sales tax. No C.O.D. Actual shipping and handling 

charge added to all orders. Prepaid orders as follows: Money orders or cashier's check— merchandise shipped upon receipt. Personal checks must clear before shipping. 

20% restocking fee. Prices and availability subject to change. 



SUNNY LOW LOW COST 

POWER SUPPLIES 

(LINEAR & SWITCHING) 
FOR S-100, DISK DRIVES 




S-100 & DISK POWER SUPPLIES: 

ITEM ^_ + 5V OVP 

~S^ 12 SLOT & 2 FLOPPY 



5A 



NO. 806 & NO. 516 Mainframes Kit 1, 2 & 3 for S-100 F^Ftycr 2 Drives(FIoppy&Hard) 

OPEN FRAME, ASSY. & TESTED, 6 OUTPUTS, ADJU. & FUSES PROTECT. 
-5V +24V(OR +12V) +8V ± 16V SIZE W x D x H PRICE 



1A 



5-7A PEAK 



13A 



3A 



10" x 6" x 5" 



105.95 



(1 Floppy & 1 Hard Disk) 
S4 6 SLOT & 2 FLOPPY 4A 1A 4-5A PEAK 8A 3A 8%" x 5" x 4%" 95.95 

DISK POWER SUPPLIES: open frame, assy. & tested, regulated, adjustable & fuses protect. 

ITEM IDEAL FOR +5V OVP -5V +24V(or+12V) +8V Unreg. +12V SIZE W x D x H PRICE 




2x8" SLIMLINE 


2.5A 




2.5A - 5A Peak 


2 x 8" or 2 x 5V4 M DISK 


4A 


1A 


3A - 5A Peak 


[3x8" (or 5V4") FLOPPY] 
[or 1x Floppy & 1x Hard] 


6A 


1A 


6A - 8A Peak 


6A 


1A 


6A - 8A Peak 



1A 



Ro 

R 1 2 x 8" or 2 x 5 1 /4" DISK 4A 1A 3A - 5A Peak 2A 

R 2 
R3 
AC & DC POWER CABLES WITH CONNECTOR FOR 2 DRIVES 8.00 

S-100 POWER SUPPLY KITS (open frame with base plate, 3 hrs. assy, time) 

ITEM (IDEAL FOR) +8V -8V + 16V -16V +28V SIZE: WxDxH PRICE 



5" x4" x4" 

8" x 4" x 3%" 

10" x 4%" x 3%" 

9" x 6Va" x 4%" 



51.95 
56.95 
71.95 
98.95 



S 3j S4forS-100&2Drives 



KIT1 
KIT 2 
KIT 3 



15 CARDS 

20 CARDS 

DISK SYSTEM 



15A 
25A 
15A 



1A 



2.5A 


2.5A 


3A 


3A 


3A 


3A 



5A 



6 SLOT MAINFRAME 



ASSY. 



& TESTED ONLY $399.95 



12" x 5" x 47/s " 

12" x 5" x 47/b" 

13%" x 5" x 47/8" 

SHIPPING $18.00 



54.95 
61.95 
69.95 



SHIPPING FOR EA. PWR SUPPLY: $5.50 IN CALIF.; 
$8.00 IN OTHER STATES;$18.00 IN CANADA. 
FOR EA. TRANSFORMER: $5.00 IN ALL STATES; 
$12.00 IN CANADA. CALIF. RESIDENTS ADD 
6.5% SALES TAX. 



DEALER 

INQUIRIES 

INVITED 



EACH MAINFRAME (ITEM NO. 806 OR 516) CONTAINS: EMI FILTER • FUSE HOLDER • AC POWER CORD • POWER SWITCH & INDICATOR • 
RESET SWITCH • AVz" COOLING FAN • S-100 BUS 6 SLOT CARD CAGE • (1 10/220 VAC, 50/60 HZ.) POWER SUPPLY FOR DISK DRIVES & S-100 
SLOTS • 2 EA. DC POWER CABLES WITH CONNECTOR AND MOUNTING HARDWARE FOR DISK DRIVES • 9 EA. CUT-OUTS; 7 FOR DB25 
CONNECTOR. 1 FOR 50 PIN CONNECTOR & 1 FOR CENTRONICS • CUSTOM FINISH & LOGO-LESS • COMPACT SIZE • LIGHTWEIGHT. 28 LBS. 
ITEM #606 FOR 2 EA. 8" THINLINE FLOPPY (TANDON TM848-1 & 848-2 OR EQUIV.), OR ONE HARD DISK, POWER SUPPLY:+8V/8A. = r16V/3A, 
+ 5V/5A OVP, -5V/1A & 24V/5A. SIZE: 12"(W) x 19.5"(D) x 9.8"(H). 

ITEM #516 FOR 2 EA. 5V-T FLOPPY (TANDON TM-100 - 1, 2, 3, 4 OR EQUIV.). OR ONE 5%" FLOPPY & ONE 5V4" WINCHESTER HARD DISK 
(TANDON TM 600-2. 3 OR EQUIV.). POWER SUPPLY: +8V/8A. ±16V/3A OVP, +5V/6A OVP. +12V/6A. »\ PEAK. SIZE: 13.75'(W) x 19:5"(D) x 7"(H). 



No. 806 & 

No. 516 Mainframes 




MAILING ADDRESS: 
P.O. BOX 4296 
TORRANCE, C A 90510 

TELEX: 182558 



SUNNY INTERNATIONAL 

(TRANSFORMERS MANUFACTURER) 

(213) 328-2425 MON-SAT 9-6 



SHIPPING ADDRESS: 
22129V2 S. VERMONT AVE 
TORRANCE, CA 90502 



498 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 339 on inquiry card. 




CNAnneL 
connecnons 



The Channel Connecting You And Computers: 



APPLE SOFTWARE 

*AST Versa Form $245.00 

Abase 139.00 

Templates P0/1NV @ 39.00 

ML/CRJ/EJ @ 33.00 

ARTSCI Magic Window 99.00 

Magic Mailer 49.00 

Magic Words 49.00 

Magic Calc 99.00 

*ASHT0NE-TATE T " dBase II 385.00 

Bottomline Strategist 279.00 

Financial Planner 419.00 

Friday! 198.00 

H0900 



BEAGLE BROTHERS 




Alpha Plot 


28.00 


Apple Mechanic 


22.00 


Beagle Bag 


22.00 


Doss Boss 


17.00 


Double Take 


27.00 


Pronto Dos 


22.00 


Utility City 


22.00 


BLUE CHIP Millionare 


39.00 


BPI GL/AP/AR/INV/PR@ 


295.00 


BR0DERBUND™ A.E. 


25.00 


Choplifter 


25.00 


Bank St. Writer 


45.00 


Lode Runner 


26.00 


G. W/AP 


305.00 


AR/PR@ 


275.00 


CENTRAL POINT Copy II Plus 


32.00 


Filer 


15.00 


C0NTINENTAL T "GL/AR/AP/PR@ 


158.00 


Home Accountant 


49.00 


FCM 


68.00 


Property Management 


329.00 


CRANE Menu Generator 


29.00 


DATA SOFT (Zaxxon) 


27.00 


Micropainter 


25.00 


DIGITAL RESEARCH! 


CALL 


00W JONES 1 " Market Analyzer™ 


275.00 


Market Manager 


235.00 


Market Microscope 


525.00 


InvestmenfEvaluator 


129.00 


Connector 


85.00 


EDUWARE 


CALL 


FOX & GELLER T "Quick Code 


195.00 


dGraph 


195.00 


dUtil 


69.00 


Quick Screen 


119.00 


HAYOEN Pie Writer 


99.00 


HAYES® Smartcom 1. 


89.00 


INFOCOM'-Deadline 


34.00 


Zork l/ll/lll @ 


27.00 


INSOFT Electric Duet 


22.00 


GraphForth 


56.00 


KENSINGTON® Format II 


113.00 


LOTUS 1 " Executive Briefing 




System 


149.00 



MICROCOM Micro Terminal 59.00 

MICRO PRO® Infostar 259.00 

•WUIROSOFT Multiplan 1 " 169.00 

Budget System 109.00 

Financial Statement 69.00 

Other products CALL 

MONOGRAM Dollars & Sense 79.00 

MUSE® Supertext Home Office 73.00 

Supertext Pro. (lie) 73.00 

Castle Wolfenstein 22.00 

PENGUIN 

Complete Graphics System II 49.00 

Graphics Magician 39.00 

Special Effects 29.00 



PERFECT SOFTWARE 1 " 

Perfect Writer 

Perfect Speller 

Perfect Writer/Speller 

Perfect Filer 

Perfect Calc 

Writer/Speller/Filer/Calc 
PHOENIX Zoom Grafix 
QUALITY Bag of Tricks 
SENSIBLE Speller 
SIERRA ON LINE 

Screen Writer II 

Dictionary 

Screen Writer/Dictionary 

Frogger 

Ultima II 
SILICON VALLEY 

Word Handler 

List Handler 
SIRIUS Type Attack 

Pascal Graphics Editor 
SOFTWARE PUBLISHING ™ 
(Specify 11+ or lie) 

pfs: File 

pfs: Report 

pfs: Graph 

pfs: Write (lie only) 
SPINNAKER 1 " 
SSM Transcend I 

Also SEE MODEMS 
STONEWARE D.B. Master 

D.B. Master Ver. 4 
SUBLOGIC Flight Simulator 
TERRAPIN Logo 
VISICORP Visicale 



149.00 
99.00 

199.00 

199.00 
99.00 

489.00 
34.00 
29.00 
83.00 

85.00 
69.00 
135.00 
25.00 
39.00 

39.00 
35.00 
28.00 
75.00 



84.00 
79.00 
84.00 
84.00 
up to 30% off 
69.00 

145.00 
229.00 
25.00 
119.00 



(II/II+) (He) 


169.00 


Other Products 


CALL 


CENTRAL POINT Alaska Card T " 


99.00 


DANA ® Fan 


59.00 


EPS Keyboard 


319.00 


Prom @ 


29.00 


GIBSON LABS LPS Light Pen 


279.00 


HAYES Micromodem II W/SC I 


249.00 


KOALA'" Graphic Tablet 


85.00 


KRAFT Joystick 


49.00 


Paddle 


39.00 


MICRO SCI A2 w/o Controller 


219.00 


A2 Controller 


79.00 


A40 w/o Controller 


299.00 


A70 w/o Controller 


399.00 


A40/A70 Controller 


79.00 


MICROSOFT® 16K Ramcard 


69.00 


Softcard 


219.00 


Softcard Plus 


449.00 


Softcard Premium 


479.00 


Premium Softcard He 


369.00 


NOVATION See MODEMS 


ORANGE MICRO™ 




Buffered Grappler 16K 


179.00 


PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS 




Microbuffer II plus 16K PAR 


199.00 


Other Products 


CALL 


SSM See MODEMS 


TG Paddles 


29.00 


Joy Stick 


45.00 


Select a Port 


45.00 


Track Ball 


49.00 


Joy Stick (He) 


49.00 


TENCAL Cool & Time 


75.00 


VIOEX Videoterm w/ss 


239.00 


Ultraterm 


279.00 


WICO Joy Stick 


59.00 



IBM SOFTWARE 




*AST Versa Form 


245.00 


Qbase 


139.00 


Templates PO/INV @ 


39.00 


ML/CRJ/EJ @ 


33.00 


'ASHTONTATE™ dBase II 


385.00 


Bottomline Strategist 


279.00 


Financial Planner 


419.00 


Friday! 


198.00 


BLUE CHIP Millionaire 


39.00 


BPI T " GL/AP/AR/PR @ 


459.00 


CENTRAL POINT Copy II PC 


32.00 


COMPREHENSIVE 




PC Tutor 1.1 


45.00 


PC Tutor 2.0 


45.00 


CONTINENTAL! FCM 


79.00 


Home Accountant Plus 


89.00 


Property Management 


329.00 


OATAMOST Write On 


89.00 


DIGITAL RESEARCH 1 " CP/M86 


45.00 


Concurrent CP/M 86 


235.00 


Dr. Logo 


79.00 


Other Products 


CALL 


00W JONES™ Market Analyzer 7 " 


275.00 


Market Manager™ 


235.00 


Market Microscope 


525.00 


Investment Evaluator™ 


129.00 


Connector 


85.00 


FOX & GELLER Quick Code 


195.00 


dGraph 


195.00 


dUtil 


69.00 


HAYDEN Pie Writer 


135.00 


HAYES Smart Com II 


89.00 


INF0C0M T " Deadline 


34.00 


Zork l/ll/lll@ 


27.00 


INSDFT Data Design 


169.00 


MICROCOM Micro Terminal 


69.00 


'MICROSOFT™ Multiplan 


169.00 


Budget System 


109.00 


Financial Statement 


69.00 


Word 


275.00 


Word w/Mouse 


339.00 


Other Products 


CALL 


MONOGRAM Dollars & Sense 


119.00 


MUSE™ Supertext Pro 


73.00 


'PEACHTREE Peachtext 5000 


235.00 


PETER NORTON Utilities 


59.00 


SIRIUS Type Attack 


29.00 


Gorgon II 


29.00 


SOFTWARE ARTS TK Solver 


219.00 


SOFTWARE PUBLISHING 




pfs: File 


94.00 


pfs: Report 


84.00 


pfs: Graph 


94.00 


pfs: Write 


94.00 


SPINNAKER™ up to 30% off 


STONEWARE 




D.B. Master Advanced 


449.00 


SUPERSOFT Personal Database 


90.00 


VISICORP Visicale w/C-dex 


179.00 


Other Products 


CALL 


AMDEK MAI Board 


519.00 


AST 


Call 


HAYES Smartmodem 1200B /SCI 


439.00 


KOALA™ Graphic Tablet 


109.00 


KRAFT Joystick 


49.00 


Paddle 


39.00 


MICROSOFT® Mouse 


149.00 


System Card 64K 


295.00 


System Card 256K 


465.00 


QUAORAM Quadlink 


485.00 


Quadboard 64K 


285.00 


Quadboard II 64K 


285.00 


Quad 512 plus 64K 


265.00 


Quad 512 plus 256K 


420.00 



Quad 512 plus 512K 
64K Ram Chips 
Quadchrome 
Quadscreen 
TG Paddles 
Joy Stick 
Track Ball 
WICO Joy Stick 
MODEMS 
HAYES® Micromodem II 

w/SC I (II) 
SMartcom I (II) 
Smartmodem 1200B 

w/SCII (PC) 
Smartcom II (PC) 
Smartmodem 1200 

(RS232) 
Smartmodem 300 

(RS232) 
Chronograph (RS232) 
NOVATION Apple Cat II 

(300B) (II) 
212 Apple Cat II (300/1200B) 

(N) 
212 Apple Cat II 

Upgrade Kit 
Cat (300B) (RS232) 
D-Cat (300B) (RS232) 
J-Cat (300B) (RS232) 
Smart Cat 103 

(300B) (RS232) 
Smart Cat 103/212 

(RS232) 
212 Auto Cat(RS232) 
SSM Modemcard w/SOURCE II 

Transmodem 1200 (II) 
AI0-2 Ser/Par Interface 

MONITORS 

AMDEK Video 300 

Video 300A 

Color I 

Color I plus 

Color II 

Color III 

Color IV 

DVM Interface (II) 

DVM Interface (lie) 
NEC 12" Green JB1201 

12" Color JC1215 

12" RGB JC1203 (PC) 

JC1203 to PC Cable 

PGS HX-12 
QUADRAM Quadchrome 

Quadscreen 
TAXAN 13" Color 

12" Green 

12" Amber 

RGB Vision 1 12" Lo 

RGB Vision 3 12" Hi 
PRINTERS 
EPSON FX 80/100 
OKIDATA Complete Line 

DISKETTES 

OYSAN® 5V<" SS/SD 

5V<" SS/DO 

5V<" DS/DD 

Plastic Box Add 
IBM® 5V«" SS/DD 

5V«" DS/DD 
MAXELL® 5V«" SS/DD 

5V<" DS/DD 
TDK® 5W SS/DD 

5V«" DS/DD 
VERBATIM® 5V«" SS/DD 

5VV* DS/DD 



675.00 
79.00 
519.00 
1,595.00 
39.00 
49.00 
49.00 
59.00 



249.00 
89.00 

439.00 
89.00 

499.00 

205.00 
189.00 

269.00 

559.00 

319.00 
139.00 
159.00 
109.00 

199.00 

409.00 
569.00 

259.00 
499.00 
169.00 



135.00 
149.00 
289.00 
319.00 
439.00 
389.00 
895.00 
169.00 
169.00 
159.00 
299.00 
559.00 
24.00 
539.00 
519.00 
1,595.00 
319.00 
145.00 
149.00 
319.00 
559.00 

CALL 
CALL 



32.00 
37.00 
43.00 

1.50 
29.90 
39.90 
28.90 
41.90 
33.00 
43.00 
27.90 
36.90 



TERMS: Add 3% for shipping & handling. $3.00 minimum. Allow 2 weeks for checks to clear. Add 6% for CA. Sales Tax. Add 2% to total for Visa & MasterCharge. All sales final for 
software, accessories & diskettes. Defective Hardware, Monitors, Printers returns must be within 10 working days of purchase accompanied by RMA # for exchange only. Apple is the 
Registered Trademark of Apple Computer Inc. IBM is the Registered Trademark of International Business Machines Corp. Circle 58 on Inquiry card 

Order Desk: National: 1-800-821-4381 Order Desk: Calif: 1-800-421-3245 
Product Support: (805) 683-3006 Local orders: (805) 683-1779 



Circle 293 on inquiry card. 



*** ^e GRAY MARKET 

We don't play games 




*-¥■ 



Lowest Prices Anwhere! Here is why: 

1. Low Advertising Budget 

2. Large Volume Buying 

3. No Support 

4. No Repair Service 

Our advertising budget is kept low, we 
sell in large volume and you benefit by 
getting the best prices anywhere. You 
may use Visa, MasterCard, American 
Express or prepay (cashier's check or 
money order). 

We carry so many products that we are 
unable to list them all. However, call us 
for your specific needs. We have listed 
examples of some of our products and 
prices. Believe it or not, all our prod- 
ucts are priced the same. 

ALL PRODUCTS ARE NEW 
IN SEALED CONTAINERS 

IF YOU WANT THE LOWEST 
AND BEST PRICES CALL US 

(714) 557-3934 



COMPUTERS 

ALTOS SCALL 

VIC 20 JCALL 

COLOMBIA JCALL 

CORONA JCALL 

NORTH STAR JCALL 

FRANKLIN JCALL 

DEC RAINBOW JCALL 

TELEVIDEO JCALL 

SANYO SCALL 

TEXAS INSTRUMENT SCALL 

ZENITH SCALL 

PIED PIPER SCALL 

ZORBA SCALL 

PRINTERS - DOT MATRIXES 

EPSON FX-80 S519.00 

OKIDATA92A S429.00 

STAR MICRONICS SCALL 

C ITHO SCALL 

PROWRITER SCALL 

IDS SCALL 

DATASOUTH JCALL 

ANADEX JCALL 

NEC SCALL 

TOSHIBA SCALL 

RITEMAN SCALL 

MANNSMAN TALLY JCALL 

OLIVETTE .. SCALL 

RIKO ... SCALL 

LETTER QUALITY 

BROTHER HR-1 .559.00 

DYNAX DX-15 S449.00 

COMREX SCALL 

NEC SCALL 

DIABLO SCALL 

QUME SCALL 

C. ITHO SCALL 

STARWRITER SCALL 

SILVER REED SCALL 

■JUKI SCALL 



MONITORS 

AMDEK COLOR I . . . . SCALL 

NEC SCALL 

ZENITH SCALL 

SANYO SCALL 

TAXAN SCALL 

USI SCALL 

COMREX SCALL 

GORILLA SCALL 

MODEMS 

HAYES 300 BAUD ... SCALL 

NOVATIONS SCALL 

SIGNALMAN SCALL 

TERMINALS 

TELEVIDEO 925 SCALL 

OUME SCALL 

ZENITH SCALL 

AMPEX DIALOG SCALL 

TERMIFLEX SCALL 

DISC DRIVES 

SHUGART SCALL 

TANDON SCALL 

SIEMANS SCALL 

REMEX SCALL 

RANA SCALL 

COMMADOR 64 DRI . . SCALL 
APPLE PERIPHERALS 
GRAPPLER PLUS... $115.00 

MICROTEK SCALL 

OTHER PARALLEL 

INTERFACES 

SERIAL INTERFAC... SCALL 

80 COLUMN CARDS... SCALL 

CPM CARDS SCALL 

16K RAM CARDS SCALL 

LANGUAGE CARDS ... SCALL 
APPLE DISK DRIV .... SCALL 

BUFFERS JCALL 

COMPLETE STOCK OF 
CABLES JCALL 



IBM PERIPHERALS 

RAM CARDS SCALL 

QUADRAM SCALL 

RAYTRONICS SCALL 

AST SCALL 

COLOR MONITORS SCALL 

10 MEGA BYTE HA .... SCALL 

GRAPHICS CARDS SCALL 

DISC DRIVES.. SCALL 

MODEMS SCALL 

C0MMA00R 64 - VIC 20 
PERIPHERALS 

DIS DRIVES SCALL 

MONITORS SCALL 

INTERFACES SCALL 

CARDCO SCALL 

THE CONNECTION SCALL 

SOFTWARE SCALL 

PAPERCLIP SCALL 

DATA 20 SCALL 

WORD PLUS SCALL 

EXPANSION BOARD ... SCALL 

PLOTTERS 

HEWLETT PACKARD . . . SCALL 

BAUSCH & LOMB SCALL 

AMDEX SCALL 

BMC SCALL 

STROBE SCALL 

HARD DISC DRIVES 
SWITCH BOXES 
ACCESSORIES 

DUST COVERS S7.95 

PRINT WHEELS SCALL 

RIBBONS SCALL 

DISKETTE CASES SCALL 

SURGE PROTECTOR .... SCALL 
DISKETTES DS/DD - 
10 ea $ZB95 



CHECK SUNTRONICS NEW LOW PRICES 

IBM Compatible Products Apple Compatible Products General Products- cont. 




COLUMBIA PC 1600-1 

Includes: Drives, Video Card, Perfect Soft- 
ware Package, MS-DOS, CP/M, 
Fast Graphics, BASIC, CP/M-86, 
Home Accountant and Com- 
munications Program. 
PC 1600-1 only $2850.00 

COLUMBIA VP (Portable). . . . only $2750.00 

AST SIXPACK CARD 
Six-function card with 64K-348K RAM 
Memory, Parallel Port, Serial Port, Clock 
Calendar, Super Drive and Super Spool. 
AST Sixpack Card only 291.00 

MSI DUAL I/O 
2 Serial/2 Parallel Ports, Clock 175.00 

MSI 256K RAM Board 

256K RAM Board with 64K 199.00 

256K RAM Board with 256K Call 

MSI 256K w/Parallel or Serial Port 

256K w/Parallel Port and 64K 259.00 

256K w/Parallel Port and 256K Call 

256K w/Serial Port and 64K 259.00 

256K w/Serial Port and 256K Call 

VISTA DISKMASTER 
Diskmaster Floppy and Hard 
Disk Controller 225.00 

APPRATE IBM PROM Blaster 129.00 

CABLE for IBM Parallel Printer 29.95 

CABLE for Columbia MPC 
Parallel Printer 29.95 

MODEM Novation 103 Smart-Cat . .$210.00 




AFDC-1 Floppy Disk Drive $7Q95 

Controller / */ 

Runs DOS 3.3 with any standard Shugart com- 
patible 5Va" disk drive. (2 drives each card) 

ASCII KEYBOARD A&T Plug in compatible 
w/Apple II, has shiftlock, under- $CQ00 
score, | ] and back slash characters. 0«/ 

BMC DD and CONTROLLER for APPLE II 
BAL500 Disk Drive 5W SS/DD 

100% Apple II compatible 249.00 

Controller for above 69.00 

APPLE Connector 50 pin 3.50 

Apple Prototype Board. 

Double Sided 
glass with gold 
I plated Apple and 
* General Purpose 
terminals. Con- 
tains matrix of 17 x 63 solder plated donuts 
on .15" x .1" spacing. Great for 14, 16, and 24 
pin IC's. SUN-722 7.95 

Apprate PROM Blaster 1 19.00 

"ALS" 80 Column Card 159.00 

"ALS" Z-CARD (Z80 CPU) 149.00 

API Apple Parallel Printer Interface card, 
Centronics Compatible * $45.00 

Mitsubishi Disk Drives, BVt" and 8" Slim 

5%" Thin DSDD 40 Track 310.00 

8" Thin DSDD 80 Track 450.00 




DISKETTE SALE 



5VV Diskettes 

SS/DD (100% certified) 

DS/DD (100% certified) 



10 up 100 UP 
1.75 1.55 

2.50 2,30 




SAM WOO 18MHz 
Video Monitors 

AMBER 9" 119.00 

GREEN 12" 124.00 

AMBER 12" 127.00 

Composite video I/O. 750 ■ " ' 

lines resolution. 75/10K ohm impedance. 

BMC 13" COLOR 

monitor for your 
home computer 
video game dis- 
play. Offers 350 x 
350 resolution 
with 400 dots at 
the center. 
9191U ...249.00 

BMC PRINTER 

BX-80 dot matrix printer 
with 80 cps, 9x7 print 
head. Quiet, reliable and 
priced for 

entry level $OCQ00 
end-user b^w 
Note: Please add $10.00 shipping and hand- 
ling for the video monitors or printer. 

EPROM & RAM SUPER SALE 





P/N 

2716 

2732 

2532 

2764 

2114L-2 

4164 

6116P-3 



Description 
(450nS) 
(450nS) 
(450nS) 
(28 pin) 
(200nS) 
(in stock) 
(150nS) 



8-24 
3.95 
4.40 
4.40 
5.95 
Call 
Call 
6.10 



25up 
3.95 
4.40 
4.10 
5.95 
Call 
Call 
5.75 



Mother Boards & Card Cages 

SLOTS BareBd KIT A&T W/CAGE 

6 $19.00 $44.00 $59.00 $84.00 
8 24.00 56.00 81.00 116.00 

12 29.00 75.00 110.00 150.00 

10MHz, No termination. Includes power indicator and 
wiring for muffin fan. Uses OK connector for sotderless 
installation and removal of power & reset lines. 



s only, 1-800-42 1-5775 

. orders and all Info Call 213-644-1 149 

S-100 Products 




sice 00 

64KSM A&T without RAM... I JU 
64KSM A&Tw/64k RAM (32-6116's). 339.00 
S-100 Board Uses 6MHz 6116's. VaA max. 
power, Bank Select plus Extended Address- 
ing allow for multi-memory board set-up. 4 
independant 16K Blocks make easy use with 
multi-user systems. Any 2K RAM may be 
replaced by 2716 EPROM. 

SBC-880 Z80A CPU, A&T $169.00 

SBC-880 Z80A CPU, Kit 149.00 

4MHi Z80A CPU boards with Serial Parallel Ports. 

UFDC-1 Floppy Controller, A&T 245.00 

UFDC-1 Floppy Controller, Kit 225.00 

The UFDC-1 Floppy Controller uses the 

WD1795 chip which runs either 

and/or 8'75%" Disk Drives. 

CLOCK CALENDAR A&T .115.00 

CLOCK CALENDAR Kit 95.00 

This S-100 Clock Calendar Board has 

4 interrupts, Time, Day of Week 

and Battery Backup. 

S-100 Edge Connector 100 pin 3.95 

S-100 Prototype Board 

■;., -. _= ... . | Double Sided 
flpf^l glass with gold 
wj plated, numbered 
MR S-100 terminals. 
PI mmmmtbm^ Matrix of 25 x 78 
solder plated do- 
nuts on .15" x .1" spacing. Locations for 
headers and regulators. Greatfor 14, 16, and 
24 pin IC's. SUN-721 12.95 



m SUNTRONICS CO., inc. 

^P^- 12621 Crenshaw Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250 



500 BYTE January 1984 



STORE HOURS: MON.-FRI. 9:00am to 6:00pm SATURDAY 10:00am to 5:00pm 

Mailorder — Min. Order$10. Visa or MasterCard (please include expiration date). Add $2.00 (shipping and handling) for 
first 3 pounds plus .50 for each additional pound to your order. CA residents add Calif, sales tax. 



Circle 341 on inquiry card. 



Apple Coramy Ltd. has your Number for 

ROCK BOTTOM PRICES 



iferti 



1-800-222-2602 



AMDEK COLOR I PLUS 294.95 

AMDEK COLOR II PLUS 424.95 

AMDEK COLOR III 369.95 

AMDEK COLOR IV 749.95 

AMDEK VIDEO 300 (GREEN) 134.95 

AMDEK VIDEO 300 (AMBER) 144.95 

AMDEK VIDEO 310 (AMBER) 164.95 

BMC 12AU 12" GREEN 89.95 

BMC AU9191U 13" COLOR 299.95 

BMC 14 01 13" RGB COLOR 349.9 5 

BMC AU9191MU 13" RGB IBM 629.95 

COMMODORE COLOR MONITOR 269.9 5 

COMREX 13" COLOR W/SOUND 269.95 

COMREX 12" HI-RES AMBER 134.95 

COMREX 12" HI-RES GREEN 129.95 

COMREX 12" HI-RES LT GRN 129.95 

COMREX 13" RGB COLOR 269.95 

ELECTROHOME 9" GREEN 12 9.95 

ELECTROHOME 12" GREEN 144.95 

ELECTROHOME 13" RGB IBM 379.95 

ELECTROHOME 1 3" RGB COLOR 359.95 

GORILLA 12" GREEN 89.95 

NEC 12" GREEN SCREEN 154.95 

NEC 12" ECONO GREEN 109.95 

NEC 12" LO-RES COLOR 289.95 

NEC 12" AMBER SCREEN 164.95 

NEC 12" COLOR - IBM 4 79.95 

PRINCETON GRAPHICS HX-12 489.9 5 

SAKATA 13" COLOR 264.95 

SAKATA 13" RGB COLOR 499.9 5 

SAKATA SUPER RGB MONITOR 679.95 

SAKATA 12" GREEN 104.95 

TAXAN 12" GREEN 124.95 

TAXAN 12" AMBER 12 9.95 

TAXAN RGB VISION I 294.95 

TAXAN RGB VISION III 439.95 

ZENITH 12" AMBER 119.95 

ZENITH 12" GREEN 99.95 

ZENITH RGB COLOR MONITOR 389.95 

USI 9" AMBER MONITOR 12 9.95 

USI 9" GREEN MONITOR 119.95 

USI 12" AMBER 149.95 

USI 12" GREEN MONITOR 139.95 

USI 14" LO-RES COLOR 289.95 



ANCHOR MARK I (RS-232) 79.95 

ANCHOR MARK II (ATARI) 7 9.95 
ANCHOR MARK III (TI99/4A) 99.95 

ANCHOR MARK V (OSBORNE) 9 4.95 

ANCHOR MARK VI (IBM PC) 199.95 

ANCHOR MARK VII (RS-232) 109.95 

ANCHOR MARK XII (RS-232) 279.95 

NOVATION J-CAT 104.95 

NOVATION 212 AUTO CAT 579.95 

SMARTCAT 212 (1200 BAUD) 429.95 

SMARTMODEM 3 00 BAUD 194.95 

SMARTMODEM 12 00 BAUD 484.95 

SMARTMODEM 1200B - IBM 449.95 

US ROBOTICS AUTODIAL 212 449.95 



ANADEX DP-9725B COLOR/SCRIBE 
ANADEX DP-9625A 1339.95 

ANADEX DP-9620A 1129.95 

ANADEX WP-6000 2199.95 

ANADEX DP-6500TR 500CPS 2329.95 
CITOH 8510SCP COLOR NEW! ! 
CITOH A 10 DAISY WHEEL 539.95 
CITOH 8510SP 569.95 

COMREX CR-I DAISY WHEEL 629.95 
COMREX CR-II DAISY WHEEL 469-95 
DAISEYWRITER 2000 1129.95 
DIABLO 630R155 1784.95 

EPSON FX-80 W/TRACTOR LOW!! 
EPSON FX-100 F/T LOW!! 

EPSON LQ-1500 LETTER QUALITY 



EPSON MX- 10 F/T 

EPSON RX-80 

EPSON RX-80 F/T 

GEMINI 10X 

GEMINI 15 X 

GORILLA BANANA PRINTER 

IDS MICROPRISM 

IDS PRISM 132 

IDS PRISM 132C - COLOR 

JUKI 6100 PRINTER (P) 

MANNESMANN TALLY MT160L 

MANNESMANN TALLY MT180L 

MANNESMANN TALLY MT440L 

NEC 3550 SPINWRITER-IBM 1754.95 

NEC 8025 120 CPS 136 COL 719.95 

OKIDATA MICROLINE 80 299.95 

OKIDATA PACEMARK 2350S 1999.95 

OKIDATA PACEMARK 2350S 

OKIDATA PACEMARK 2410P 

OKIDATA PACEMARK 241 OS 

OKIDATA 82A W/GRAPHICS 

OKIDATA 83A W/GRAPHICS 

OKIDATA 84P 

OKIDATA 84S 

OKIDATA 9 2P 

OKIDATA 93P 

OKIDATA 93S 

PRINTMASTER (DAISY) 

PROWRITER I PRINTER 

PROWRITER II PRINTER 

QUADJET COLOR INK JET PRINTER 

QUME SPRINT 11/40+ 1399.95 

SANYO PR5500 DAISY WHEEL 659.95 

SILVER-REED 550 DAISY 699.95 

STAR DELTA-10 160CPS LOW!! 

STARWRITER DAISY WHEEL 1099.95 

TOSHIBA P-1350 LP 1579-95 

TRANSTAR 315 COLOR 449.95 

TRANSTAR 120P 14CPS 464.95 

TRANSTAR 130P 1 8CPS 699.95 

TRANSTAR 140S 40CPS 1229.95 

EPSON SERIAL (RS-232) 134.95 

GRAFITTI CARD 84.95 

GRAPPLER + 1 19.95 

MICROBUFFER II 16K 144.95 

PKASO INTERFACE 129.95 

WIZARD BPO 16K 129.95 

WIZARD SOB 16K 179.95 

OTHER PRINTERS avatt.ahi.k 



LOW! ! 

LOW! ! 

LOW! ! 

LOW! ! 

LOW! ! 
189.95 
479.95 
1299.95 
1499.95 
549.95 
599.95 
799.95 

NEW! ! 



2199-95 

2329.95 

2499-95 

379.95 

579-95 

1049.95 

1129.95 

449.95 

729.95 

829.95 

1549.95 

344.95 

619.95 



COMMODORE 64 LOW!! 

COMMODORE 1541 DRIVE LOW!! 
IBM PC LOW! ! 

COLUMBIA VP PORTABLE 2349.95 
COLUMBIA COMPLETE SYS. 264 9.95 

IBM-PC COMPATIBLE SYSTEM 
12BK, 2-DS/DD DRIVES, KEYBOARD 
AND COMPLETE SOFTWARE PACKAGE 

CORVUS CONCEPT MC68000 $3 199 

256K, 8" FLOPPY DRIVE 

COMPLETE SOFTWARE PACKAGE 

BI-DIRECTIONAL 8-1/2X11 SCREEN 

CORVUS CONCEPT 5 1 2K $3599 

EAGLE PC II 128K SYSTEM 2649.95 
EAGLE SPIRIT XL 3649.95 

PORATABLE 1 28K RAM EXPANDABLE 
TO 640K RAM ON BOARD, 1 320K 
FLOPPY 10 MEGABYTE HARD DISK, 
IBM COMPATABLE KEYBOARD, 
MONOCHROME MONITOR, 2 SERIAL i* 
1 PARALLEL PORT, MS DOS 2.0, 
GW BASIC, CP/M 86 
KAYPRO II 1449.95 

LEADING EDGE 

IBM COMPATABLE COMPUTER 

8088 MPC 7.16 MHz 

7 EXPANSION SLOTS, BUILT IN 

CLOCK, PARALLEL AND SERIAL 

PORTS, 128K RAM, MONITOR, 

WORD PROCESSING SOFTWARE. 

CALL FOR LOW PRICE! 

NEC APC-H01 $2049 

NEC APC-H02 $2549 

NEC APC-H03 $3049 

SANYO MBC 550 SYSTEM 769.95 
SANYO WBC-1000 1529.95 

TELEVIDEO 16-BIT DESKTOP 

128K 8088 5MHZ DUAL 360K DRIVES 

INCLUDES CP/M $3499-95 

TELEVIDEO 910 TERMINAL 549.95 
TELEVIDEO 925 TERMINAL 789.95 
TELEVIDEO 970 TERMINAL 1199.95 

ZENITH Z-120 ALL-IN-ONE 

BUILT-IN GREEN SCREEN 

DUAL DRIVES SPECIAL $2999.95 

APPLE //e NOW AVAILABLE 

WILDCAT STARTER SYSTEM 64K 2DR. 
6502 & Z80 APPLE-CLONE 1499.95 



SS/SD ELEPHANT 16.95 OPUS 15.95 
SS/DD ELEPHANT 19.95 OPUS 17.95 
DS/DD ELEPHANT 2 5.95 OPUS 24.9 5 



APPLE HARDWARE 



ALS CP/M CARD 299.95 

AMDEK AMDISK 3" DISK DR 239.95 
APPLE-CAT II 264.95 

APPLE DUMPLING GX 119.95 

4TH DIMENSION DRIVE+CTRL 289.9 5 
4TH DIMENSION DRIVE-ONLY 199.95 
HAYES MICROMODEM He 249.95 
KENSINGTON SYSTEM SAVER 64.95 
KOALA GR/TABLET W/SFTWR 9 9.95 
LAZER MICROSYSTEM DRIVE 189.95 
MICRO-SCI A2 DRIVE ONLY 239.95 
MICRO-SCI A2 W/CTRL-CARD 299.95 
MOUNTAIN MUSIC SYSTEM 289.95 
ORANGE MICRO SMART CARD NEW!! 
PREMIUM SOFTCARD lie 334.95 
QUADRAM 64K80COL CRD He 124.95 
RANA ELITE I W/CTRL-CARD 349-95 
RANA ELITE II W/CTRL 499-9 5 
RANA ELITE III W/CTRL 649-95 
SOUNDCHASER MUSIC SYSTEM 619.95 
SOFTCARD ( Z-80 CARD) 234.95 
SWEET P PLOTTER 459.95 

TG JOYSTICK W/TOGGLE He 49.95 
TRANSMODEM 1200 499.95 

WIOO APPLE MOUSE 124.95 



KOALA PAD TOUCH TABLET 99.95 
KRAFT JOYSTICK 54.95 

MICROSOFr SYSTEMCRD 256K 449.95 
MICROSOFT MOUSE 134.95 

MOUSE SYSTEMS PC MOUSE 224.95 
QUADLINK APPLE EMULATOR 489.95 
QUADRAM QUADBOARD I 64K 289.95 
QUADRAM QUADCOLOR I 229.95 
QUADRAM QUADCHROME MON 524.95 
QUADRAM QUADSCREEN MON 1549.95 
RANA DS/DD DISK DRIVE 259.95 
STB SUPER I/O MULTIFUNCT 169.95 
TG JOYSTICK W/TOGGLE 4 9.95 
TRANSEND P.C. MODEM 1200 399.95 
VERSAWRITER GRAPH TABLET 239.95 
WIZARD SPOOLER P/S 16K 239.95 

CBH64 HARDWARE 

CARDBOARD/5 5 SLOT EXPAN. 54.95 
CARD? GRAPHICS INTERFACE 64.95 
DATA20 Z80 VIDEOPAK 224.95 
GRAPPLER CD NEW PRINT INTERFACE 
KOALA GRAPH TABLET W/SFT 79.95 
MSD-SD1 DISK DRIVE 339.95 
VOICE BOX 99.95 



We mil try to meet or beat any advertised price! 
CALL US. . . WE CAN HELP! 1-800-222-2602 

For technical assistance, order status and California calls (619) 765-0239 

Apple Country, Ltd., P.O. Box 1099, 2602 Washington St., Julian, Calif. 92036 ^ 

Terms: We accept American Express. No extra charge for Visa /MasterCard, Cashier's Check, ^^f*"+ 

persona! check (allow 2 weeks to clear) Shipping & Handling: 5% ($5 rnin.); APO FPO Alaska J^V*'* 

Hawaii & Monitors 5% ($10 rnin.) Foreign orders 15% ($15 min.) Ail items are new with f f\ **"*^. 

manufacturer's warranty. Prices are subject to availability §t change without notice. Purchase order m^^SZ*^ 
must include check. California residents add 6% sales tax. Send $1 (good toward first purchase) for ^fr m , 
new fall catalog. ^^ 

Apple Country, Ltd. is a DISCOUNT MAIL ORDER HOUSE for the micro computer industry^ 
and is a California corporation not affiliated with Apple Computer Inc. Apple is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc. 




Circle 30 on inquiry card. 



S-100 



PRAM 




PERMANENT RAM . MPM .CDOS 
CROMIX . OASIS . AMOS 

• MOST VERSATILE MEMORY AVAILABLE 

• 8/16 BIT • 24-BITEXrENDED ADDRESSING • PHANTOM 

• 8-12 MHZ • IEEE696 • LOW POWER • EPROM-RAMMIX 



LITHIUM BATTERYBACKUPavoidspowerfailure crashes intel- 
ligently. Unique POWER-FAIL-SENSE circuit allows processor 
to save register information and disable board before POWER 
FAILURE CRASHES memory. 



BG BANK2S6S $1,299 Battery Backup $79 

BG BANK64S 399 Battery Backup 39 



{409) 775-5009 



Apple 



Compatible Drives 




$195 



Includes: 

• 40 TRK, 163 K Drive 

• Cabinet & Cable 

• Free Shipping 

• 6 Month Warranty 



Order Toll Free: 
Free Shipping 

1-800-531-5475 (Outside Of Texas) 
(512) 250-1489 (In Texas) 



fCompuAddcop 



13010 Research Blvd., Suite 101 
Austin, Texas 78750 




We're bringing in the New Year with 
specials on quality 3M information 
processing products, including: 

• DISKETTES • MAG TAPE 
• DATA CARTRIDGES 

PLUS! Specials on many other pro- 
ducts in our full-range discount 
catalog of computer supplies. Call, 
write, or utilize reader service to 
obtain your FREE catalog of 1984 3M 
Specials. 

LYBEN COMPUTER SYSTEMS 

1250-E Rankin Dr., Troy, Ml 48083 

Phone: (313) 589-3440 

Simply #1 In Service & Reliability 



fMU| Authorized Distributor 
WlYI Information Processim 



ig Products 



Circle 42 on inquiry card. 



Circle 79 on inquiry card. 



Circle 228 on inquiry card. 



• Special • 

SMITH-CORONA TP-1 

Letter Quality • Daisy Wheel Printer 




» Parallel Interface 

> Microprocessor Electronics 



$349 



Order Toll Free: 
Free Shipping 

1-800-531-5475 (Outside Of Texas) 
(512) 250-1523 (In Texas) 



[CompuPIdd 



Corp 



13010 Research Blvd., Suite 101 
Austin, Texas 78750 



5V4" DISK DRIVES 



• QUME 142A 

Half Height, Double 
Sided, 40 TRK/Side . 



*229 

Free Shipping 

•235 

Free Shipping 

»235 

Free Shipping 

»229 

Free Shipping 

Order Toll Free: 

1-800-531-5475 (Outside Of Texas) HI 
(512) 250-1489 (In Texas) gj 

T«xas R*sld*nta Add 5H Sales Tax. 



• TANDON: TM 100-2 

Double Sided, 
40TRK/Side 

• CDC: 9409 

Double Sided, 

40TRK/Side 

• SHUGART: SA 455 

Half Height, Double Sided, 
40TRK/Side 



iCompuGdd 



Corp. 



13010 Research Blvd., Suite 101 
Austin, Texas 78750 



SMITH-CORONA 

Memory Correct III Messenger 

Printer & Typewriter 




• RS232 Serial Or 

Centronics Parallel 
» Multiple Pitch 10, 12, 15 

Order Toll Free: 
Free Shipping 



$559 



1-800-531 -5475 (Outside Of Texas) Ml 
(512) 250-1489 (In Texas) Q 

[Compufldd cop 

13010 Research Blvd., Suite 101 
Austin, Texas 78750 



Circle 80 on inquiry card. 



Circle 81 on inquiry card. 



Circle 82 on inquiry card. 





for you . . . 

THE PERSONAL TOUCH 
by 


the 
WOO( 


I 


. 


wor 


1 


£S 


Handcrafted Hardwood &. Hardwood 
Veneer Micro Computer Furniture. 
Enjoy the function & beauty of Oak, 
Walnut or Cherry. We can customize 
work stations to suit individual needs. 

beginning at 

MASTERCARDS vj) | / ^ 
VISA ACCEPTED X f .— / 

CALL FOR OUR COLOR BROCHURE 

1-800-255-0524 

Kansas Residents 913-842-7797 
Rt. 2. Box 407 Lawrence, KS 66044 





PC-LINK 

DEC VT1 OO® TERMINAL 
EMULATOR 

• A full featured DEC VT100® terminal 
emulator on IBM PC or IBM XT. 

• Transfertext files between host and 
IBM PC or IBM XT. 

• Very easy to use. Complete user 
documentation. 

• To use PC-LIN K program, the PC needs to 
have at least one disk drive, IBM DOS 
IBM monochrome or color display, a 
RS232 port, telephone modem or direct 
connect. 

• Support baud rate up to 1 200 baud. 

• $60.00 +$5.00 for shipping & handling. 

• Inquire about source license. 
SCREENWARE CORPORATION 

P.O. BOX 3662 
NASHUA, NH 03061-3662 
il Tel. 603-888-4074 



VISA 




MasterCard VISA or UPS CASH COD 

Factory New, Prime Parts 

MICROPROCESSORS UNLIMITED 
24,000 South Peoria Ave. 
BEGGS. OK, 74421 



juPco 



(918) 267-4961 



Prices subject lo change Please o*pect higher prices on some parts due lo world wide 
shortages Call lor volume pr.Tr-; f.i,h|<.'c[ ic .tv.ii.ibit> quantities Snipping & Insurance 
extra Cash discount prices shown F ri :>•;,!< t .^rrv. Siiiii'fi.inj An m SS 99' Orders rece "" 
by 6 PM CST can be delivered lo you by Ihe neit morning We try harder 



Circle 316 on inquiry card. 



Circle 252 on inquiry card. 



CONTROL COMPUTER 

that features: 

• 6502 MPU 

• 55K DRAM 

• 2K to 8K EPROM 

• 4 Parallel I/O Ports 

• 1 Serial I/O Port 

• 4 Timer/Counters 

• Same Bus as SLIM, AIM 



This board can stand alone or be expanded with JOHN BELL ENGINEERING, 
INC. peripherals. 

• 6 Slot Mother Board #81-320 

• Analog I/O Interface #81-292 

• 12 Port Parallel I/O #82-036 










The board is 4.5" x 6.5" Solder mask both sides with gold fingers. Power 
5 VDC 700 MA. This board has power on reset and a crystal clock running 
at 1.2288 mhz. One of the 6522's is used to generate baud rates from 110 
to 9600. 






USES: 



• Security Systems 

• Heat control 

• Light control 

• Solar Systems 



• Industrial Robot 

• Lab experiments 

• Automated slide show 

• Personal Computer 



PRICE: 

#83-230A 
#83-230B 



Assembled 
Bare Board 



$299.95 
$ 49.95 



ml Jornv Bell Englxeeriivg, live. 

To order: Send check or money order. Add 6.5% tax in California. Add 5% shipping for 
orders less than $100 or 3% for orders over $100 or 10% outside U.S.A. Phone orders: 
We accept Visa or MC. Add $2.00 for C.O.D. Will Call Hours 9am to 4pm. Call 415-592-8411. 
JOHN BELL ENGINEERING, INC 1014 CENTER ST. SAN CARLOS, CA 94070. 



Circle 41 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 503 



HAVE YOU TRIED THE 

DYSAN® 

QUALITY 
DIFFERENCE? 



DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED 

5/4 PRICE/ 10 

104/1 1 SIDE/SGL DENS $35.00 

104/1D 1 SIDE/DBL DENS $37.00 

104/2D 2 SIDES/DBL DENS $43.90 

204/1D 1 SIDE/ QUAD 96 TP1 $43.90 

204/2D 2 SIDES/QUAD 96 TPI $51.30 

8" 

3740/1 1 SIDE/SGL DENS $36.50 

3740/1D 1 SIDE/DBL DENS $45.20 

3740/2D 2 SIDES/DBL DENS $52.70 

Checks-VISA-MC-C.O.D./Add $2 Shipping 
call or write for our discount catalog. 

LYBEN COMPUTER SYSTEMS 

1250-E Rankin Dr., Troy, Ml 48083 
Phone: (313) 589-3440 



THE DYSAN DISKETTE STANDARD 
AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE 



FLOPPY 



DISK-DRVE 



REPAIR 



Command Services 

exclusively repairs 

Tandon and Shugart 

disk drives. We are 

affordable, fast and experienced. 

For service, call toll free: 

M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7-9 p.m. 

1-800-782-5500 

In New York State call: 

1-800-328-1800 

Command Services Corporation 

7143 Henry Clay Blvd. 
Liverpool, New York 13088 
315-457-1432 -_~ 



~^TaM ANALOG I/O 

8 channels A/D & 8 channels D/A. Sampling 
rates up to VaMHz. 8 bits. Analog channels act 
as memory or I/O locations. Fits most com- 
puters which provide access to data and 
address lines (C64, Apple, Timex, TRS80...) 
Box & cable available. $220. 




FFT-SCOPE-A/D-D/A 

A unique peripheral which transforms the low 
cost Timex 1 500 & printer Into a powerful 1 55 K 
samples/sec instrumentation, signal process- 
ing & control system. Free catalog, call orwrite. 
I/0& EPROM boards& 70pgdocs:. . . . $288. 



'P uter <<£j 



ontinuum 



301 Sixteenth Avenue 
San Francisco, CA 941 18 



(415)752-6294 



Circle 229 on inquiry card. 



Circle 68 o n inquiry card. 



Circle 89 on inquiry card. 



FLEXIBLE DISCS 

WE WILL NOT BE UNDER- 
SOLD!! Call Free (800)235-4137 

for prices and information. Dealer 
inquiries invited and C.O.D's 
accepted. 



PACIFIC 
EXCHANGES 

100 Foothill Blvd. 
San Luis Obispo, CA 
93401. In Cal. call 
(800)592-5935 or 
(805)543-1037 




WHOLESALE 

MODEMS 

U. S. Robotics 1200/300 Baud 
PASSWORD MODEM SALE! 

As „ $349.00 

List Qty 1 Qty 2 Qty 5 + 
Password Modem 449. 00 ea.359. 00 ea.349.°° ea. CALL 

Password Features: 

a Free RS232 Cable • Manual Answer 

a Phone Cable Included • Manual Originate 

a 2 Year Warranty a Auto Dial 

a 1200/300 Baud a Auto Answer 

a Bell 212A Compat. • Auto Mode Select 

a Bell 103/1 13Compat. a Auto Speed Select 

a Full/Half Duplex • Direct Connect 

a Software Available 
Free Shipping and Handling in Continental U.S.A.! 

S Call 1-(801) 298-0872 » 

Rush Check or Money Order To: 

C. R. E. Wholesale Products 

P. O. Box 361 N.S.L., Ut. 84054 



super prices 
super micros _ 

computer Ft hnology 

SAGE IV computers use the 68000 CPU, come 

with UCSD p-System, PASCAL. Macro Assembler, 

Multi-user system. Word processor. Spreadsheet, 

expandable to 1mb RAM. 

Available SAGE configurations include: 

2 640K floppies & 256K RAM $3760 

1 floppy, 256K RAM, 6mb Hard disk $5840 

1 floppy, 256K RAM, 18mb Hard disk $6800 

BIG BROTHER'S SPECIAL-With Hard Disk SAGE: 



A Freedom 100 Terminal 
or Okidata 92 Printer 
or Rebate 



FREE 
FREE 
$400 



As software developers and authorized SAGE 
dealers we offer customer support. 

MARITIME SOFTWARE 
ASSOCIATES 

(503) 929-2552 

6660 Reservoir Road Corvallis, OR 97333 




Circle 278 on Inquiry card. 



Circle 117 on inquiry card. 



Circle 468 on inquiry card. 



SUPER FAST! 
Z80 DISASSEMBLER 

a Two pass operation - generates labels 

at referenced locations, 
a Generates Zilog mnemonics, 
a Allows user defined labels. 

• Allows define byte, define word and 
define space directives. 

a COMPLETE cross-reference 
a Output to console, list or disk device(s) 
in any combination. 

• Generates mnemonics for CP/M 
system calls. 

• Start and stop at any location in file. 

• Source or complete listing type output. 
Most formats available 

for Z80 CP/M. CDOS. £>f%Q95 
andTURBODOS. v wW 

S" L fl__Sysfe/ns_ 

For more information or to order call; 

1-800-833-3061 

In PA, (412) 282-0864 
1622 North Main Street, Butler, PA 16001 



LIFETIME WARRANTY 



<;im;iu( serial 
communication cam) 



For Apple II + and Apple lie 

The Generic Serial Communication Card 
(GSCC) Is an asynchronous device that sup- 
ports all protocol needed for full handshake 
communication (Hardware DTR, CTS, RTS and 
Software XON, XOFF). The board features 3 se- 
lectable options: Baud Rate from 110 to 9600, 
Full or Half Duplex and Auto Linefeed On or Off 
that are software selectable. And the 3 options 
can be controlled without burning a new EPROM. 

Specia^tr^ctory p | us shipping 

Price 7Q95 and handling. 

Only j -J Dealer Pricing Available. 

Computer Technology Associates 

New Products Division 
1704 Moon, N.E. 

I Albuquerque, N.M. 87112 

1 (505) 298-0942 






Specifications subject to change without notice 
Apple Is a registered trademark of Apple 
Computer, Inc. VISA/MC/AE Accepted 



wabash 

Flexible Diskettes 



6 Year Warranty- 1 00% Certified 

DELIVERED PRICES 



5V4" $160 

SINGLE SIDE ~ | ead 



SINGLE DENSITY 
IB TPI W/HUB RING 

Packed W per Sott Peck 



5 1 A" $189 

SINGLE SIDE ~ | g ac | 



5V4" $075 

double side '^Lfiarh 

DOUBLE DENSITY ™ Cfll ' 1 ' 
48 TPI W/HU8 RING 

Packed lOeorSottPack 



s B s U s L o K $140, 



each 



W/HUBRING 



BULK 6|7Q 
SSDD >\iP ch 



BULK 
DSDD 

too/Case 



Free shipping in continental USA Cal I for 

quantity discounts. We accept money orders, 

certified checks. VISA and MasterCard. Personal 

checks accepted, but take two weeks to clear 

bank N.D. add 4%. 

Software Services" 

1326 -25th St. S., Suite H 

Fargo. ND 58103 

1-800-634-2248 



Circle 326 on inquiry card. 



Circle 101 on inquiry card 



Circle 332 on inquiry card. 



Hewlett Packard 

Write or call for prices. 



ra 



SPECIALS on INTREGATED CIRCUITS 



50/6.55 100/6.15 

50/4.45 100/4.15 

50/5.75 100/5.45 

5/4.20 10/3.95 



5/ 5.75 
5/6.20 



10/5.45 
10/5.95 
8 for 14 
6.00 



6502 7.45 10/6.95 

6520 PIA 5.15 10/4.90 

6522 VIA 6.45 10/6.10 
2716 EPROM 4.45 

2532 EPROM 5.90 

6116 2KX8CMOSRAM 6.45 

4116 RAM 
4!64JJAM_ 

Anchor 
Automation 
Signalman 
Modems 

FREE SOURCE MEMBERSHIP WITH SIGNALMAN 

All Signalman Modems are Direct Connect, and provide the 
best price-performance values. 

Dealer and OEM inquiries invited 
Volksmodem with computer cable (99) 68 

Mark VI for IBM Personal Computer (279) 1 39 
Mark VII Auto Dial/Auto Answer (1 59) 99 
Mark XII Smart Model 1200/300 (399) 299 




DC HAYES Smartmodem 

DC Hayes Smartmodem 1200/300 




PROM QUEEN for VIC 

Apple Emulator for Commodore 64 
STAT Statistics Package for C64 
Solid Oak 2 Level Stand for C64 or VIC 

C64/VIC Switch (networking) 

BACKUP VI .0 tape copier for C64 or VIC 

CARDBOARD/6 Motherboard • VIC 

CARDBOARD/5 Motherboard - C64 

CARD PRINT G Printer Int with Graphics 

CARD PRINT B Printer Interface— C64/VIC 

CARDBOMTOs Motherboard - VIC 

CARDCO C64/VIC Calculator Keypad 

CARDRAM/16 RAM Expansion - VIC 

Complete CARDCO Une In stock 

CIE and VIE IEEE Interfaces in stock 

MSD SuperDhve for C64 or IEEE 

MAE Assembler for C64 

Koala Touch Tablet— C64 or VIC 

CBC4/12 12-blt A to D Board + Software 

Multiplan for C64 

Dust Cover for C64 of VIC 



219 

529 



170 
Call 
95 
29 

129 
20 

64 
56 
72 
40 
22 
32 
44 



365 
50 
79 

199 

79 

6 



APPLE— FRANKLIN ITEMS 

FRANKLIN— complete line In stock 

QUENTIN Drives for Appie/Franklln 219 

Swapper Stopper 26 

automatic switch between paddles and joystick 

KRAFT Apple Joystick 40 

Kraft Apple Paddle Pair 30 

Koala Touch Tablet-Apple/Franklln 90 
SPINNAKER Software In stock 
Brodirtund Software In stock 

16K RAM Card for Apple 59 

Multiplan— Microsoft 185 

Solid Oak 2 Level Stand for Apple 29 

Serial Card tor Apple 89 

MCP RAM/80 column card for lie (AP/TXT) 1 39 

Z80 Softcard and CP/M (Microsoft) 235 

RANA Elite I with Controller 389 

Parallel Printer Interface/Cable 69 
Microtek and MCP Interfaces in stock 

Grappler + Interface 1 29 
Kraft Products for Apple in stock 

DC Hayes Micromodem II 299 

PFS: File 95 

PFS: Report 95 

Videx 80 Column Card 209 

Apple Blue Book 19 



Q commodore 

See us for Personal Business, and Educational 
requirements. Educational Discounts available. 



PETSCAN I $245 base price 

Allows you to connect up to 30 CBM/PET Computers to 
shared disk drives and printers. Completely transparent to the 
user. Perfect for schools or multiple word processing con- 
figurations. Base configuration supports 2 computers. Addi- 
tional computer hookups $100 each. 



COMPACK/STCP 



$115 



Intelligent Terminal Package for PET, CBM, C64 

Includes ACIA Hardware / STCP Software 

SCREENMAKERM 

Provides_big screen capability for business applications. 

GENESIS Computer Corp 

VIControiler (for C64 as well) 50 

combine with BSR modules for home or business control 

COMSENSE Remote Sensing AdapterforC64 orVIC 35 

COM VOICE Synthesizer for C64 or VIC 139 

includes software for text to speech, pitch, etc. 

COM CLOCK Real Time Clock with battery backup 45 

VIC 20 Products and Software In stock 
Thorn EMI Software UMI Software 

ABACUS Software HES Software 

16K RAM for VIC 64 Vanilla Pilot 27 



VICTORY Software for VIC and C64 

Metamorphosis 16 Creator's Revenge 

16 

16 

16 

16 



Galactic Conquest 
Annihilator 
Grave Robbers 
Adventure Pack I or II 



16 
16 
16 
13 
16 



Labyrinth of Creator 
Kongo Kong 
Chomper Man 
Bounty Hunter 

PAPER CLIP Word Processor 99 

ORACLE Data Base from Batteries Included 1 09 

Super BusCard from Batteries Included 1 59 

Commodore 64 Programmers Reference Guide 16 

MlcroChess for C64 — 8 levels of play 1 9 

excellent graphics and color 
SPINNAKER Software C64, Apple, IBM, Atari 

Computers First Book of PET/CBM 1 1 

C64 or VIC SWITCH 129 

POWER ROM Utilities for PET/CBM 78 

WordPro 34-/64 with Spellmaster 85 

WordPro 4+ - 8032, disk, printer 295 
SPELLMASTER spelling checker for WordPro 

VISICALC for PET, ATARI, or Apple 189 

PET-TRAX PET to Epson Graphics Software 40 

SM-KIT enhanced PET/CBM ROM Utilities 40 

Programmers Toolkit - PET ROM Utilities 35 

EASY CALC for C64 65 

PET Spacemaker II ROM Switch 36 

COPYWRITER Word Processor for C64 69 

2 Meter PET to IEEE or IEEE to IEEE Cable 40 

Dust Cover for PET, CBM, 4040, or 8050 8 
CmC Interfaces (ADA 1800, ADA145D, SADI in stock) 

Programming the PET/CB M (Compute!) — R. West 20 

Computers Machine Language for Beginners 1 1 

MULTIPLAN for C64 79 

HES MODEM with Software 65 
HES Software and Hardware In stock 
UMI products in stock 



FlexFile for PET/CBM/ C64 $ 50 

Database, Report Writer with calculations, Mailing Lists. 

FO RTH "for f^/iSi^G^^(^\f?^ $50 

Metacompiler f or FORTH for independent object code_ 30 

kmmmTa^ ~9~5 

EARL for PET/CBM Disk-based ASSEMBLER _ 65 

Super Graphics — BAS IC Language Extensions 4 5 

Fast machine language graphics routines for PET/CBM 

RAM/ROM for PET/CBM 



4K$75 8K $90 



DISK 
SPECIALS 




Scotch (3M) 5" ss/dd 
Scotch (3M) 5" ds/dd 
Scotch (3M) 8" ss/sd 
Scotch (3M) 8" ss/dd 



10/2.20 50/2.00 100/1.95 

10/3.05. 50/2.80 100/2.75 

10/2.30 50/2.10 100/2.06 

10/2.85 50/2.70 100/2.65 



We stock VERBATIM DISKS 

Write for Dealer and OEM prices. 

Sentinal 5" ss/dd 10/1.90 50/1.85 100/1.80 

Sentinal 5" ds/dd 10/2.55 50/2.50 100/2.45 

We stock Dysan disks 

Wabash 5" ss/sd 1 0/ 1 .60 50/ 1 .55 1 00/ 1 .45 

Wabash 5" ss/dd 10/1.90 50/1.85 100/1.75 

Wabash 8" ss/sd 10/ 2.00 50/ 1.95 100/ 1.85 

We stock MAXELL DISKS 

Write for dealer and OEM prices. 

Disk Storage Pages 10 for $5 Hub Rings 50 for $6 
Disk Library Cases 8"— 3.00 5"— 2.25 
Head Cleaning Kits 12 
AMARAY Disk Storage Systems i n stock. 
Innovative Concepts FLIP 'N' FILES in stock. 



CASSETTE TAPES— AGFA PE-611 PREMIUM 

C-10 10/ .61 50/ .58 100/.50 

C-30 10/ .85 50/ .82 100/ .70 

DATASHIELD BACKUP POWER SOURCE $265 

Battery back up Uninterruptible Power Supply with surge and 
noise filtering. The answer to your power problems. 



MultiPlan — IBM or Apple 


185 


Quadboard for IBM available 




KOALA Touch Tablets— Apple, Atari, IBM, CBM 




Peachtext 5000 Software Package 


209 


PFS Software for IBM and Apple In stock 




VOTRAX Personal Speech System 


280 


BMC 9191 Color Monitor 


229 


BMC 1 2A 1 2" Green Monitor 


79 


Brother HR-75 Daisy Wheel Printer 


769 


Oynex (Brother) OX-15 Daisy Wheel Printer 


469 


Itoh Prowriter Parallel Printer 


379 


Panasonic 1090 Printer with Correspondence Mode 


279 


Daisywriter 2000 with 48K buffer 


1020 


Gemini 1 0X 


299 


EPSON, Okldata, Star Mlcronlcs printers In stock 




USICompuMOD4 R F Modulator 


29 


We Stock AMDEK Monitors 




AmdekDXY-1 00 Plotter 


590 


A P Products 


5% OFF 


COMPUTER CO VERUPS IN STOCK 




BROOKS 6 Outlet Surge Suppressor/Noise Filter 


54 


Surge Suppressor-6 outlet 


29 


Electrohome 1302-2 13" Hi-res RGB Monitor 


335 


Panasonic 12" Monitor (20 MHz) with audio 


135 


Synertek SYM-1 Microcomputer 


1B9 



ALL BOOK and SOFTWARE PRICES DISCOUNTED 

USI Video Monitors— Green or AMBER 20 MHz hkes. 
Dealer and OEM inquiries invited 



Yznjth I data 

I systems 

ZVM-122A 109 ZVM-123G 95 

ZVM-131 300 ZVM-135 510 

HERO 1 Robot (factory assembled) 2145 

Z29 Terminal (DEC and ADM compatible) 680 

ZT-10 Intel. Terminal with Serial Port 340 

Z100 16-biV8-bit Systems CALL 
We stock entire Zenith line. 

ATARI — WE STOCK ENTIRE LINE 

SPINNAKER and Broderbund Software in Stock. 



215-822-7727 

252 Bethlehem Pike 
Colmar, PA 1891 5 



A B Computers 



WRITE FOR CATALOG. Add $1.50 per order for United Parcel. 
We pay balance of UPS surface shipping charges on all prepaid orders 
(add extra for mail, APO/FPO, air). Prices include cash discount. 
Regular prices slightly higher. Prices subject to change. 



Circle 7 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 505 



T L 



Relocatable 

Threaded 

Language 



$150 



RTL is a new language which retains the 
speed and extensibility of Forth but adds many 
additional advantages as a result of its more 
structured dictionary. Names, code, and vari- 
ables are all stored in separate areas for easy 
generation of headerless, romable code. All 
code is relocatable. RTL supports local vari- 
ables, multitasking, redirected I/O, and even 
allows definitions to be changed retroactively. 
All source code is included. Versions are cur- 
rently available or under development for 
68000, 6809, 8080, 280, 8086, 8088, and 
6502, 

RTL Programming Aids 

10844 Deer wood SE 
Lowell, Ml 49331 
(616) 897-5672 




RS232C Computer compatible 
Paper Tape Transmitter/Model 612 

Stops and starts on character at all speeds, 
uses manual control or X-on, X-off 90-260 
volt, 50-60 Hz power. 50-9600 baud, up to 150 
char/sec synchronous or asynchronous 
gated internal or external clock, RS 232C, 
current loop or parallel output, reads 5-8 level 
tape. 7-11 frames per character, even or odd 
parity. Desk top or rack mount. 
Addmaster Corporation, 415 Junipero Serra 
Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776, (213) 285-1121 
Telex 674770 Addmasler SGAB 



baud MODEMS 


1200 
BAUD 


SIGNALMAN.. Free hour on 'SOURCE' 


300/1200 AUTO DIAL/ANS 


$319 


'Hayes Compatible' 




300 BAUD AUTO DIAL/ANS 


$119 


300 BAUD direct connect 


$ 69 


US ROBOTICS . . . 300/1200 . . . MODEMS 


'Hayes Compatible' 


'Password' with cables, spkr 


$339 


'S100' card 


$339 


'Auto 212' dlxe 


....$419 


S^rix PRINTERS 


LETTER 
QUALITY 


GEMINI 10 x 120 cps graphics 


$CALL 


PROWRITER 120 cps hi density 


$359 


JUKI daisys wheel 18 cps 


$529 


ibm HARD DISKS 


CPM 


10 Mbyte $1295 40 Mbyte. 


...$2495 


23 Mbyte $1995 65 Mbyte. 


. $CALL 


IMAGE COMPUTERS 


P.O. Box 1164, Cardiff, CA 92007 


CALL TO ORDER: 




(619) 942-7373 mmm jirti 
(619) 436-7669 S& OR 


VISA/MC 

ADD 3% 


(619) 270-3600 'Dealer Inquiries Invited 





Circle 309 on inquiry card. 



Circle 12 on inquiry card. 



Circle 129 on inquiry card. 



M ,CROCOKTBOU 




rtl THE REAL V/ORLD 
jgSSSSV" W* MK nnMTBOLLEP 



*«** 



HHSM-CBOCONTBOUERS 



RS-232 DATA TAP. 



Made in 
America 




RS-232 DATA TAP... 

Can be used to monitor the data which is being 
transmitted and received on a RS-232 line. Drives a 
printer, CRT, or any other RS-232 receive type 
device. Requires no AC power or batteries to operate, 
ORDER NOW! Only $34.95, plus S1.75 shipping 
and handling, (IL res, add 5% sates tax); we accept 
MC or VISA. FREE: illustrated catalog of problem 
solving equipment. Phone: 815/539-5827. Make 
checks payable to: 



D&fl electronics 

Box 475B, MEND0TA, IL 61342 



Serial 4 ■ lllllll ■ ^ Parallel 




Convert What You Have 
To What You Want! 

• RS232 Serial ' Centronics Parallel 

• 8 Baud Rate8 • Handshake Signals 

• Latched Outputs * Compact 3!i x 4% x 1}{ 

No longer will your peripheral choices be limited by the type 
of port you have available! Our new High Performance 700 
Series Converters provide the missing link. Based on the 
latest In CMOS technology, these units feature full baud 
rate selection to 19.2K, with handshake signals to maximize 
transfer efficiency. Detailed documentation allows 
simplified Installation. Order the Model 770 (Ser/Par) or 
Model 775 (Par/Ser) Today! 



only«89. B 



3f Option $10.00 
CA Residents 6V. t«x 
UPS SMpplngta.OO 



S8i 



Oxnard California 93Q30 

CALL (805) 487-1665 or 487-1666 
For FAST Delivery 



Circle 177 on inquiry card. 



Circle 37 on inquiry card. 



Circle 155 on inquiry card. 



Smith-Corona TP-1 Daisy Wheel Printer 

o^399 00 
UNBELIEVABLE! 



• fully-formed characters 

• compatible with most 
micro-computers 



• serial or parallel Interface 

• choice of 10 or 12 CPI 

models 



Also for your TP-1 letter quality printer— 
the Smith-Corona Tractor Feed 

• Ad]ustable tractor widths 
• For continuous forms 
• Quick. easy removal 




ANALOG** DIGITAL 
DIGITAL** ANALOG 

CONVERSION MODULES 

SOFTWARE 
GAIN CONTROL 



:urocy - pr'ot'jK'.imfrtoblG gaid mscrumencatioi 
- custom board test - S-l 00 - 2 to 15 Ub 
on time — mlxablc high and low Inputs — gain 
o 10JI4 - 1 2 -bit - somple and hold omphfier 
z\ differential - 16-chonncl — onalog to digital 
urocu — programmable gain instrumentation 
r - custom boord test - 5-100 - 2 to 15 hltt 
ion time - mnable high and low inputs - gam 
) 1024 - 1£-bit - sample and hold amplifier 
el differential - 16 channel - analog to digital 



For additional details aboutthe ad-100-4 and other 
fine California Data Corporation 100% individually 
tested, high reliability products, circle the reader 
service card number below or for faster response 
write or call us. 

CALIFORNIA DATA 
CORPORATION 

3475 Old Conejo Road, Suite C-10 
Newbury Park, CA 91320 

(805) 498-3651 



MEMOREX 

FLEXIBLE DISCS 



WE WILL NOT BE UNDER- 
SOLDI! Call Free (800)235-4137 

for prices and information. Dealer 
inquiries invited and C.O.D.'s 
accepted 




PACIFIC 
EXCHANGES 

100 Foothill Blvd. 
San Lais Obispo. CA 
93401. InCal. call 
(800)592-5935 or 
i805)543-1037 



Circle 162 on inquiry card. 



Circle 56 on inquiry card. 



Circle 278 on inquiry card. 



MEM- 



<►> 



Ideal for 

• COMPUTERISTS 

• OEM MANUFACTURERS 

• DEVELOPMENT LABS 

• UNIVERSITIES 

• INDUSTRIAL 
APPLICATIONS 



THE ULTIMATE OEM/PC 

COMPATIBLE SINGLE 

BOARD COMPUTER 




FULL IBM - PC" 
COMPATIBILITY! 



DEALERS AND OEM MANUFACTURERS 
QUANTITY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE 



Standard Key- 
board Interface 

(Full PC compatible) 



Eight Compatible 
I/O Interface 
Connectors 

(Full PC compatible) 
(compatible with all 
IBM-PC* plug-in cards) 



Special J1 
Interface 

(Allows horizontal mount- 
ing of compatible expan- 
sion cards for easy bus 
expansion and custom 
configuring) (Board has 
62 pin gold plated compat 
ible connector) 



Board Size 

11 0.5 inch X 13,5 inch 




Hardware Reset 

(Overcomes reset flaw 
in PC) 



Power Connector 

(Full IBM* pinout 
compatible) 



8088 Processor 

(Same as PC) 



8087 Numeric 
Processor 

(Same as PC) 



Peripheral 
Support Circuits 

(Same as PC) 



Extended ROM 
Capability 

(Runs all compatible PC 
ROMS) (Jumper program- 
mable to accommodate all 
popular 8K, 16K, 32K and 
64K ROM chips and NEW 
EE ROMS! VPP power pin 
available for EP ROM 
burning!) (External 
VPP voltage required) 



Configuration 
Switches 

(Same as PC) 



Speaker/Audio 
Port 

(Same as PC) 



Wire Wrap Area 

To facilitate special custom 
applications! 



ORDER NOW!!! 



Full Mega-Byte Ram Capacity! 
On board! 

(With parity) 

□ 256K Bytes using 64K chips 

a 1 Mega Bytes using 256K chips 



Evaluation Board Kit! 

(Blank board with full assembly 
instructions and parts list.) 



Includes highest quality PC board 
with gold plating, silk screen, 
solder mask 



D MEGA-BOARD™ with full assembly instructions $99.95 1 

□ USERS MANUAL with theory of operation, 
schematics, block diagram, application notes $19.95| 

□ MEGA-BIOS ™fully compatible MS-DOS/PC-DOS BIOS $29.95| 



ORDER NOW!!! 

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! 
10-day money back guarantee if not completely satisfied. 




DISPLAY 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS 

CORPORATION 



4100 SPRING VALLEY ROAD 
SUITE 400 
DALLAS, TX 75234 
(214)991-1644 



TERMS: Shipment made 2 to 5 weeks from 
receipt of order. VISA, MC, money order, 
company check accepted. COD'S require 
$25 deposit. Balance UPS COD. Please 
add $2.00 shipping and handling per order. 



*IBM and IBM PC are trademarks of International Business Machines 
Circle 134 on inquiry card. 



©1983 Display Telecommunications Corporation 

BYTE January 1984 507 



DISKETTES 

AND 
COMPUTER SUPPLIES 



BUY QUALITY... 

• 3 M Scotch Brand Diskettes 

• Ribbons and Prlntwheels 

• Labels and Paper 

• Diskette Storage Equipment 

• and Much Morel 

....AT LOW PRICES! 

We ship within 24 hours, and we pay the shipping. 

C.O.D. 



OCALL TOLL FREE 
800448-4016 
INC A 800556-6786 

MY Supplier, Inc. 

COMPUTER AND WORD PROCESSING SUPPLIES 

348 No. Moorpark Road 
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 



Apple ll/lle® 

Robotic Development 
Package gr* 




•re 

2 Axis ^W 

Stepper Motor System 

• A6T/D Plug-In Interface 

• R2 D23 Dual Axis Driver 

• (2) Size 23 Motors (35 oz. in.) 

• Positioning Command with Ramping 
from Applesoft* BASIC 

Also Available with: 

(2) Size 34 Motors (220 oz. in.) & 
R2D34 Dual Axis Driver 



$365 



$595 



ROGERS LABS (714)751-0442 

271 S. Croddy Way, Santa Ana, CA 92704 



MEMORY FOR IBM PC-XT 



SiiS.SfiSlSffiiiaa!: 
iBBXBiSnS!: 



''SfilfaSS' 




64K —$159.95 
320K — $319.95 
384K — $359.95 
512K — $439.95 

• Uses 64K Drams 

• Gold Fingers — Solder Mask 

• Addressing On Any 64K Block 

• No Parity 

Add 6% sales tax in California. Add 
$2.00 for shipping. Add $2.00 for C.O.D. 
Send check or money order to: 

In §ync 

5738 Commerce Blvd. 

Rohnert Park, CA 94928 

(707) 585-2793 



Circle 262 on inquiry card. 



Circle 308 on inquiry card. 



Circle 188 on inquiry card. 



Disks 'n Things 



* Dealer Inquiries 
Welcomed 




Disks 'n Things 

5505 Softwlnd Way 
Agoura Hills, CA 91301 

Price List Available 



6800/6809 

Micro Modules 




OEM £800/6809 MICROCOMPUTER 
MODULES for dedicated control and 
monitoring. Interfaces for sensors, 
transducers, analog signals, 
solenoids, relays, lamps, pumps, 
motors, keyboards, displays, IEEE-488, 
serial I/O, floppy disks. 



WHNTKir <«" swims* 
i I L\ I li Ik I Lafayette, IN 47904 

■ 317-742-6428 



Circle 133 on inquiry card. 



Circle 380 on Inquiry card. 



wabash 

When it comes to 

Flexible Disks, nobody 

does it better than 

Wabash. 

MasterCard. Visa Accepted. 
Call Free: (800) 235-4137 



PACIFIC 
EXCHANGES 

100 Foothill Blvd 
San Luis Obispo. CA 
93401 (InCal. call 
(805)543-1037) 



Circle 278 on inquiry card. 





mvtti- 



Multimode-Color 
pnflpU Graphics- 

Unnrn Video-Controller 

APPLE, COMMODORE, SS50C-Bus, Multibus 

the ultimate all in one graphics controller: 

• 512 5123 dot high resolution. 14 MHz dot clock 

• 192 kbyte on board screen memory for 2 full pic- 
tures • 8 of 4096 progr. colors/ 8 level greyscale 
with b&w • prog, hardw. ASCII char, generator 5-8 
dots (1... 16 zoom) • hardw. vectorgenerator, 4 types 
of lines. 1,500.000 dols/s • build-in lightpen inter- 
lace (on dot basis) • 3 powerfull operation modes, 
simult. colored and b/w • designedforeasy software 
implementation, plotter-like programming • read- 
modify-write hardware for non-destructive cross- 
hairs, cursors etc.- • fully decoded, jumper sel. 32 
byteaddressrange • manyadditionalleatures:hard- 
ware-blinking, write-protection, tilled chars, inter- 
rupt-generation, X/Y screen-mem addressing, no 
wrapp-around elfects. progr.. comp. video input(l), 
universal RGB and comp, video output, special b&w 
modes... • independent 128 kbyteEPROM area, 8 or 
16 Bit (Multibus only) 

• APPLE and COMMODORE interface includes 
extra case with power supply! 

APPLE. COMMODORE S 187 5 

(SS50-board, metal-case, power supply, interface) 
SSSO-Bus. Multibus (board wo EPROMS) S 1670 
high speedlightpen with 50 nsec delay 
and switch S 335 

delivery as described + manual, data sheet, inter- 
facing software, please ask for detained information 

□ipl. Lng. Jurgen ttnauft 

SDFTUJAAE HflROWflRE □OTALEIEDTBDNIC 
D 6457 Maintal 1 , Birkenweg 1 . Tel 61 81 / 4 56 43 
W. Germany Multibus is trademark of INTEL Corp. 



JUKI 6100 

LETTER QUALITY PRINTER 




f$469ni 



Circle 335 on inquiry card. 



Circle 469 on inquiry card. 



18 cps 

Word processing and graphic functions 

Proportional spacing control 

Uses IBM Selectric ribbons 

Compatible with Kaypro, IBM, Apple, 

Osborne, and others- 

•...:.. - ' ■■■„._;, 



Free shipping In U.S. 

COMPUTERS 
and more 

2420 University Ave n To Order 

San Diego, Ca. 92104 (619) 291-1442 



Circle 105 on inquiry card. 



Freedom-Freed the Prices! 

We have met or have beaten most advertised prices. 

Buy Direct! 




32cps DTC380Z 

48K Buffer 
Serial and Parallel 
I Year Warranty 

380 Z S Unbeatable 

38K STARWRITER . . S Unbeatable 




Mannesmann Tally 

• Standard — 7 x 9 160 CPS 

• NLQ — 40 x 18 40 CPS 

• 2K Buffer and Tractor Standard 

160 L 80 col. Call Best Seller 

180 L 132 col. Call Best Seller 

Spirit Call Best Seller 




IDS 



• Proportional Spacing 

• 8 Character Styles 

• 200 CPS Bi Directional 

• Color Optional 

• Sheet Feed « Graphics 

• 3.4K Buffer 
Prism 80 

Prism 132 and Micro Prism 
Auto Cassette Sheet Feed 



SCall 
S Call 
S Call 



fcj. •) i 




EAGLE 






OUR PC FLYS 

IBM Compatible 

Simply a better PC. All models 

available;for immediate delivery 

Call Lowest $ 



Juki 6100 



18 CPS IBM Ribbons 
Diablo Compatible 2K Buffer 
Best Value Yet SCall 



It's a Piece of Cake! 



High Quality Software 
for Personal Computers 



> Word Processor 
» Mail List 
» Spelling Checker 
• Telecom 



- NEWI ■ 




Red Hot 
Special I 



Novation 
J-CAT 



• Graphics Package 

• Financial Planner 

• Data Manager 
Call for PrlcesI 



• 300 BPS Modem 

• Originate/Auto Answer 
Sizzling $ 89.50 



ALTOS 

ZENITH 

TELEVIDEO 

SANYO 

USJ 

TRANSTAR 

PIED PIPER 

RANA 

STB 

QUADRAM 



DAISYWRITER 
FRANKLIN 

HAYES 

NOVATION ". 

ANADEX 

AXIOM 

DATASOUTH 

MICROTEK 

SWEET-P 

EAGLE 

RITEMAN I 



PRINCETON GRAPHICS 



VENTEL 
AMDEK 

BMC 
TAXAN 
DIABLO 

NEC 

EPSON 

PRINTEK 

MOLECULAR 

UDS 
SILVER-REED 



U.S. ROBOTICS 

OKIDATA 

COMREX 

JUKI 

STAR 

NORTHSTAR 

ADDS 

KIMTRON 

INTERCOLOR 

COLUMBIA 

CORONA 



C. ITOH 

DEC 
AMPEX 
TOSHIBA 

VEW 

RIXON 

HAZELTINE 

SEIKOSHA 

TTX 

WYSE 



SANYO P. C. 

OTRONA 

BLUE CHIP 

PRINTACOLOR 

OUME 

KEYTRONICS 

ANCHOR 

BROTHER 

VISUAL 

DAISY 



Everything in 

computer related products: 



TEXAS INSTRUMENTS 



• Computers 

• Modems 

• Printers 

• Software 

• Monitors 

• Terminals 



• Accessories 

• Paper 

• Ribbons 

• Diskettes 

• Office Furniture 

• In-Store Training 



For Price Quotes and Ordering, Call: 

1-800-821-4128 

For Technical Information and 
Order Status, Call: 

602-952-1057 or 602-954-6127 



********* 



FREEDOM 

COMPUTER MART 

INC. 



3370 North Hayden Road • Suite 123-314 
Scottsdale. Arizona 85251 



Prices listed reflect a cash discount and are subject to change without notice. C.O.D.s are shipped with a minimum C.O-D. charge. Allow 3-7 days for personal checks to clear. Product is subject to 
availability. Equipment is in factoiy sealed boxes with manufacturer's warranty. There will be a re-stocking charge for returned merchandise. Call first for an RMA number. Software not warranteed for 
suitability. No return of Software which has been opened. Add 2% for shipping & handling charges Iminlmum S2.50I All equipment shipped F.O.B. Scottsdale. AZ 85251. Circle 222 on inquiry card. 




Best Prices On 
TRS-80 Computers 

Our 6th year of discounts 

Ed or Joe McManus 

Fgt. Prepaid. Save Tax. 

Toll Free 800-231-3680 

Marymac Industries, Inc. 

22511 Katy Fwy., Katy 

(Houston) Tx 77450 

1-713-392-0747 

Telex 774132 

See us in the Wall Street 
Journal every Tues., Wed., Thurs. 



DATA SWITCH 

FOR IBM PC PRINTER INTERFACE 




Model 1 220 Bi Directional Data Switch 
with 3-3ft. data cables gives an IBM PC 
user 2 Centronics Interfaces to connect a 
draft printer & letter quality printer to his 
Parallel Interface. A toggle switch on the 
front panel selects the desired printer. 
Runs at any speed. Built in data cables, 
save money. Supplied assembled and 
tested. $179.00. Available from your 
local computer dealer or 

Terminal Data Corp. 

11878 Coakley Circle, Rockville, MD 

(301) 881-7655 



ILd^^H B compiler 

for 8080/8085/Z80 

New version of the compiler is 

, available now! 

The object code is COMPACT 

and is FASTEST In current C compilers. 

Our "Sieve" program runs in 

8.0 seconds (standard) 

and 6.2 seconds (optimized) 

(See January I983 BYTE, pp 283-326) 

price : $500 (FOB lapan) 



for pamphlet write: 
P.O.Box 508 STA. CRUZ 
CA. USA 95062 
for further information contact: 

LSI JAPAN CO., LTD. 

2-24-9 YOYOCI SHIBUYA-KU TOKYO (151) IAPAN 
PHONE (<UVi7H-2427 



Circle 235 on inquiry card. 



Circle 354 on inquiry card. 



Circle 227 on inquiry card. 



< = : 



Book* • Softwire • Hardware Add-Ons • for your ATARI 600XL/ 
800 XL. Commodores, VIC-20, Sinclair, Timex, Apple ll.Osborne+OSI 



: C-64! More 



for 



to, I 






ATEXT1 

electronic mail »nd networking Thebetl Thit wordprocetsor iJ Jn i 
wordprCKmc Tor lheC-64 toryouimoney ll ttttutfu 

Ordac-Mo.4965 S89.00 editing, jctolling. iirrng 

uimnniK r i . it , , , „ n, <„ nested), lefund right m»rgn 

MACROFIRE - Ed.tor/Anirnbtar <or Over 30 comm.ndi. Tr.t an K mvw on 

The tMit macroassembler you un buy! n'-'j-iuTim .-. tnoc 

rv^riir, iwi ..Qm Order-No. 7210 OWM 629 95 

Order No. 4963 689 00 Ordtr-No. 7216 di* S34.95 

SUPERBOOKSfor yoorC-64 Order No. 7217 c*rtltdg» 869. 00 

Garnet for the ATARI Computer 
This book detcribes advanced program 



The Great Book of Gemev Vol.1 

46 programs for the Commodore 64 

wW.i« «.95 ™ n ^"™z"< m,"h,, (i p :r^;",rs 

Progr.mifrom tliii book on disk 819.95 Contains many readv 10 run programs in 

MORE ON THE SIXTYFOUR BAS J C and one " Htd GUNFlGHT ,n 

IStiSF* him '- "" ,mPO ' ,an, 1Ub ' SSaJa^r" S7.95 

Order-No. 183 89 95 How to program your ATARI m 6502 

Programs fromthii book on d>*k 819 95 Machine Language 

m«_ .o „,~-. ™ ,- e«i? u~h ■«. Introduction to machine language lorthe 

Mow to program in 650Z Machine n . c , r „_„,_,_., 

i«™.™ nnu «,.( s u * oAitl- programmer 

Language onyouri,« r>rrt»r.Nn IRQ igu 

Oder-No.184 812.95 ° 899S 

Commodore-64 Tune-up. Vol. I F0RTH °" «•■ ATARI - L.irnin,) by 

How to expandyour C 64 Usin 9 

Order. No. 185 812.95 ln"°duction. programs, applications. 

Smill Bonnes* Pnjyimi lor the C-64 n'/fcTSln*!™™ *7 Qr, 

Order No. 186 812.95 ° «' N °"° * 7 « 

All programs from book No. 170on disk 

HAROWARE AOO-ONj lor your C-64 Order No. 7319 822.00 only! 

o'rdJ C No'.'43«) n,er **' K tl 9 95 "£""*?$* 

in 6502 mUhin 

89.95 »°°«ble casset 

Expansion Board KIT - Holds up t 4 Complete eonsi 

E»P boards (bare board) wareon liow to 

Dr<Wr.No.4992 829 96 Orde,N . 172 

Ceoyr. 3 nC 1983 
Dealer and Oiltributor inquiries ire invited. 
ELCOMP PUBLISHING. INC. 
53 Redrock l-ina 
Pomona. CA91766 
Phone: (714) 623-83 14. Tin.: 298191 




FAST PRECISION 
A/D FOR APPLE II® 

* 40.000 SAMPLES / SECOND 
DATA ACQUISITION RATE 

* 12-BIT RESOLUTION 

* 0.1% ACCURACY 

* 8 ANALOG INPUT CHANNELS 

* REMARKABLE PRICE $375 

ALSO! LOW-COST PRECISION A/D 

12 SAMPLES /SECOND $195 

ACCESSORIES 

2-CHANNEL THERMOCOUPLE THERMOMETER 
1 ° CENTIGRADE ACCURACY . . ..$135 

6-CHANNEL THERMOMETER $155 

16-CHANNEL MULTIPLEXER $160 

1 -4 CHANNEL OUTPUT CONTROLLER CALL 

LAWSON LABS, INC. 

5700 RAIBE ROAD 

COLUMBIA FALLS, MONTANA 59912 
406-387-5355 



Circle 148 on inquiry card. 



Circle 377 on inquiry card. 



Circle 218 on inquiry card. 



IBM PC, APPLE, etc. . . 



SHARING AND SWITCHING PROBLEMS? 
GILTRONIX HAS THE SOLUTION! 



Any CPU 




Printer 1 Printer 2 Modem or 

Dot Matrix Letter Ouality Other Peripheral 

MANUAL UNITS AUTOMATIC UNITS 

2-6 Ports OR 2-7 Ports 

Selecto-Switch Auto-Swrtch 

Serial (RS 232)/ Parallel (Cenlronics) 

LOW COST A00-0NS FROM THE MAIN 
f\S> MANUFACTURER 

Centronix 

ls\} 378 ° Fabian Wa y- Pal ° Al| °- CA 94303 



ScreenWiz 

FULL SCREEN CONTROL 



An assembler subprogram you call from your 
programs to handle screen input/output as 
IBM mainframes do. 
Define full screen format specifications 
outside your program, and call ScreenWiz to 
retrieve the formats, and do all the I/O for you. 

• One command input/displays a full screen 

• Use all of your CRT video attributes 

• Define up to 24 function keys 

• Define templates for display and input. 

• Validate input while keying. Insert and 
delete characters to correct fields 

• Tab fields forward and backward 

• Draw figures using vertical field displays 

• Save memory as only one format needs to 
be in memory at one time. Make the 
constants to display virtual, and they don't 
use any memory at all. 

• Build help screens. Call them with one 
function key then return to where you were. 

Available now for most popular - 

BASIC ) IBM PC $99 

COBOL I CP/M-80 $99 

FORTRAN | Shipping $ 6 

PASCAL ) Source code included 



iniERDfilfi 

15 Toronto St. Suite 700 
Toronto, Ont. Canada M5C 2E7 
(416) 366-2136 (call collect to order) 



SYSTEMS INC. 

Visa, M/C 
Am. Express 



Radio Shack TRS-80™ 
computers 

At Guaranteed savings 




from 
Pan 

American 
Electronics 



1 1 17 Conway Ave. 

Dept. B 

Mission, Texas 78572 

Ph. 512/581-2766 

Telex 767339 

TO ORDER 
CALL TOLL FREE 

800-531-7466 



Circle 171 on inquiry card. 



Circle 194 on inquiry card. 



Circle 280 on inquiry card. 






1 



HALF-HEIGHT SHUGART DRIVE 
SYSTEM FOR IBM- PC 
Choose 2 or 4 320K byte half heights 
or2 half-heights plus a hard disk. 

• Powered by energy efficient direct drive 
DC motor 

• Mounting kits available for most popular 
systems 

• Clear and simple instructions 

• Full one year warranty 

IBM-PC 10 Megabyte Half-Height Hard Disk 

Upgrade your PC to an XT' Call 

609-799-4440 10 Megabyte Half-Height Hard Disk 

also available for your COMPAQ. 

SA- 71 2 Half- Hgt. 1 Meg Hard Disk Call 

SHUGART 

HALF-HEIGHT 

DRIVES 

ShugartSA465 DS/DD 

Half-Height 96TPI 

New' Allows reading 

and writing in single 

or double density 5.25 

diskettes. Plug compatible with TANDON TM 100-4. 

SIEMENS FDD-221-5 and similar drives. 

1 YEAR WARRANTY S350 each 2 & S295 each 

Formatted single density 700K bytes 




SHUGARTSA860 DS/DD 
Half-Height 8" 

A double sided half ma 

height 8" high speed] 

disk drive. DC 

only operation. 

Same as used on Zenith Z-100. 

1 YEAR WARRANTY S495each 2@S475each 

Formatted 1.25 megabyte 

Track to track 3ms 



SHUGART SA455 DS/DD 
Half- Height 48TPI 

Adouble headed minif loppy discdrive with up to320K 
on-line storage capacity. Plug compatible with any 
standard5 W drive. ElectricallythesameasTM-100-2 
andFDD-211-5 

1 YEAR WARRANTY S245 each 

Formatted 320K bytps, extended 360K bytes 

Track to trark fimc 

HEATH ZENITH H88, 89 or90 TWOET SYSTEMS 
Dual internal half-height disk drives 

Now you can replace your built-in drive with two 
double-sided, double or single density, internal half- 
height drives in either48 or96tpi format, with all hard- 
ware, cabies, power connector adaptors, and docu- 
mentation included. Our double-sided 48tpi works 
perfectlyasa single sided right out of the box. You can 
evenuse thissystem with your H-17 controller. Andwe 
have the software drivers (at additional cost) so you 
can run out 48 or 96tpi double-sided, single density 
drives on it! 
TWOET455 TWOET465 

2 SHUGART SA-455 2 SHUGART SA-465 
half-height half-height 
48tpidouble-sided 96tpi double-sided 
S595 S695 

Both models are shipped complete with all hardware, 
shielded metal mounting plates, data cable with chas- 
sis connectors, and complete documentation. 
WHATTO DO WITH YOUR INTERNAL DRIVE: For 
onlyS60 extra plus shipping, we'll send you a singleS'A 
case with power supply and data cable — ready to re- 
ceive your SIEMENS internal drive! A regular S80 
value. The external chassis disk I/O connector comes 
with your TWOFT system 



W.S.T. DISK DRIVES (formerly Siemens) 
W.S.T. FDD-100-5B4 Same model used in Heath 
computers. Added "Flippy" operation feature. 
Works with almost any SA-400 compatible system: 
RS Model 1 , North Star, S-100 and more. S235 each 
C3-S195 each (with Shugart type Bezel) 
W.S.T. FDD-211-5 

Dual headed 5'/4". Records data in single or double 
density, using hard or soft sector techniques. An exact 
TM- 100-2 replacement Use in Northstar and IBM, or 
any system using dual head 48 tpi drives. Same as 
COMPAQ. S265each. 

NUMBER OF HEADS 2 

FORMATTED DATA CAPACITY 320K bytes 

extended 360K bytes 
W.S.T. FDD-221-5 

A double headed. 5V4", 96 tpi (80 track) disk drive. 
Capable of hard or soft sector, single or double den- 
sity, it's an exact replacement for the TAN DON 
100-4. S335each 
2 © S295 each 



Increase your on-line storage capacity by 2.5 mega- 
bytes with Our new 8" double sided half height disk 
drive. Styling matches IBM-PC. Utilizes Shugart half- 
height 8" double sided disk drives. Allows reading 
CP-M data files with optional patch. 

FD-PC8 System S 1 270 

Maynard Controller S245 

(Allows use of two internal 5 W and the two outboard 
8" system. Add $70 for parallel) 

JFormat S50 

JFormat-2 S50 

We have half-height mounting kits for IBM and 
COMPAQ computers. 

APPLE HALF-HEIGHT DISK DRIVES Call for price 



ENCLOSURES 











ALSO 




MODEL 


CONFIGUARTION 


STACKING 


DIMENSIONS 


AVAILABLE 


PRICE 


DH5A&T 


2 standards'*" 


horizontal 


17"Lx12"Wx5"H 


external chassis 

connector/ 
blank plates 


SI 25.00 


SV5A&T 


1 standard 5 V 


vertical 


11VLx3*a"Wx6* , H 


vertical 5'«" case 

tor2 half-height 

drives 


S5500 

or 

S7500 

lor '? height 


DV5A&T 


2 standards 1 .*" 


vertical 


11V?"Lx6"Wx7"H 


- 


S85.00 


D5HHHA&T 


2 hall-height + 
space for single 
board computer 


horizontal 


17"Lx 12"W x3V ? "H 


blank plates 
ext. chassis conn. 


S 12 5.00 


5SHA&T 


1 standard S%" or 
2 half-height drives 


horizontal 


12"Lx8"Wx4"H 


blank plate 
ext. chassis conn. 


$95.00 


5SHHDA&T 


1 standard or 

2 half-height 
hard disks 


horizontal 


12"Lx8"Wx4"H 


blank plate 


$165.00 


8" ENCLOSURES 








All 1 00% ourdesign, theseB" enclosuresf eature a front panelpower switch designed with 1 " clearance over the drive to 


accomodate a big board computer or a hard disk controller. All 1 6 gauge metal construction with DB 25 cutouts on the 


rearpanel.CP-206supplymountingholes,whicharestandardforthe8'" drive industry. 




DH8A&T 


2 standard 8" 

{such as 

SHUGART 800-R 

series orSIEMENS 

FDD-100 series) 


horizontal 


2V'Lx17V*"Wx6V*"H 


ext. chassis conn. 


S295 00 


SH8A&T 


1 standard 8" or 

2 hall-height drives 

+ space for single 

boardcomputer 


horizontal 


16"L kWWx6VH 


blank plates 
ext chassis conn 


S285.00 


DHHH8A&T 


for SHUGART 

TANDON848 

or similar 8 ' 

hall-height designs 


horizontal 


205 L x 17 Wx4 H 


blank plates 
ext chassis conn. 


S320 00 


FDPC8 


for SHUGART 

810-860 matches 

IBM-PC or 


horizontal 




blank plates 


S32OO0 




Zenith systems 


I 







MULTIDISPLAY 

For IBM-PC, contains both mono and color display 

plus printer port, all on one card S575 

PGS MONITOR 

The best RGB monitor going S475 



SAN DSTAR MODULES FROM MAYNARD 
Sandstar Serial Port Module 

Totally compatible with 
software written for 
IBM Asynchronous 
Adaptor. Connects to MODEM, serial printer, or any 
standard RS232-C interface device. Port may be con- 
figured as Serial Pert # 1 or #2. Can use IBM diagnos- 
tics. MSE1301 ...S1 05.00 
SandStar Clock Calendar Module 
Features clock and calendar with battery backup, which 
runs when PC power is turned off or plug is disconnected. 
Correct time and date loaded each time system is 
powered up. Software included. MCL1 303 . . . S85.00 
SandStar Parallel Port Module 
A Centronics compatible I/O port. Use as general pur- 
pose I/O port or connect to printer. Utilizes same type 
connectorandpinsas IBM Parallel Printer Adaptor, and 
is 1 00% compatible with its software. Configure as Port 
# 1 or #2. Can use IBM diagnostics MPA1 302 . . S75.00 
SandStar Memory Module 

Use with SandStar Memory Card. Expandsmemoryby 
320K bytes for 640K bytes total system memory. Uses 
onlyone IBM expansion card. Noconfiguration required 
before plug in. 

Module may be purchased with any 64 K increment and 
easily expanded to 320K. Electronic disc and print 
spooling software are also available. 

M MODOOO OK SI 1 500 

M MOD064 64K S205.00 

M MOD 1 28 1 28K S300.00 

MMOD192 192K S390.00 

M MOD256 256K S485.00 

MMOD320 320K S580.00 

SandStar Game Adaptor Module 
Attach up to 4 paddles and 2 joysticks to your IBM PC. 
Canbe used for general purposeinput,with4 digitaland 
4 analog inputs. 100% compatible with IBM PC soft- 
ware. Uses same type 15 pin "D" subminiature I/O con- 
nector as the IBM Game Control Adaptor. 

Maynard Electronics Multi-Function 
Memory Expansion Board 

Adds form 64K bytes to 256K bytes to your IBM-PC. 
Expandable with either 1 or 2 optional asynchronous 
serial (RS232-C) ports Engineered for total compat- 
iblility with IBM I/O specs. Parity generation and de- 
tection included. Ready to plug into 64K byte systems. 
Optionally available with 1 or 2 RS232-C ports with 
20mA current loop. 100% compatible with IBM hard- 
ware and software, and may be used to connect your 
computer to a modem serial printer orother devices with 
computer interface. Board ports may be enabledor dis- 
abled and assigned as COM 1 and/or COM2. 

MMF 1000 OK S210.00 

MMF1064 64K S305.00 

MMF 1128 128K S4 10.00 

MMF1192 192K S510.00 

MMF 1256 256K S615.00 

MMF1SER S1 00.00 

(with one serial port added) 
MMF2SER S160.00 

{with two serial ports added) 
(No parallel available). 



Maynard Disk Controllers RET. 

Description 

MODFDC (Controller w/mod ports) S265 

FDC8 (8" Controller) S245 

FDC 5*4 (5V Controller) S195 

FDCPARALLEL (Contr. and para ports) S275 

FDCSERIAL (Contr. and serial ports) S285 

FDC8 PARA (8" Contr. and para ports) S31 5 

HDM (hard disk module) S495 

CONTROLLERS Magnolia Micro-systems 
for the H-89 & Z-90 Double Density Disc 
controller including CP/M 2.2 

Complete hardware & software support for: 

-Four 5' 4" and Four 8" single or double sided drives 

-48 TPI (40 track) drives 

-9G TPI (80 track) drives 

-3-5VV drives supported by Heath Zenith controller 
H-17 
This package includes: 

-double density controller card 

-CP/M 2.2 on either 5' «' or 8" media 

-new I/O decoder and monitor PROMs 

Shipping weight 7 lbs. 

DATA ttuwt^m sate* 

CONNECTORS ^flHi |£ 
50 pin edge card 609-5015 50 pin inline end connector 
34 pmedgecard 609-3415 609 5001 M 
50 pin inline chassis 34 pin inline end connector 

609-5016 609-3401 M 

34 pin mime chassis 

609-34 16 

POWER 

CONNECTORS &>*** = 

stacking bracket for AC socket 8 . single sided 

5V or 8' half-height drives C 1120 

SB5orSB8 5% DC connector C1116 

SA 810/860 DC power 5' 4 DC socket C1119 

C1115 PCB-8 DC C1122 

SA 850/851 FDD-200-8-AC free-Standing 8 

8" doublesided C1114DC connector socket C1121 

8' AC connector standard. 8 DC standard C1112 
single sided C1113 



We sell many other disk drive models too 
numerous to list here. We encourage you to call for 
our latest pricing and catalog. Due to production dead- 
lines, prices are 60 days old. Please call! Dealer 
inquiries invited. In our 5th year! 
Prices and specifications subject to change 

without notice 

MasterCard, VISA accepted. NJ residents. 

add 6% sales tax. 

Shipping charges: $3.00 first 4 lbs., $.40 each 

additional lb. 

COD charge $5.00. 

TOLL FREE ORDER LINE: 800-223-0306 

In NJ, Call: 609-799-4440 9:00 am-5:30 pm est. 



"FLOPPY 

IDISK 

■SE RVICES 



FLOPPY DISK 
SERVICES. IN 
741 Alexander Road 
Princeton. NJ 08540 



Circle 164 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 511 






maxell 

Floppy Discs 

CALL NOW -TOLL FREE 

1-800-328-DISC 

Dealer inquiries invited. C.O.D.'s and 
charge cards accepted. 
All orders shipped from stock, 
within 24 hours. Call toll FREE. 

Aki. w 



North Hills Corporation 

3564 Rollmg View Dr. 

White Bear Lake, MN 55110 

1-800-328-DISC 

MN Call Collect 1-612-770-0485 



"""Heath 
Users 




Double Your 
' disk storage 
capacity without adding a drive. 

Get twice as much from your H88 or 
H89 microcomputer. Our FDC-880H 
floppy disk controller, in conjunction 
with your 5 1 /" drives, for example, 
expands memory capacity from 256 
bytes to 512 bytes per sector. 

And it handles single and double- 
sided, single and double-density, 8" and 
5 1 /" drives — simultaneously. 



Ol 



C.D.R. Systems Inc. 

Controlled Data Recording Systems Inc. 
7210 Cuiirmont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, C A 92111 

(619) 560-1272 




THE FULL-FEATURED KEYBOARD EXPANDER 

Redefine any key to send a string of characters. 
MagiKey™ does more ... 

• automates application software, integrates 
function or cursor keys 

• "help" menus displayed at any time 

• built-in batch processing more powerful 
than SUBMIT or XSUB 

• strings can redefine keys, pause for fill-the- 
blanks keyboard input, or contain nested 
key definitions 

• invisible to system and soft are 

• for any 8080-8085-Z80-CP/M 2.2, no 
system or soft are modifications 

$ioo 

8" SSSD, Koypro 5/." - inquire about other SY," formats 
check, VISA. MC add 6% tax in CA 



microSystems 

W 16609 Sagowood Lane 



CP M dm) Digital Reseoich 



Poway, California 92064 
(619} 693-1022 



Circle 57 on inquiry card. 



Circle 295 on inquiry card. 



&TDK 

flexible disks 

Call Free (800)235-4137 

for prices and information. 
Dealer inquiries invited. 
C.O.D. and charge cards 
accepted. 




VISA' 



PACIFIC 
EXCHANGES 

100 Foothill Blvd 
San Luis Obispo. CA 
93401 (InCal call 
(805)543-1037) 



The Statistician 



CPM IBM-PC 
TRS-DOS XENIX 



Multiple Regression 

Stepwise 

Ridge 

All Subsets 

Backward Elimination 
Time Series Analysis 
Descriptive Statistics 
Transformations 



* Survey Research 

* Nonparametrics 

* X-Y Plots 
*ANOvA 

* Random Sample: 

* Data Base 

* Search & sort 

* Hypothesis tests 



Please call TOLL FREE 
1-800-334-0854 (Ext. 814) 



a 



for more information 

or write: 

Quant Systems 

Box 628 

Charleston, SC 29402 

VISA-M/C Accepted 



The INTELLIGENT 
GRAPHICS TERMINAL 



All of this on a single S-100 board 

• Full 512 color mapping pallette 

• TTL/analog RGB color or 8 level grey 

• 680x480 4 color and/or 340x480 16 color 

• Transparencies, overlays, multiple pages 

• 8086, EPROM, 128K RAM expandable 
on-card 

• Full editing terminal/graphics firmware 

• Text throughput is greater than 2000 cps 

• 10 windows, individually scrollable 

• Programmable terminal formats to 113x40 

• 64K x 64K virtual screen graphics with 
clipping and scale 

• Drawn/filled circle, pie, arc, polygon 

• Complex fill patterns and line styles 

Low introductory prices: Assembled and 
tested $895. Partial kit $295. 

Availible soon. Fully integrated expansion 
card adds speech, sound effects, serial and 
parallel ports, and time-of-day clock. 

Advanced Graphics Engineering 

P.O. Box 3403, Reston, VA 22090 

(703) 435-8110 



Circle 278 on inquiry card. 



Circle 299 on inquiry card. 



Circle 15 on inquiry card. 



Computer Software Associates, an 
established software house, sup- 
plies software for COMMODORE, 
APPLE, and IBM home computers. 
CSA is currently looking to expand 
its product base of serious programs 
in the areas of home, education, 
and office. 

Computer Software Associates offers 
over 30 years of market experience, 
worldwide distribution, innovative 
packaging, generous royalties, and 
programmer support. 
Interested programmers should 
contact Mike Mahan, Product 
Development Department, Com- 
puter Software Associates, 50 Teed 
Drive, Randolph, Massachusetts 
02368 Tel. (617) 961-5700. 

^■^ COMPUTER 
SB SOFTWARE 

^W ASSOCIATES 



APPLE II COMPATIBLE DISK DRIVES 

Mitac AD-1 only $189.00 

Controller Card $55.00 

Just Plug in and Run 

VERBATIM 

5!4 ' Diskettes SS DD Soft 

per box of 10 $23.55 

HARD DISKS FOR APPLE and IBM 

Mitac AD-100 10 MB only $1395.00 

TELEVIDE0 

910 $429.00 

925 $659.00 

950 $859.00 

MONITORS 

Mitac 12" 20 MHZ 

Green $115.00 

Amber $115.00 

IBM PC COMPATIBLE DISK DRIVES 

National JA-551-2KHT $205.00 

OZtech, ItlC. VISA/ MC Accepted 

1400 Coleman Ave. Suite E-25 

Santa Clara, CA 95050 

(800) 222-6677 

in Calif. (408) 980-9987 



COMPUTER INTERFACES 



-*.niB9 II 



<WX«" 



nr^ 



Convert your electronic typewriter 
to a letter-quality computer printer! 
Available for Olivetti Praxis 30,35, 
40, & 41 and Adler/Royal 1005, 
1010, 1011/5005, 5010, 5011. 

• Centronics parallel or RS-232C 
serial 

• Easily installs inside typewriter 

• Compatible with most computers 

• Cable assemblies available 

• Prices start at only £149. 



one CALL TOLL FREE 

28301 Industrial Blvd. 800-227-0376 

Hayvward, CA 94545 800-421-5389 [In CA] 



Circle 97 on inquiry card. 



Circle 23 on inquiry card. 



Circle 320 on inquiry card. 






WHODLET 

A2OTEAROU) 
WORK WITH THE 

WORLD'S MOST 
SOPHISTICArED 
LASER SYSTEM? 



Or evaluate primary sensor performances of 
multimillion dollar satellites? 

Or manage millions of dollars a year in 
defense contracts? 

The Air Force, that's who. 

If you're a talented, motivated electrical 
engineer or plan to be, you don't have to wait to 
work with the newest, most sophisticated 
technology around. 

You can do it now, as an Air Force officer 
working as an electrical engineer. 

Don't get us wrong. We don't hand it to you 
on a silver platter. You have to work for it. Hard. 

But if you do, we'll give you all the 
responsibility you can handle. And reward you well 
for taking it. 

You'll get housing, medical and dental care — 
and excellent pay that increases as you rise in rank. 

Plus there are opportunities to attend graduate 

Circle 465 on inquiry card. 



school. If you're qualified and selected, we'll pay 
75% of your tuition. Those with special 
qualifications can even study full time, at no cost. 

So plug into the Air Force. Because when it 
comes to technology, the Air Force can help you 
achieve great sophistication at a very tender age. 

For more information mail in the card, or 
call toll-free 1-800-423-USAF (in California 
1-800-232-USAF). Better yet, send your resume 
to HRS/RSAANE, Randolph AFB,TX 78150. 
There's no obligation. 



AIM HIGH 
AIR FORCE 

A great place for engineers 

BYTE January 1984 513 



S-100 COLOR GRAPHICS! 



THE ORIGINAL TMS9918A GRAPHICS BOARD 

• Field-proven board meets IEEE-696 standard, fully socketed 
with solder masks, silkscreen and gold contact lingers 

• Prioritized display with backdrop and pattern planes plus 32 
sprite planes: eachpixel in a plane can be colored or transparent. 

• Three graphics and one text display mode, maximum graphics 
resolution is 256H x 192V in 16 colors 

• Composite video output 

• Onboard 16K RAM is separate from system memory 

• Vertical retrace interrupt for real time clock capability 

• 0-4 wait states for use with last MPUs 

• All board options are DIP switch selectable 

• Professional quality documentation with BASIC demonstration 
programs and TTs TMS9918A manual 

• Exclusive Graphics Editor 
available on 8" SSSO 

CP M-compatible diskette $1 89.95 * 



MlcroPynamlcs 

Corporation 

6363 Poplar Ave • Suite 105 
Memphis TN 38119 



(AST) 

ORDER DESK 

1-800-237-8400 ext 440 

Technical Inquiries 

(9011-682-4054 



'Price includes MICROSPRITE with documentation Graphics 
Editor diskette- S9 95 Manual- S19 95- Bare board -S59 95. 
UPS ground-S2 00 UPS air-S4 00. COO-SI 50. Foreign 
add S15 00. VISA & MC welcome. TN add 6% 

DEALER AND OEM INQUIRIES INVITED 



£9 Dysan 

^CORPORATION 



Solve your dbc problem* buy 100% surface 
tested Dyaan dkktttm Afl ortfcra stripped 
from atodk wfchsi 24 hour*. Call toll FREE 
(800) 235-4137 for prices and fcnfcmmutfcxi 
Visa and Master Card accepted. 




PACIFIC 
EXCHANGES 

100 Foothill Blvd. 
San Luis Obispo. CA 
93401 (InCal. call 
(805)543-1037.) 



[ APPL 

X^ TheAr. 




APPLEWARE, BMC 

The Apple Users Group 
Software Library Bonanza 
At truly affordable prices! 
For the first time enjoy your 
Apple to its fullest capacity, 
using specially packed disks 
with over 60 outstanding 

Firograms each. 
not available from any other source] "* 
Each packed disk includes an extensive variety of 
interesting, useful and entertaining programs 
indispensable to all computensts 1 Each mixed category 
packed disk includes 

BUSINESS • EDUCATIONAL • DATA BASE • GAMES 
UTILITIES • SCIENCE • MUSIC • GRAPHICS • FINANCE 
Library Disks I. II and III are mixed categories Dedicated 
disks are 

• GAMES • UTILITIES • GRAPHICS • INTEGER • 
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY. Each packed disk is 
available for only 559.95 each. 

WHY PAY MORE? 

Order direct from this ad and Save up to 5150. Buy 

Library Disks I. II and III and get a special bonus disk 
FREE over ?60 programs for S1 79 95 + S3 
shippmo. For the best value, receive all 9 disks featuring 
over BOO of our best programs for only 65c each • 
for a package price of only S389 Postage Paid) 
NEW Business • Professional • Executive Package [enabling 
you to bring your business to its hghest level o' efficiency) also 
available, circle Readers Service Card for our complete catalog 

For Orders Only Call now 
TOLL FREE; 1-800-327-8664 
Florida: 1-305-987-8665 

Compatible with II. 



VtSA 



II Emu) . and Franklin Ace JFor 3 3 DOS] 



Circle 248 on inquiry card. 



Circle 278 on inquiry card. 



Circle 31 on inquiry card. 



CHIPS & 



M 



DALE LJ 



THE INFLATION FIGHTERS! 



4116 

4116 

2114L 

2114L 

4164 

4164 



6116 

6116 

6116LP 

1791 

1771 

Z80A.ZSOACTC 

Z80A PIO 

8251A 

8255 



200ns 

150ns 

300ns 

200ns 

200ns 

150ns 

150ns 

200ns 

150ns 

Disk Controller 

Disk Controller 



8/S12.00 
8/S13.75 
8/S 12.00 
8/S13.00 
S5.50 each 
S5. 95 each 
S5.20 each 
$4.85 each 
S5. 85 each 
$20.00 each 
SI 6.75 each 
$3.50 each 
$4.00 each 
$4.00 each 
$4.25 each 



2716-1 

2716 

2732 

2532 

2764 

2564 
8087 
68000 



5V 350ns 
5V 450ns 
5V 450ns 
5V 450ns 
5V 300ns 28 pin 

5V 



8/$4.25 



CALL 
CALL 
CALL 



$5.00 each 
$3.35 each 
$3.85 each 
$5.00 each 
$5.95 each 



Allow up to 3 wks. for personal checks to clear. Please include 
phone number. Prices subject to change without notice. Shipping & 
Handling for Chips $3.50. FOB Belfevue. WA. for all else. 
Washington state residents add 7.9% Sales Tax. 



CHIPS & DALE 

10655 fS.E. 4th St., Suite 400 

Bellevue, WA 98004 



1-206-451-9770 



Circle 59 on inquiry card. 



Printer Cables 



Parallel — 



»* 



.00* 



$35 



.00* 



ALTOS 

ATTACHE 

ATARI 

CENTRONICS 

COLUMBIA 

EAGLE 

IBM-PC 

KAY PRO 

OSBORNE 

SANYO 

TI-99 



$3 S . 



00* 



$3 S . 



— SERIAL - 

ATTACHE COM. 

RS232 (DB25P) 

{9 conductor 1-8, 20) 



CABLES UNLIMITED 

4030 Wabaska Dr. 

San Diego, CA 92107 

619-222-3366 



Oo* 



When it comes to quality software 
for microsystems, DYNACOMP delivers: 




STOCK MASTER (APPLE): $59.95 

The Systems ... Apple Atari Canon Commodore 
Compustar CP/M Franklin H/Z-100 
IBMPCKayproMorrowNEC North Star 
Osborne SuperBrain Timex TRS-80 

The Software ... 

ADVENTURE BUSINESS CARD GAMES EDUCATION 

ENGINEERING GAMES HOME FINANCE INVESTING 

LANGUAGES SCIENCE TAX PLANNING UTILITIES 

Name brand diskettes: SI 9.95/10 (SS. SD w/hub ring), 
includes FREE plastic storage box. Add S2.00 shipping. 

CALL OR WRITE FOR A FREE CATALOG 

DYNACOMP, INC. 

1427 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, N.Y. 14618 

Telephone: (716) 442-8960 



Circle 383 on inquiry card. 



Circle 140 on inquiry card. 



SAVE MORE 

THAN EVER ON 

,3M Scotch 

DISKETTES! 



| Qty 20 (745)— ^^|Qty. 20 

5V«" SSQD-96TPI (746) $2.89 ea. 

5V4" DSQD— 96TPI (747) $3.95 ea. 

(Specify soft, 10 or 16 sector.) 

8" SSSD (740) $2.07 ea. 

8- SSDD (741) $2.54 ea. 

8" DSDD (743) $3.30 ea. 

(Specify soft or 32 sector.) 
Lifetime Warranty! 

3M HEAD CLEANING KITS $23.00 

Save even more on quantity ordersl 

Minimum Order: 20 diskettes. Add $3.00 shipping 

per 200 diskettes. C.O.D. charge $1.65 additional. 

Visa • Mastercard • Checks 

For fast service, call 

DISK WORLD! 

Nationwide: 1-800-621-6827 

In Illinois: 312-944-2788 

Suite 4806 • 30 E. Huron Street • Chicago, Illinois 60611 



Authorized Distributor 
Information Processing Products 



DISKETTES 

3M ScotcK BRAND 



AT SUPER LOW PRICES 

WE WILL SHIP YOUR ORDER 

WITHIN 24 HOURS AND WE PAY 

THE SHIPPING CHARGES 




COD ACCEPTED 
DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED 

CALL TOLL FREE 
800 922-8193 

IN CALIFORNIA 
800 468-1068 



Tayco Buainaea Forma 
Computer Supplies 

Post Office Box 605 
Newbury Park. CA 91320 





Circle 349 on inquiry card. 



Circle 121 on inquiry card. 



IBM PC 256K 

2X 320 KB DS/DD DISK DRIVES 

FLOPPY DISK CONTROLLER 

ALL FOR $2599 




**L#>* 






IBM PC256K COLOR GRAPHICS BOARD FLOPPY DRIVE CONTROLLER 

WITH PARALLEL PORT 360KB DS/DD DISK DRIVE, PRINTER, CABLE 

DOS 2.0, 10MB HARD DISK SUBSYSTEM INCLUDES CABLE, 

CONTROLLER, POWER SUPPLY, CABINET, SOFTWARE 



DISK DRIVES FOR IBM PC 

Double Sided/Double Density 320KB $225 
HARD DISK FOR IBM PC 
5MB $1399 10MB $1599 15MB $2199 
MEMORY BOARDS 

AST MULTIFUNCTION $299 

AST I/O PLUS $199 

QUADRAM 256K MULTIFUNCTION . . . $399 

HERCULES CARD $499 

QCS BIG BLUE CARD $479 

HAYES 

SMARTMODEM 300 BAUD $239 

SMARTMODEM 1200 BAUD $559 

MONITORS 

PQS COLOR MONITOR HX-12 $499 

AMDEK, NEC MONITORS AVAILABLE . CALL 

APPLE He STARTER SYSTEM $1599 

DISK DRIVE f OR APPLE II & He . . . $219 



PRINTERS 

BROTHER HR-1 $750 
OKIDATA 82A. $499 

84A $999 

GEMINI 10 . . . $359 
NEC 3510 . . $1499 

7710 

EPSON RX80 . $379 

MX80 $449 

HAYES SMARTMODEM 
HAYES SMARTMODEM 

VISICALC $199 

LOTUS 1-2-3. . $359 
SUPER CALC II $199 
WORD PERFECT $349 



HR-15 $499 

83A $699 

93A $959 

15 $529 

3550 $1899 

$2075 

EX80 $599 

MX100 $649 



300 BAUD . . 

1200 BAUD . 
MULTIPLAN . 
WORDSTAR . 
MAILMERGE . 
EASY WRITER 



$239 
$559 
$199 
$329 
$179 
$129 



TAYA PC 

Desk Top, IBM PC Compatible Computer, Runs 
DOS 1.1, 2.0, CP/M86 $1025 



COMPUTER POST INC. 

22102 CLARENDON ST. STE. #1 
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367 
(213) 999-1041 



CALL FOR FREE PRICE SHEET. 

PRICES SUBJECT TO CMAGE WITHOUT NOTICE. 
SHIPPING AND HANDLING EXTRA 



Circle 95 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 515 



SUP& 



Apple 2E System $1450. 

IBM PC System 2550. 

Dynax 449. 

Gemini 10X 269. 

Okidata 92/93 4497829. 

NEC 8023 399. 

NEC 3550 1895. 

Amdex 300/310 1 35./1 67. 

Pi3 148. 

Rana I 259. 

Tandon TM 100-2 249. 

Slim Dr. 5 1 /4 Apple/IBM 198. 

Videx 80 col 149. 

Anchor Mark XII 300-1 200 289. 

Hayes 1 200/1 200B 4797489. 

Koala lie 79. 

Wesper IPI/BPO 6971 59. 

Quadram 64K 269. 

Software 30% OFF CALL 



Computer Price Club 

1 6783 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA 92647 

714-841-6160 FJV:! 



ft TeleVideo DEALERS 

• Fast Dump/Restore 

over 600k per disk $60 

• Type Ahead with Print Screen 

64 Character Type Ahead Buffer $60 

• 3270 & 2780/3780 Bisync Communications 

from Phone 1 &Batech $700 & $300 

• TurboDOS for TeleVideo Start at $225 

• BIOS & Formatting for 802H 

use all 20 MB $150 

• 8" Disk Drive for 802 Computer 

Drive & Software. . . $1,100 

• RM Cobol™ for Turbo00§ 

Full System: $525 

RunTime $175 

• Standby Power System 

200VA-400VA-800VA As low as $363 

RM/COBOL is a registered trademark of 

Ryan-McFarland Corp. 

CP/M® is registered trademark of Digital Research. Inc. 

TurboDOS is a registered trademark ofSoftware 2000, Inc. 

PLUS OTHER G000 TELEVIDEO STUFF! 

COGITATE, Inc. 

SPECIALISTS IN UNIQUE TELEVIDEO SOFTWARE 

24000 Telegraph Road, Southfield, Ml 48034 
(313)352-2345 

VISA/MASTER CARD Accepted 



AFFORDABLE & 
RELIABLE 

EPROM 

PROGRAMMERS 
& UV ERASERS 



See our ad on Page 80 
LOGICAL DEVICES, INC 



Circle 96 on inquiry card. 



Circle 65 on inquiry card. 



Circle 224 on inquiry card. 




Scotch* 



DISKETTES 



Call Toil-Free 
1-800-328-DISC for prices and infor- 
mation. Dealer inquiries invited. 
C.O.D. and charge cards accepted. 
All orders shipped from stock, within 24 
hours. Call toll FREE 




North Hills Corporation 

3564 Rolling View Dr. 

White Bear Lake, MN 55110 

1-800-328-DISC 

MNCall Collect 1-612-770-0485 



CONVERSE SB COMPUTER 



AT LASTt A FULL IMPLEMENTATION of the original ELIZA program is 
now available to run on your microcomputer! 

Created at MIT in 1966. ELIZA has become the world's most celebrated 
artificial intelligence demonstration program. ELIZA is a non-directive 
psychotherapist who analyzes each statement as you type it in and then 
responds with her own comment or question-and her remarks are 
often amazingly appropriate! 

Designed to run on a large mainframe, ELIZA has never before been 
available to personal computer users except in greatly stripped down 
versions lacking the sophistication which made the original program so 
fascinating. 

Now, our new microcomputer version possessing the FULL power and 
range of expression of the original is being offered at the introductory 
price of only $25. And if you want to find out how she does it (or teach 
her to do more), we will include the complete SOURCE PROGRAM for 
only J20 additional. 

Order your copy of ELIZA today and you'll never again wonder how to 
respond when you hear someone say, "Okay, let's see what this com- 
puterof yours can actually do!" 

ELIZA IS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING FORMATS: 



ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH GROUP 

|-^^^gi 921 North LaJolla Avenue, Dept B 
Los Angeles. CA 90046 
(213)656-7368 (213)654-2214 
MC, VISA and checks accepted 



VISA 



f^W ^^| 



IBM PC COMPATIBLE 



Slimline Disk Drive $215.00 ea. 

(Shugart SA 455. DS.DD 320KB) 
Slimline Hard Disk $495.00 ea. 

(Shugart SA 706 5MB) 

Computer Case Call 

Keyboard Call 

Power Supply Call 

Disk Controller Card Call 

Color Graphic/Monochrome/Printer 

Interface Card Call 

Compatible Bare PCB Call 

3M Diskette SS/DD $20/box 

3M Diskette DS/DD $28/box 

Dealer Inquiries Welcome 

ELECTRADE CO. (408) 946-2541 

780 Trimble Rd M Suite 605 
San Jose, C A 95131 



Circle 32 on inquiry card. 



Circle 149 on inquiry card. 



Electronic 

Circuit 

Analysis 

• AC and DC analysis 

• Very fast, optimized machine language 

• Worst case, sensitivity analysis 

• Sweep component values 

• 64 Nodes 

• Compare circuits 

• Log or linear sweep 

• Full file handling 

• Full editing, error trapping 

• Frequency response, magnitude and phase 

• Complete manual with examples 

• Transmission lines 

• Complex y parameters 

• Available for CP/M, MSDOS, TRSDOS 

• Price - $150.00 

Tatum Labs 

P.O. Box 698 

Sandy Hook, CT 06482 

(203) 426-2184 



lUUrYiiiU 



FIRST TIME BETWEEN TWO COVERS 

No matter what type of computer you own, this 
book will get you on-line TODAY! 
Complete information on computer bulletin board 
systems including: 

•What they are (and what's happening). 
•Kinds of information available. 
•Public domain systems. 
•Free software (and how to get yours). 
•Blitz course in telecomputing. 
•Buyer's guide to modems. 
Over 400 verified listings. Periodically Updated. 
On-line Logbook. Electronic Mail Address Book. 
$14.95 P.P. Make checks payable to: 
Computer Food Press 
Div. of Coltrane & Beach 
31754 Foxfield Dr. 
Westlake Village, CA 91361 
Voice Orders-(213) 838-7716 Modem Orters-(213) 559-9033 



HOOK IN NOW!! 

SPECIAL OFFICE 
When ordering, refer to this AD and 
receive your FIRST UPDATE FREE! 



"CONTROL YOUR WORLD" 
<0> WITH YOUR VIC-20 X 



With simple circuits using low cost parts and our 
program supplied on cassette tape, we'll show 
you how to use your COMMODORE VtC-20 for. 

■ Digital Thermometers ■ Digital Clock 

■ Burglar Alarm - 2 Zone, Time Controlled 

■ Fire Alarm - 2 Zone, Time Controlled 

■ Dusk to Dawn Lighting with Photo Cell 

■ Furnace and Air Cond., Clock and Thermostat 

■ Clock Controlled Appliance Switches 

Simple program variations in basic can operate 
lights, motors, furnaces, machines, heat pumps, 
radios, sound systems, test equipment, swim- 
ming pools, garden watering, and more. 

Your video screen will display simultaneously: 
• Two Digital Temperatures • Digital Time • Two 
Analog Inputs • Five Input Ports Status • Eight 
Output Ports Status. 

GET A LOW COST EDUCATION M COMPUTER CONTROL 
ORDER YOUR CASSETTE AND INSTRUCTION 800K N0WI | 
$39.90 PRICE INCLUDES POSTAGE. 



Terms: MASTER CARD/VISA 



The Continental Press, Inc., 

Toll free: 800-233-0759 Coll 



Elizabethtown, PA 17022 
ct in PA: (717) 367-1836 



Circle 347 on inquiry card. 



Circle 91 on inquiry card. 



Circle 111 on inquiry card. 



Lyco Computer Marketing & Consultants 



TO ORDER 

CALLUS 



TOLL free 800-233-8760 



In PA 1 717-327-1824 



PRINTER 
INTERFACING 



PRINTER PAPER 
AVAILABLE 



■ Available for IBM PC, Apple, Atari, Vic 20 & Vic 64 



SAVE -PR INTERS 



EPSON 



OKI DATA 



LETTER QUALITY 

SMITH CORONA TP2. . . $449.00 

DIABLO 630 ..$1719.00 

ALPAHCOM 42 $69.00 

ALPHACOM 61 $1 29.00 

NEC 6023 $369.00 

NEC 8025 $699.00 

NEC PC-8200 
COMPUTER $CALL 



RX-BO $SAVE$ 

RX-80FT ON 

FX-60 In-Stock 

FX-100 EPSON 

MX-80FT PRINTERS 

MX-100 $$CALL$$ 

MANNESMANN 
TALLY 

SPIRIT 80 $CALL 

MT 160L $CALL 



80 $SAVE$ 

82A CALL for 

83A LOWEST 

64 PRICES 

92 on these 

93 In-Stock 

PACEMARK 2350. . . PRINTERS 

ATARI 850 

REPLACEMENTS 

IN-STOCK 



CITOH 

GORILLA GX100 $179.00 

PROWRITER 8510 ...$339.00 

PROWRITER II $859.00 

8800 $1025.00 

STARWRITER $1099.00 

PRINTMASTER $1499.00 

STAR MICRONTICS 

GEMINI 10X $289.00 

GEMINI 15X $CALL 

DELTA 10 $479.00 



MODEMS 



ANCHOR MARK I 

ANCHOR MARK I 

HAYES SMART .. 

I HAYES MICRO II 

Micro Bit 

APP-1000 

NOVATION 

[CAT 

I D-CAT 

J-CAT 

APPLE CAT U.... 

212 APPLE CAT . 



S79.00 

I. .579.00 

5239.00 

S309.00 

$129.75 

$144.00 
S155.00 
S1 15.00 
S279.00 
$589.00 



MONITORS 

Sakata Color $229.00 

Amdek Color I $275.00 

Amdek 300 Green $149.00 

Amdek 300 Amber $149.00 

Gorilla Green $99.00 



CARDCO 

Cardprinter / L01 $499.00 

Cardprint DM1 $109.00 

5 Slot Expansion 64 $54.00 

64 Write NOW $39.00 

64 Mail NOW $29.00 

2-> Write NOW $29.00 

64 Keypad $29.00 

Universal Cass. Int $29.75 

Printer Utility $19.75 

6 Slot Expansion $79.95 

3 Slot Expansion $24 95 

i PRINTER INTERFACE $39.75 

I PRINTER INTERFACE with 

full graphics $65.75 

I LIGHT PEN $29.75 



HES 64 

Sound Box $9.95 

64Forth $55.75 

Hesmon $25.75 

Turtle Graphics $37.75 

Heswrlter $28.75 

Grldrunner $ 1 9.75 

SPINNAKER 64 



DUST COVERS 

BOO $3.99 

400 $3.99 

1200 $3.99 

410 $3.99 

810 $3.99 

1050 $5.99 

PROWRITER $5.99 

GEMINI 10X $5.99 

PERCOMDISK $5.99 




fcippkz 



SSI 

Battle of Shilo $26.75 

Tigers In the Snow $26.75 

Cosmic Balance $26.75 



APPLE DUMPL INC. GX S99 75 

APPLE DUM PUNC 64 116 Buffer} S1 79.75 

INFOCOM 

Zork I. II. or III $26.75 

Deadline $33.75 



Kindercomp $21.75 

Story Machine $23.75 

FnceMaker $23.75 

Snooper Trooper $29.75 

Delta Drawing $34.75 

Shamusllc/d $24.95 

Pinheadc/d $22.95 



SYNAPSE 64 

ZEPPELIN C/D $24.75 

BLUE MAX C/D $24.75 

DIMENSION X C/D ....$24.75 
EPYX 64 

ASPHIR $28.75 

JUMPMAN JRR $28.75 

■PITSTQPR $28.75 



commodore 



BRODERBUND64 
BANK STREET 

WRITER $49.75 

CHOPLIFTER $24.75 

LODE RUNNER $24.75 

DROL $24.75 

KOALA TOUCH TABLET.. .$69.75 







ATARI 

Computers for people: 
O - 



Voice Box 2 . $99.75 



600XL ...$CALL 

800XL for 

1400XL... Lowest 
1450 Prices 



1050 DISK DRIVE . 
1010 RECORDER. 



.SSAVES 

■S74.75 



BARKER BROTHERS 

Tutankham R $33.75 

Super Cobra R $33.75 

Astro Chase R $33.75 

Frogger R $33.75 

OBert R $33.75 

Popeye R $33.75 



Monkey Wrench 2 $52.75| 

SPINNAKER 
Story Machine R ..$26.75| 

Face Maker R $24.75 

Kinderomp R $20.75 

Fraction Fever R ..$24.75 
Delta Drawing R. . .$28.75 ] 



BLANK DISKETTES 
ELEPHANT 

Single Side SD (10) $17.75 

Single Side DD(10) 121.75 

Double Side DD (10) S26.75 

MAXELL 

MD 1(10) $28.75 

MD II (10) 138.75 

CERTRON CASSETTES 

CC-10 12 for $15.00 

CC-20 12 for $17,90 

INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS 

Disk Storage (holds 10).... $4.05 
Disk Storage (holds 15).... $0.05 
DlskStorage (holds 50). . . . $26.05 



TRAK DISK DRIVES 

AT-D1 $379.00 

AT-D2 $399.00 

PRINTER CABLE $22.95 

Software for ATD-2 .... $22.95 



RANA 
DISK DRIVE 



COMPUTER CARE 

BIB 

5V« DISK DRIVE 

CLEANER $12.75 

COMPUTER CARE 

KIT $19.75 



HARD DISK 
DRIVES for 

APPLE IBM-PC 

5MEG $1349.00 

10MEG ...$1599.00 
15MEG ...$1999.00 
20MEG ...$2359.00 

■Add S.U> OO tor TRS HO D, v.-s 

TEXAS 
INSTRUMENT 

Disk Drive... $245. 00 




FOR ATARI 
COMPUTERS 



AT88S1 .. 
AT88S2 ., 
AT**S1PD 
RFD40S1. 
RFD40S2. 
RFD44S1. 



..$299.00 
..$535.00 
..$439.00 
..$399.00 
..$675.00 
..$449.00 



AT88 doubler 



'ffl B 



TO ORDER 

CALL TOLL FREE or send order to 

800-233-8760 pTb^ToT 

■Customer Service 1-717-327-1825 Jersey Shore. PA 1774C 



POLICY 

In-stock items shipped within 24 hours of order. Personal 
checks require four weeks clearance before shipping. No 
depositonC.O.D. orders. Freeshippingon prepaid cash orders 
within the continental U.S. PA residents add sales tax. All 
products subject to availability and price change. Advertised 
prices show 4% discount offered for cash, add 4% for Master 
Card or Visa. DEAl rR INQUIRIES INVITED. 



Circle 230 on inquiry card. 



twm 

of looking for reliable 
Source of Supply? 

WMMWM 

from Looking??? 

about 
QUALITY?? 

DISKETTES + 
RIBBONS + 
ACCESSORIES 

Call Bob Kelly Now. . . 
Kelly Computer Supplies 

181 1 Carl St. • St. Paul, MN 551 13 

Toll Free ... 800 - 447 - 2929 

MN Res. Call Collect. . .612/644-9030 

MAXELL - DISKETTES 




Circle 208 on inquiry card. 



Tektronix 40XX 
Terminal Emulation 



EMU-TEK™ IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 
IBM PC, XT, AND MOST COMPATIBLES 

• Access powerful mainframe graphics using: 
—PLOT 10 (trademark of TEKTRONIX, Inc.) 
— DISPLA (registered trademark of ISSC0) 
— DARC (available from QUESTEL, Inc.) 
—and most similar packages and services. 

• Upgrade with complete software compatibility. 

• Increase versatility with options such as: 
—High resolution board support 
—Local pen-plotter support 

—Hard copy on matrix printer 
—Advanced communications program features 
—Other terminal emulations, including: 
— VT100 (trademark Digital Equipment Corp.) 
—RETRO-GRAPHICS (trademark Digital 
Engineering, Inc.) 

• 30 DAY NO-RISK TRIAL PRIVILEGE. 

N 10801 DaJe St./PO. Box 615 

FTGJ Stanton. CA 90680 

(DATA SYSTEMS ( 714 ) 995-3900 

FTG will soon become PC INNOVATIONS 




Circle 160 on inquiry card. 




CORONA 
$2395 

• 2 Dr. 320K ea. 

• 128K RAM 

• software 



Your choice of DESKTOP or PORTABLE 

• NEC 8201A note book computer $677 

• IBM-PC 64K, 2 Drs, color graphics . . $2499 

• COLUMBIA 2 Drs, Kybd, software . . . $2495 

• EAGLE-PC 2 Drs, Mon, 128K, software $2495 

• SANYO-550 IBM Compatible, 128K . . . $899 

• FRANKLIN Ace 1200 OMS package . $1699 

• FRANKLIN Ace 1000 Pro package .. $1199 

• SIGMA DESG 10MB expsn chassis . $1799 

• DATAMAC 10 MB Internal (IBM-PC) . $1499 

• EPSON FX-100 the best of Epson $739 

• Delta 10 better than FX-80 call 

• DYNAX DX-15 letter quality, 16 cps .. $429 

• SILVER REED EXP-550 20 cps, 16' * wide $599 

• OKI 92 160 cps DP, 40 cps correspdn .$475 

• OKI 84 200 cps DP, 50 cps correspdn $948 

—Call for other items not listed— 



MICROLAND 5223 Beechnut 

Add 3% for MCA/ISA Houston, TX 77096 

COD 15% deposit (713) 668-4695 
(ship same day order) 



\ferbatim 

flexible disks 

Call Free (800) 235-4137 for 

prices and information. Dealer 
inquiries invited. CO.D. and 
charge cards accepted. 




VISA' 



PACIFIC 
EXCHANGES 

100 Foothill Blvd. 
SanLuisObispo, CA 
93401. InCal. call 
(800) 592-5935 or 
(805) 543-1037. 



APPLE® -PROM 
EPROM BURNER CARD 



Circle 278 on inquiry card. 









RIBBONS 






CARTRIDGES AND 


SPOOLS 

PRICE PRICE 

PER PER 

RIBBON DOZEN 




Anadex 9500 


.. 13.50 147.00 
.. 7.00 81.00 
.. 5.95 68.40 
.. 4.75 54.00 




Commodore Pet 8023 




C. Itoh Prowriter 




C. Itoh Starwriter F-10 




Data South DS-180 


.. 6.50 75.00 




Epson MX-70/80 


.. 5.25 60.00 
., 9.95 108.00 




Epson MX-100 




Epson MX-100 Reload 


.. 6.50 72.00 
... 2.50 27.00 




Gemini - 10 




IDS Microprism - 480 


... 6.00 69.00 




IDS Paper Tiger 460/560 .. 


... 7.50 87.00 




IDS Prism 


... 8.00 93.00 




Okidata - 80, 82 & 83 


.. 2.50 27.00 




Okidata - 84 


... 5.00 57.00 
69-3218 or 




TO ORDER CALL (313) 5 




WRITE FOR OUR CATALOG 




DWIGHT COMPANY, INC. 

15565 NORTHLAND DRIVE 

WEST TOWER SUITE 804 

S0UTHFIELD, MICHIGAN 48075 











Circle 139 on inquiry card. 




APPLE COMPATIBLE 

Disk Drive $1 50.00 ea. 

Controller Card $35.00 ea. 

Computer Case $55.00 ea. 

Keyboard $70.00 ea. 

(Numeric and Function Keys) 
Switching Power Supply . .$49.50 ea. 
Joystick (Heavy Duty) . . . .$17.50 ea. 
Slim Fan $25.00 ea. 

Prices for dealers in quantities of 25 or more. 
End Users Inquiries welcomed. 

ELECTRADE CO. (408) 946-2541 

780 Trimble Rd. Suite 605 
San Jose, CA 95131 




All menu-driven software is provided along 
with a complete user's manual. All com- 
mands are self-prompting, there are no per- 
sonality modules required and all voltages 
are on-board card. 

BURNS EPROMS FEATURES 

2708 2532 2732 *Auto erase verify 



14995 



2716 2516 2764 # Auto burn verify 
2732A 2 564 * Partial burn capacity 

janac *low insertion force 

A9 95 socket 
now Available apple- -prom console unit! 

computer Technology Associates 

= New Products Division 

- - 1704 MOOn, N.E. 

_j ^== Albuquerque, N.M. 87112 
= = == i (505) 298-0942 
„, — elf Icatlons subject to change without notice. 
Apple Is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, inc. 
visa 'MC/ae Accepted 



Circle 102 on inquiry card. 



(6502 & Z-80 dual processor) 64K COMPUTERS 
(Apple compatible) in super modern styles. US$420 

mmmm mm,,,. 




■ , ..- _ v ■■>•'-'■ .,' . '({ 

■""""""' US$425 IBM pc look alike case 

•(Above prices exclude drives, monitor) & keyboard 

•Add 5% as shipping charge US$450 

(Detail brochure forwarded on request) 
•We also sell cases, keyboards, power supplies, 

motherboards, components separately and Interfaces. 
•Full repair & guarantee available 
•Assembled in Canada with CS.A. (Shipment from VW\., U.S.A.) 
ABC COMPUTERS LTD. (6 stores in B.C. Canada) 
683 E. HASTING ST., VANCOUVER, B.C CANADA VGA 2Z8 
PH: (604) 254-2834 & 254-1062 Dealer inquiries welcome 

Apple is a registered trademark ot Apple Computer Inc. 



Circle 8 on inquiry card. 





PERIPHERALS FOR 




APPLE AND IBM(PC) 




ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL ITEMS 




ALL PRODUCTS BUILT IN U.S.A 








EACH 


P.C.B. 




APPLE/SHUGART DRIVE |5'/4") 


S179 






DISKC0NTR0LLER(D0S32-3.3) 


59 


S 19 




80 COLUMN CARD 


139 


29 




(VIDEX EQUIVALENT) 








80 COLUMN WITH 64K RAM 


129 


26 




(FOR lie ONLY) 








GRAPHER PRINTER INTERFACE 


179 


29 




WITH 16K T0 64K BUFFER 








AND GRAPHICS 








0UA0 CAR0 (4 FUNCTIONS) 


159 


33 




(PARALLEL. SERIAL BSR. CLOCK) 








(PRINTER GRAPHICS ROM) 


29 






ZBD SOFTCARD 


99 


29 




(MICROSOFT EQUIVALENT) 








IBM(PC) BARE MOTHER BOARD 




175 L 




GEMINI 10X 


289 






SILVER REED 500 


459 






5Vi-." FLOPPY DRIVE ENCLOSURE 


17 






COLORADO COMPUTER PERIPHERALS 




THE P.C.B. COMPANY 






R.R. 6.B0X7-D GOLDEN, CO 80403 




(303)278-7172 





Circle 250 on inquiry card. 



Circle 150 on inquiry card. 



Circle 66 on inquiry card. 



ORDER WITH CONFIDENCE 

from one of the nation's laraest 
consumer electronic parts distributors! 



DISK DRIVE L0WEST 



PRICE EVERI 



Slim disk drive for 
Apple II® com- 
puter. New 
in a box. 






A sturdy 

cabinetand 3' cable are included. 

Runs on Apple controller or our 

optional controller. 

ORDER NO. 

83-APL-DD-1 



CONTROLLER 
CARD 

For two disk drives. 
ORDER NO 

83-APL-CTL-1 



s 229.95 




*49.95 




IBM COMPATIBLE 
JOYSTICK ^ 

Heavy duty 

all metal. 

Featuring _% ^^ 

ultra linear ^i^^ >ff\iw 

pots, self ^^™ %^0^ 

centering, dual fine center 

adjustments. The finest industrial/ 

commercial joystick available. 

ORDER NO. - - - „. 

83-IB-XY-23 $ 44.95 



APPLE® COMPATIBLE 

JOYSTICK With double 
triggerfeature. (Four total) 
light weight, linear pots. 

ORDER NO. 

83-APL-XY-9 




$ 24.95 



SELF CENTERING 
APPLE" COMPATIBLE 
JOYSTICK 

With double trigger 
feature. (Four total) 
light weight, 
linear pots. 

ORDER NO. 

83-APL-XY-18 




5 l / 4 " DISK DRIVE 

SPECIAL 

MPI 

MODEL 

B-51 

single side 
doubledensity 
BRAND NEW 
Neverused.no cabinet 




ORDER NO. 

83-MPI-B51 



s 149.00 



REPLACEMENT 
KEYBOARD FOR 
APPLE II 




Heavy duty — error f reeswitches. 

Switchable N key rollover, last 

key repeat. Upper/lower case 

capability. Alpha lock, cable 

included. 

ORDER NO. -_— „. 

83-APL-KB-7 $ 79.95 



APPLE® COMPATIBLE 
JOYSTICK t 

Cord jj^^to^. -,:;!/ 

terminated • 

with 16 Pin 

plug. Our mosx 

popular joystick. 

ORDER NO. e-#* f-#% 

83-APL-XY-10 S 16.50 



y 

DSI >^ ^ 

jtick. ^ 



RF MODULATORS 




Use your TV as a monitor. Con- 
verts video signals into RF. Hooks 
up to Apple with no modifications. 
FCC listed. Two versions: With 
sound and without sound. 



ORDER NO. 
83-VM-42 

ORDER NO. 

83-CRM-320 



'16.00 



Without 
Sound 



Sound S 21-95 



5A APPLE II 

COMPATIBLE 

REPLACEMENT 

POWER 

SUPPLY 




Full 2A more than the original 
power supply. Heavy duty. 110/ 
220V operation. Mounts directly 
into Apple II case. AC cord 
included. 



ORDER NO 
83-APL-PS-51 



$ 79.95 



5A POWER SUPPLY 
With BUILT-IN 
COOLING FAN 



<&m 



V 



Newly patented Apple II® com- 
patible 5A power supply. Fits 
completely into Apple II case. 
Eliminates the need for external 
cooling fan. 

ORDER NO. „ — „. 

83 -A PL -PS -53 $ 89.95 



DATA SPEC™ SUPER CABLES 

Fully shielded— shock proof — low loss. 

25 Conductor RS232 cable assembly 

with 100% alluminex shield. Special 

underhood molding 

and shielding. ,$$£§& 

The best ^^fP .™ B " - **5{JJ|^ 

cables /( ' 

currently 

made! 



ORDER NO. 

83-MRS232MM-3 

83-MRS232MM-5 

83-MRS232MM-10 

83-MRS232MM-25 

83-MRS232MF-3 

83-MRS232MF-5 

83-MRS232MF-10 

83-MRS232MF-25 





LENGTH 

3' 

5' 
10' 
25' 

3' 

5' 
10' 
25' 



PLUG/JACK 

Male/Male 

Male/Male 

Male/Male 

Male/Male 

Male/Female 

Male/Female 

Male/Female 

Male/Female 



PRICE 

$24.95 
27.95 
29.95 
37.95 
25.95 
28.95 
30.95 
38.95 



SOLDER TYPE 25 PIN 
"D" [RS232) 
CONNECTOR 




ORDER NO. 

83-DB25M 
83-DB25F 
83-DH25H 



1-11 12-49 

Solder Type $225 $2.00 

Male o on 

2.90 



Solder Type 
Female 
Hood with 
hardware 



1.30 



2.60 
120 



RF CABLES 




RCA to RCA. Connects 
computer to monitor, etc. 



ORDER NO. 
83-BRR-3 
83-BRR-6 
83-BRR-12 



3' 

6' 

12' 



PRICE 

$1.95 
Z50 
4.50 



Please Note: ORA Electronics products are intended to be sold to persons with a working knowledge of electronics and computing. If you do not have such 
knowledge, please visit your local dealer for products and information. 

MINIMUM ORDER $25.00. VISA. MASTER CARD accepted. No surcharges. Exact UPS charges will be added. PREPAID: Certified checks 
and money orders, send exact amount. No shipping, handling or insurance charges in the continental USA. PERSONAL CHECKS: add 5% shipping charges, 
allow 3 weeks to clear. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: US currency and 20%extra for shipping. CA Residents, add sales tax. 
OEM / DEALERS: send for special prices on your company letterhead. 
NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR OPEN ACCOUNTS— NO EXCEPTIONS. 



^ 



ELECTRONICS 



"OUR SERVICE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE" 



To order, call TOLL FREE: (800)423-5336 
Calif. TOLL FREE: (800)382-3663 
Local: (213)701-5848 

Telex 181011 ORA PARTS NTGE 

18215 PARTHENIA STREET, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91325 



BYTE January 1984 519 



t&fo FORMULA INTERNATIONAL INC. W^> 

fcfcfcC Z^k 12603 Crenshaw Blvd., Dept. B, Hawthorne, CA 90250 ; v ^^^J 

, For information (213) 973-1921 • Orders Only (outside Calif.) (800) 672-8758 




pinecom 



TM 



Pioneer of Low Cost 
Apple* Compatible Computer 









No Copyright Infringements! 
Compare These Features with Our Competitors: 

• Powerful Utility Program (100% Apple Compatible) 

• 68-Key Upper & Lower Case Keyboard with Numeric Keypad 

• 25 Pre-programmed Function Keys 

• 2 Speed Auto Repeat Funtion 

• 64K User Memory — expandable to 192K 

• 5A Switching Power Supply (110/220VAC) 

• All ICs Are Socketed for Easy Service 

• Nation-wide Dealer Network for Convenient Technical Support 

And best of all, the price Assembled and Tested is just, 







Now 

with New 

Improved 

Keyboard 

I 64K RAM 

00 



499 




pinecom" dp-64 



• Dual Processor (6502 and Z80A) 

• Detached Keyboard 

• 64K RAM Expandable to 192K 

• 25 Function Key Keyboard 

• Auto Repeat Keys w/Upper/lower Case 

• 2 Slim Disk Drives (optional) 

• 100% Apple II Compatible 

• 40/80 Column Display (optional) 

• Runs Both Apple Soft and CP/M Software 



Model DP-64 Fully Assembled 



$ 



625 



00 




AP-II COMPUTER A&T 

Apple Look Alike 

48K User Memory 

Supports Upper & Lower Case 

100% Apple II* Compatible 



$ 



445 



00 






AP-II MOTHERBOARD 

Apple II + * Compatible 

48K Memory Space 

8 Expansion Slots 

Bare Board $69.95 ea. 

Assembled & Tested . . . .$295.00 ea. 




PRINTER by BMC 

Parallel Interface (Centronics 

Compatible) Standard 
Microprocessor Electronics 
80cps Bidirectional with Logic Seeking 
96 Character ASCII 
Adjustable Sprocket and Friction Feed 

$25500 



" SEND ONE DOLLAR 
FOR OUR DETAIL CATALOG 



Inside California 

Outside Calif, (incl. Mexico & Canada) 

Overseas 

Dealer inquiries, Circle 165 . All i 



Model BX-80 . . . 



Shipping & Handling Charges 

Under$50.00 Over S50.00 

Purchase Purchase 

10% 5% 

ada) 15% 10% 

25% 20% 

All others, Circle 166. 



MICRO II COMPUTER 



100% Apple Compatible - 




No Copyright Problems! 

$47500 



Model I 48K RAM . 



Model II 64K RAM 



$49900 
$54500 



Model III 64K RAM w/Dual CPU . 

{6502 for Applesoft & Z80A for CP/M) 

All above models are standard with Numeric Keypad, Function Keys, Auto 
Repeat Keys, Upper/lower Case Function, Fully Assembled and Tested. 



PERIPHERALS 



Autoterm 80-Col. w/Softswitch 

80-Column Card 

80-Column for Apple lie* 

280 CP/M Card (no software) 

16KRAM Card 

Parallel Printer Interface 

Buffer for Printer Interface (16-64K) 
Serial Printer Interface Card w/Adj. Baud 

Disk Controller 

Disk Controller DOS 3.2/3.3 Auto Select. 
EPROM Writer Card (2716/2732/2764) . . 



$99.95 

.99.95 

49.95 

.99.95 

. 49.95 

.85.00 

. 85.00 

.85.00 

.65.00 

75.00 

75.00 



*SEND* 

ONE DOLLAR 
FOR OUR 
DETAILED 
CATALOG 



Minimum Order $10.OO/Calif. Residents 
add 6.5% Sales Tax. Phone Orders Accepted 
on VISA or MC ONLY. NO C.O.D.s. Prices sub- 
ject to change without notice. 



STORE HOURS 

MON-FRI-10-7 

SAT— 10-6 



*Apple and Apple II are the trademark of APPLE COMPUTERS, INC. 



DIGITAL RESEARCH COMPUTERS 

(214)271-3538 



32K S-100 EPROM CARD 
PRICE CUT! 





SPECIAL: 2716 EPROM's (450 

KIT FEATURES: 

1. Uses +5V only 2716 (2Kx8) EPROM's 

2. Allows up to 32K of software on line' 

3. IEEE S-100 Compatible. 

4. Addressable as two independent 16K 
blocks 

5 Cromemco extended or Northstar bank 

select. 
6. On board wait state circuitry if needed 



USES 2716s 

Blank PC Board - $34 

ASSEMBLED & TESTED 
ADD $30 



NS) Are $4,95 Ea, With Above Kit. 

7 Any or all EPROM locations can be 
disabled 

Double sided PC board, solder-masked, 
silk-screened 

Gold plated contact fingers 
Unselected EPROM's automatically 
powered down lor low power 
Fully buffemd and bypassed 



8 



1 1 

12 Easy and quick to assemble 



64K S100 STATIC RAM 

$ 1 992,9 

NEW! 

LOW POWER! 
RAM OR EPROM! 



BLANK PC BOARD 
WITH DOCUMENTATION 
$55 




SUPPORT ICs + CAPS 
$17.50 

FULL SOCKET SET 
$14.50 

FULLY SUPPORTS THE 

NEW IEEE 696 S100 

STANDARD 

(AS PROPOSED) 

FOR 56K KIT $185 



ASSEMBLED AND 
TESTED ADD $50 



FEATURES: 

* Uses new 2K x 8 (TMM 2016 or HM 6116) RAMs. 

* Fully supports IEEE 696 24 BIT Extended 
Addressing. 

* 64K draws only approximately 500 MA. 

* 200 NS RAMs are standard. (TOSHIBA makes 
TMM 2016s as fast as 100 NS. FOR YOUR HIGH 
SPEED APPLICATIONS.) 

* SUPPORTS PHANTOM (BOTH LOWER 32K 
AND ENTIRE BOARD). 

* 2716 EPROMs may be installed In any of top 48K. 

* Any of the top 8K (E000 H AND ABOVE) may 
be disabled to provide windows to eliminate 
any possible conflicts with your system monitor, 
disk controller, etc. 

* Perfect for small systems since BOTH RAM and 
EPROM may co-exist on the same board. 

* BOARD may be partially populated as 56K. 



256K S-100 SOLID STATE DISK SIMULATOR! 

WE CALL THIS BOARD THE "LIGHT -SPEED-1 00" BECAUSE IT OFFERS 
AN ASTOUNDING INCREASE IN YOUR COMPUTER'S PERFORMANCE 
WHEN COMPARED TO A MECHANICAL FLOPPY DISK DRIVE. 

FEATURES: 

* 256K on board, using + 5V 64K 
DRAMS. 

* Uses new Intel 8203-1 LSI Memory 
Controller. 

* Requires only 4 Dip Switch Selectable 
I/O Ports. 

* Runs on 8080 or Z80 S100 machines. 

* Up to 8 LS-100 boards can be run 
together for 2 Meg. of On Line Solid 
State Disk Storage. 

* Provisions for Battery back-up. 

* Software to male the LS-100 to your 
CP/M* 2.2 DOS is supplied. 

* The LS-100 provides an increase in 
speed of up to 7 to 10 times on Disk 
intensive Software. 

* Compare our price! You could pay 
up to 3 times as much for similar 
boards. 



64K SS-50 STATIC RAM 



$1790 



(48K KIT) 




NEW! 

LOW POWER! 
RAM OR EPROM! 




BLANK PC BOARD 

WITH 

DOCUMENTATION 

$52 



BLANK PCB 

(WITH CP/M* 2.2 

PATCHES AND INSTALL 

PROGRAM ON DISKETTE) 



*69 



95 



$39900 

#LS-100 {FULL 256K KIT) 



SUPPORT ICs + CAPS 
$18.00 

FULL SOCKET SET 
$15.00 

56K Kit $219 
64K Kit $249 



THE NEW ZRT-80 

CRT TERMINAL BOARD! 

A LOW COST Z-80 BASED SINGLE BOARD THAT ONLY NEEDS AN 
ASCII KEYBOARD, POWER SUPPL Y, AND VIDEO MONITOR TO MAKE A 
COMPLETE CRT TERMINAL. USE AS A COMPUTER CONSOLE, OR 
WITH A MODEM FOR USE WITH ANY OFTHEPHONE-LINE COMPUTER 
SERVICES. 
FEATURES: 

• Uses a Z80A and 6845 CRT 
Controller for powerful video 
capabilities. 

• RS232 at 16 BAUD Rates from 75 
to 19,200. 

• 24 x 80 standard format (60 Hz). 

• Optional formats trom 24 x 80 
(50 Hz) to 64 lines x 96 characters 
(60 Hz). 

• Higher density formats require up to 
3 additional 2K x 8 6116 RAMS. 

• Uses N.S. INS 8250 BAUD Rate Gen. 
and USART combo IC. 

• 3 Terminal Emulation Modes which 
are Dip Switch selectable. These 
Include the LSI-ADM3A, the Heath 
H-19, and the Beehive. 

• Composite or Spilt Video. 

• Any polarity of video or sync. 

• Inverse Video Capability. 

• Small Size: 6.5 x 9 Inches. 

• Upper & lower case with descenders. 

• 7 x 9 Character Matrix. 

• Requires Par. ASCII keyboard. 

WITH 8 IN. 

SOURCE DISK! 

(CP/M COMPATIBLE) 



ASSEMBLED AND 
TESTED ADD $50 



FEATURES: 

* Uses new 2K x 8 (TMM 2016 or HM 6116) RAMs. 

* Fully supports Extended Addressing. 

* 64K draws only approximately 500 MA. 

* 200 NS RAMs are standard. (TOSHIBA makes 
TMM 2016s as fast as 100 NS. FOR YOUR HIGH 
SPEED APPLICATIONS.) 

* Board Is configured as 3-16K blocks and 8-2K 
blocks (within any 64K block) for maximum 
flexibility. 

* 2716 EPROMs may be Installed anywhere on 
Board. 

* Top 1 6 K may be disabled I n 2 K blocks t o avoid 
any I/O conflicts. 

* One Board supports both RAM and EPROM. 

* RAM supports 2MHZ operation at no extra 
charge! 

* Board may be partially populated in 16K 
Increments. 



32K S100 EPROM/STATIC RAM 




BLANK PCB WITH 2716 
CHAR. ROM, 2732 MON. ROM 


$5995 




SOURCE DISKETTE 


• ADD $10 


SET OF 2 CRYSTALS • 


ADD $7.50 



$12Q 95 

I ^%J # ZRT-80 



NEW! 



FOUR FUNCTION BOARD! 



I NEW! I 



FULL 

EPROM KIT 

$80.00 



AST 1PROM 
ADD 135.00 




BLANK 
PC BOARD 
WITH DATA 

$39.95 



SUPPORT 

ICS 

PLUS CAPS 

$23.00 



PULL 

SOCKET SET 

$18 



(COMPLETE KIT, 
2K VIDEO RAM) 






Digital Research Computers 

P.O. BOX 461565 • GARLAND, TEXAS 75046 • (214)271-3538 



We took our very popular 32K S100 EPROM Card and added 
additional logic to create a more versatile EPROM/RAM Board. 

FEATURES: * This one board can be used In any one of four ways: *~ 

A. As a 32K 2716 EPROM Board 

B. As a 32K 2732 EPROM Board (Using Every Other Socket) 

C. As a mixed 32K 2716 EPROM/2K x 8 RAM Board 

D. As a 32K Static RAM Board 

* Uses New 2K x 8 (TMM2016 or HM6116) RAM's 

* Fully Supports IEEE 696 Buss Standard {As Proposed) 

* Supports 24 Bit Extended Adresslng 

* 200 NS (FASTI) RAMS are standard on the RAM Kit 

* Supports both Cromemco and North Star Bank Select 

* Supports Phantom 

* On Board wait State Generator 

* Every 2K Block may be disabled 

* Addressed as two separate 16K Blocks on any 64K Boundary 

* Perfect for MP/M" Systems 

* RAM Kit Is very low power (300 MA typical) 



32K STATIC RAM KIT —$129.95 

For RAM Kit AST Add $40 



TERMS: Add $3.00 postage. We pay balance. Orders under $15'add 75<P 
handling. No C.O.D. We accept Visa and MasterCharge. Tex Res. add 5% 
Tax. Foreign orders (except Canada) add 20% P & H. Orders over $50, add 
85$ for insurance. 



*TM OF DIGITAL RESEARCH INC. (CALIF.) 



WE ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH DIGITAL RESEARCH INC. (CALIF.) THE SUPPLIERS OF CPM SOFTWARE 

BYTE January 1984 521 






IBM PC-COMPLETE SYSTEM 
VERY SPECIAL PRICE 

64K, Two 320KB Disk Drives, Floppy Disk Controller, 
Video Card and High Res Monitor $2590 

TAVA PC 

Desk Top IBM PC® Compatible Computer, 128K 
RAM, Two 320KB Disk Drives, Floppy Disk Con- 
troller, Video Adapter and Monitor, One Parallel 
Port, Two Serial Ports. System runs DOS 1.1, 2.0, 
and CP/M86® $1995 

CORONA ~~ 

Desk Top Computer $2395 

SLIMLINE DISK DRIVE FOR IBM PC 

DS/DD 320KB By tava corp . . $190 

DISK DRIVES FOR IBM PC 

Tandon 100-2 $240 

ADD-ON Disk Drive for IBM PCjr? .... CALL 



NEC SPINWRITER 



7710-1 . 
7715-1 . 
7720-1 . 
7725-1. 
7730-1. 



$2050 
$2200 
$2500 
$2500 
$2050 



3510 

3515 

3530 .... 
3550 .... 
PC8023A 



$1450 
$1450 
$1650 
$1950 
$550 



HARD DISKS FOR IBM PC 



MONITORS 
AMDEK 

300 A $190.00 / 

300G $160.00 // 

310A $190.00 /// 

iv . ; 

PRINCETON GRAPHICS SYSTEMS 
Hi-Res Color 



$340.00 

$690.00 

$390.00 

$1190.00 

$490 



PRINTERS 

DAISYWRITER 2000 CALL 



OKIDATA 

82 A 

83 A 

93 A 



$440 
$690 



84 A , 
92 A, 



$975 
$575 
$970 



BROTHER 

HR-1 

DX-15 



$750 
$490 



10 MB Hard Disk Sub-System by TAVA CORP. 
includes Software, Cables, etc. Internal. $1295 

MEMORY BOARDS 

AST 

10 Plus. Five function Card $199 

Combo Plus. 4 function card. Fully pop. 256K $450 
Mega Plus. Fully pop. 512K $890 

AST SIXPAK 384K .CALL 

QUADRAM 

Quad Card. Fully pop. 256K $450 

QUADLINK CALL 

CONOGRAPHIC 

High Res. Color Graphics Card $995 

BIG BLUE $470 

HERCULES Graphics Card $490 

MAYNARD SANDSTAR SERIES 

FDC 5 1/4 8c 8" $220 

Multifunction Card $90 

Memory Card $180 

DISK DRIVE FOR APPLE 

Slimline, or Standard $190 

APPLE He 

Computer System, Controller, Two Disk Drives, 
Monitor $1590 



■viiwim^ivi 



631 E. First St., Tustin, CA 92680 

PRICES AND AVAILABILITY SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE 



(714) 838-9100 



APPLE is a trademark of Apple Computers, Inc. 

IBM is a trademark of IBM Corp. 

CP/M86 is a trademark of Digital Research, Inc. 



522 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 251 on inquiry card. 




HOURS: 

MONDAY-FRIDAY 
7:30 AM-6-.00 PM P.S.T 
SATURDAY 

9:00 AM-3:00 PM 



We Offer Yeii Here! 

That's right. It you compare ihe benefits ol ordering from National Computer to all our competitors, you'll see why more smart 
shoppers buy from us everyday. We save you money even before you order with our toll-free 800 line, and then if you find a 
lower advertised price we'll try to meet it Since we stock what we advertise you can rest assured your order will be shipped 
promptly. In addition, if for any reason you are not satisfied with any hardware you purchase from National Computer you 
may return it for exactly what you want or a full refund. Check us out! We've been in business for over 4 years, and one glance 
at our catalog will demonstrale the commitment we have to direct marketing ami to our fine customers. 



VIDEO MONITORS 

AMDEK 300 12" Hires green 145.00 
AMDEK 300A 12"Amber 159.95 

AMDEK Color I Plus 13" Color 329.95 
AMDEK Color II hires RGB , 439.95 

AMDEK 310G Green 179.95 

AMDEK310A Amber ........ 179.95 

COMREX5600 12" hires 

amber 169,95 

NEC 1201M 12" Hires green . 159.95 

Princeton PGS HX-12 , 499.95 

TAXAN Vision I 12" md-res 

RGB 329.95 

TAXAN 12" hf-res 

amber 149.95 

ZENITH 12" hi.res 

green 110.95 




KAYPRO 

The anytlme-anywhere computer. In- 
cludes CP/M, CBASIC, a spreadsheet 
and wordprocessing software. 
PLEASE CALL FOR MORE DETAILS. 




PRINCETON PGS HX-12 
IDEAL FOR IBM PC! 

High Resolution 12" RGB color 

monitor. 
•80 character x 25 lines 
•690H x 240V dot resolution 
•16 colors, high & low Intensity 
•Includes IBM PC cable 
•Very affordable 



CALL 



We carry the Quadram Quadchrc 
for only 1 529.95 




Only 

Now you can run Apple software on 
your IBM PC. Advance technology 
Irom ihe IBM PC peripheral leader." 
Quadram has made It possible. 
Ouadllnk allows using all IBM 
enhancements while running Apple 
software, Including all peripherals. 
Now you can enjoy the best of both 
software worlds Including hi-res 
games, special packages not 
available on the IBM PC. Apple-ize 
your IBM today! 



POPULAR SOFTWARE 

WordStar by MicroPro 269.95 

Random House Thesaurus . . .129.95 

MaiiMerge by MicroPro 1 69.95 

SuperSort by MicroPro 169.95 

SpellStar by MicroPro 169.95 

dBase ll/MSDOS or CPyM86 ..429.95 
LOTUS I 23 .Call tor Details 

PC Tutor by Comprehensive ...69.95 

Home Accountant Plus 115.95 

Crosstalk by MicroStuf 129.95 

PeachtreeGUAR/AP4 pak .399.95 
SuperCalcby Sorcim 139.95 

VolksWriterbyLifetree 139.95 

Microsolt Multi Pian 179.95 

Microsoft Flight Simulator ,39.95 

VisiCaic 169.95 

VisiFile. . 219.95 

VisiTrend/Piol 219.95 

VisiSchedule 219.95 

VisiWordfreq 128K) 299.95 




E5IGLE coiiiputck 



EAGLE PC-2 
IBM Compatible 

Includes 128K, two DS/DD 320K 
drives, color card, keyboard, monitor, 
two serial ports, one parallel port, 
Eagle Writer, Eagle Calc, MS-DOS 
and CP/M 86. Other Eagle configura- 
tions available. 

Call for prir:inrj 

-APPLE COMPATIBLE- 
Wildcat Mobile Computer 

64K Ram, one or two drives, one 
serial, one parallel port, RGB output, 
detachable keyboard Call for rntiin 



TAXAN 420 
MONITOR 



MODEMS 

ANCHOR MARK Xll-Now Available 
300/1200 BAUD, DC Hayes 

Compatible 299 

'"HAYES Smartmodem 300 219 

HAYES Smartmodem 1200 498 

COMPATIBLE MODEMS 
FOR IBM PC 

HAYES Smartmodem 1 200B . . . 449 
Cactus Technology 



Novation J-Cat 300 . . 
RixonPC212A(IBMPC) 
PC Modem Plus 



115 

CALL 

349 




ersonal Computer 



. H 83 64K. 7 US/IH 

keyboard, culm vidr'ii i aid I MS 

DOS 

PLEASE CALL FOR SYSTEM PRICES 




For use witfi IBM Hadio Shack. Ap 
pie, etc System includes Mouse 
Systems Ml optuil nmnse w/pad & 
RS-232 interlace 



Only 



$ 249 9 




BIG BLUE Z- 80 CARD 



ZH() wilh K4K |i Mm x. ■ 

hard disk inlrtrlfu > X ■ im V 
RYAII |)S1 7 HO, .ml will. 





MISCELLANEOUS 

MM II ( liillll Pun I'M !)!. 

MtAI I luysUi !• 59 9ft 

KIIAI I I'.nldfnr. . 499ft 




SWEET-P PLOTTER 

* simple to uj>RtHle plnlloi wlir. h 
^3lly interfaces In Ihe l'(, itHinij i 
Centronics patallel putt I .timithitu 
wilh software, sel of penis paprsi ,tim 
operators manual I ik| Pricf? $79f> IK) 
Special Offer 529.95 




EPSON FX-80 
EPSON RX-80 

Call lor Special Price 

tPSON f x ion 

SIAR CiEMINI I0X & 15X 

( IIOH PROWHITERS I & II 

NEC H02:iA 

IOSHIHA P 1350 

ID!, PRISM 132 W/COLOR 

Please Call for BEST PRICE 

and Availability 



Only 



469* 



liai.U.i tui Ml W 
OKU)AlA9:i 
OKIDAIA R?A W it 




TRANSTAR 315 
COLOR PRINTER 




LETTER QUALITY 
PRINTERS 



i 1149 95 

1649 95 

1079 



NIC 'tfiilf) ■J3(.|)S|»H(Hilrtl 
JUKI RtOO 18 cos 
HHdlllFH nrNAX Mil I 





256K only 

64K 289.95 128K 349.95 192K 639.95 

512QUADBOARD 

64K 269.95 256K 349.95 512K 639.95 




MEGAPLUS 

64K with serial & clock 339.95 

128K 399.95 192K 449.95 256K 489.95 

6'K wilh parallel & serial 379.95 

128K 439.95 192K 499.95 256K 549.95 

MegaPak option (256K) for 

512K total 329.95 

COMBOPLUS 

64K with serial, parallel 

& clock 339.95 

128K 399.95 1 92 K 459.85 256K 499.85 

I/O PLUS 

Serial, parallel, clock and game 
adapter owl 225.00 



IBM PC Compatible System 

Includes 128K, two DS/DD 320K 
drives, 2 RS-232 serial ports, Cen- 
tronics parallel printer ports, 8 IBM 
compatible expansion card slots, 
vlddo monochronefcolor/graphics 
card, and IBM type keyboard. Includ- 
ed with system is MS-DOS, CP/M 86, 
BASICA (w/color graphics, 
asychronous communications sup- 
port, macro assembler) Perfect 
Writer, Perfect Speller, Perfect Calc. 
Perfect Filer, Columbia Tutor, 
diagnostics and HOT LINE Support 
Pleats call for price. 





COLUMBIA VP PORTABLE 

Featuring IBM-PC and COMPAQ 
compatibility teamed with the most 
comprehensive software package in 
the industry to deliver all the func- 
tions you need. Includes 128K RAM, 
expandable to 256K, 2-5 V«" half-high 
floppy disk drives wilh 320K DS/DD 
9" green screen. 80x25" characters. 
Full IBM compatible keyboard. The 
unit only weighs 32 lbs. 
PLEASE CALL FOR MORE DETAILS 



ApparatJnc. 

COMBOCARD II 



Only 



s 169 9 





fgfBII \NIK( >NK ^" , 

^k\W iifikiu'k I lee liutu >• 

FREDERICK 

COLORPLUS 

HI RESCOLORGRAPHICS CARD 
Includes draftsman tihlily soltware 

PIEASE CAiL FOR BEST PRICE 




DISK DRIVES FOR IBM PC 

randan rw too-2 DS/DD 
Tandon5 , A"Ha'U Heiyhts 
Dawmg 5mb 
Davong 10 mb 
Davong t5 mb 



249.95 

CALL 

CALL 

FOR 

PRICES 



Inexpensive IBM PC Compatible 

The new SANYO MBC 550 is a 16 bit 
IBM PC work a like lhat will run all 
software currently available IBM PC 
software Features include 

• 8088 CPU • 128K RAM memory • 
t60K Floppy disk storage • Color 
graphics Centronics printer port • 
Sanyo BASIC • Diagnostics • Utilities 

• Speaker • Joystick port • MS-DOS • 
Word Processing and Spread Sheet 
Software all included. 

All this tor less than S1000 

Call tor more information and prices 

on other configurations. 




IRS by Quadram 
PRINT BUFFERS 

Please call for prices on the con- 
figuration of your choice. 

PROTECT YOUR 
COMPUTER 

Lemon, 6out. surge prot 49.95 

Lime, w/power switch 

& 6" cord 79.95 

Orange. w/EMI-RFI filter 115.00 

Plum, 3 out. EMI-RFI AC filter ..44.50 

IBM PC Saver, In-Line Power 

cord CALL 

Diskettes 

3M Scotch 5% DS/DD 

Box of 10 35.85 

Verbatim Diskette 5V» DS/DD 

Box of 10 38.85 

Disk Drive Head Cleaning Kit 
(orSVi 27. 



Your Guarantee of S atisfa ction 
We guarantee every item in this advertisement for 30 days. If, for any 
reason whatever, you are not satisfied with any merchandise purchas- 
ed from us, we want you to return it to us at our expense. We will ex- 
change it for exactly what you want, or will refund your money, and in- 
clude any shipping charges you have paid. Sorry, software must be ex- 
cluded from our policy due to copyright laws. 

NATIONAL COMPUTER PRODUCTS 



NEC 3550 Sprinwriter 
for IBM PC 

o„,/i88r 

1 S H © T© ! National Computers Winter 1983 collection of State- 
" - " " of-the art computer merchandise is available now. 
You'll find dozens of products, including computers, 
printers, video monitors, modems and accessories 
for IBM PC, APPLE lie and many other computer 
systems, all at the great price you expect from us. It 
includes dozens of illustrations and informative 
descriptions. And best of all, it's free! 




To order please send money or cashier's check. Personal checks 3 weeks to clear Prices relied 2% cash discount 
We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and CartP Blanche Shipping, handling A insurance 
charges; add 3% of merchandise total (mln. $5.00). California residents add 6% sales lax Foreign customers please 
call or write. Prices and availability subject to change without notice. All equipment Is new and warranted by Ihe 
manufacturer. 



TOLL-FREE 
ORDERING 



800-854-6654 



VISA* 



NATIONAL COMPUTER PRODUCTS 



8338 Center Drive, La Mesa, CA 92041-3791 calif. Alaska, & 
Information on products, and order inquiries call (619) 460-6502 Hawaii call (619) 698-8088 



DEALERS, WE BUY EXCESS STOCK, PLEASE CALL OR WRITE 



Circle 2 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 523 



KENSINGTON 



MiOiMtm 




SYSTEM SAVER 

• Surge Suppression 

• Fits Apple Stand 

• Dual Outlet 

• U.L Listed $1 

• Great Gift! 



65 



APIC (APPLE ///PARALLEL) 
IPIC (IBM PARALLEL) 
ERAM80 column64K HE 
MICROFAZER 
0UADB0AR0 I or II (64K) 
0UA0C0L0R I 
0UA0C0L0R II 
QUAD 512+(64K) 
0UA0CHR0ME MONITOR 



129.99 
89.99 
SCALL 
SCALL 
27999 
234.99 
209.99 
249.99 
499.99 



QUADLINK 

479.99 



MICROSOFT 



A.L.O.S. 

APPLESOFT COMPILER 
BASIC COMPILER 
COBOL COMPILER 
fLIGHTSlMULATOR(IBM) 
MOUSE (IBM) 
MULTI-TOOL BUDGET 
MULTI-TOOL FIN. STMT. 
SOFTCARD II 

SOFTCARO PREMIUM (lie) 
64K IBM SYSTEMCARD 
WORD 



75.99 
116 99 
259.99 
559.99 

3499 
129.99 
109.99 

69.99 
215.99 
359.99 
295 99 
SCALL 



MULTIPLAN 

165.99 



CP/M 3.0 

279.99 



Dispatcher 99.99 



SMARTTERM II, or 
Z-CARD II 

129.99 



380 Z 

LETTER QUALITY 

DAISY WHEEL PRINTER 

• 48 K Buffer QQQ99 

• 32 CPS %7%7%7 

• Graphics 

• 10, 12. 15 Pitch 

• Proportional spacing 
Sheet Feeder 
Tractors 

Cable (Please Specify} 
NEW Stylewnter 



599.99 
129 99 
49.99 
SCALl 



SP/HWVOrn 



ALPHABET ZOO (new) 


19.99 


DELTA DRAWING 


32.99 


FACEMAKER 


21.99 


FRACTION FEVER (new) 


21.99 


HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE 


19.99 


KINDERCOMP 


19.99 


MOST AMAZING THING 


26.99 


RHYMESAND RIDDLES 


19.99 


SNOOPERTROOPS 1 


27.99 


SNOOPER TROOPS 2 


27.99 


STORY MACHINE 


21.99 



ALL OF ABOVE 214.99 



R eagieBroC 

Ul " i i1 , '.v';'.']' 1 'jm 



ALPHA-PLOT 
APPLE MECHANIC 
8EAGLE BASIC 
OOSBOSS 
DOUBLE TAKE 
FLEX TEXT 
FRAME-UP 
PRONTO DOS 
TIP DISK #1 
TYPEFACES 
UTILITY CITY 



24.99 

19.99 
24.99 

15.99 
24.99 
19.99 
16.99 
19.99 
1499 
14.99 
19 99 



ALL OF ABOVE 234.99 



EDUWMi' 



ALGEBRA 1. II. or 111 


27.99 1 


COMPUMATH 


34.99 1 


COMPUREAD 


21.99 1 


COMPUSPELL 


21.99 1 


COUNTING BEE 


21.95 1 


DECIMALS 3.0 


33.99 


FRACTIONS 3.0 


33.99 


PERCEPTION GAMES 


19.99 


PRISONER II 


23.99 


PSAT WORD ATTACK 


33.99 


RENDEZVOUS 


2799 


SAT WORD ATTACK 


33.99 


SPELLING BEE GAMES 


27.99 


SPELLING/READING PRIMER 


27 99 


STATISTICS 


21.99 



APPLE I 

SOFTWARE! 



APPLE 
HARDWARE 



BPKGL.AP, AR. PAY. INV) 


29999 










BRODERBUNO Arcade Machine 


44.99 


1 CDP16K RAM CARD 


39.99 1 


1 Vi HeighlOS/OO Drive 


259.99 


Bank Slreel Writer 


49.99 


1 Printer Card & Cable 


39.99 11 


1 ALPHA Dala Base MGR II 


16999 


Chopliller 


26.99 


1 Fan w/surge, 2 outlels 


39.99 M 


1 Apple-IBM Connection 


129.99 


David's Midnite Magic 


26.99 


1 DAN PAYMAR Lower Case 1 (rev 


1-6)25.99 I 


1 Executive Package 


115.99 
7999 


Loderunner 


26.99 


1 Lower Case 2 (rev 7) 


19.99 I 


Typefaces 


CENTRAL POINT Copy 11+ 


2599 


|i DARK STAR Snapshot II 


89.99 I 


1 ARMONK Executive Suite 


27.99 


CORVUS 


SCALL 


1 EASTSIDE Wildcard 


119 99 I 


1 ASHTON TATE dBase II 


SCALL 


OATAMOSTAzlec 


29.99 


i FOURTH DIMENSION Drive 


219.99 1 


1 Encyclopedia 


59.99 


Swashbuckler 


26.99 


■ HAYES Micromodem II 


254.99 I 


1 Friday 


SCALL 


Kids & Apple. VIC. COMM, ea. 


14.99 


Ij] HAYES Micromodem lie 


SCALL I 


1 AST Btards 


SCALL 


OATASOFT Canyon Climber 


17.99 


HI HOME Repeal Key 


19.99 I 


1 BRODERBUND Apple Panic 


21.99 


Zaxxon 


29.99 


I KOALA PAD 


89 99 1 


1 Serpentine 


26 99 


OLM Alien Addition Sch-37 99 


H-27.99 


1 KRAFT Joystick 


44.99 m 


1 CENTRAL POINT Copy II PC 


25.99 


Alligator Mix Sch-37 99 


H-27.99 


H KRAFT Paddles 


3199 jj 


1 DATAMOST Space Strike 


2199 


Demolition Division Sch-37 99 


H-27.99 


Jjj LEGEND 128K Ram 


359.99 I 


Pig Pen 


21.99 


Dragon Mix Sch-37. 99. H-27 99 1 


|§§ MICRO-SCI Drive 


219 99 I 


1 Real Estate Inv Prog 


69.99 


Meteor Mulliplicatton Sch-37 99. H-27 99 | 


I MOUNTAIN CPS Card 


159 99 I 


j Write Dn 


6999 


Minus Mission Sch-37 99. 


H-2799 


111 NOVATION Appfecat II 


26999 I 


1 EDUWARE Algebra 1 


2999 


Spelling Wiz 


3799 


H Applecal Upgrade 1200 Baud 


1 


1 Prisoner 11 


2999 


Verb Viper/Word Invasion 


3799 


j ORANGE MICRO Grappler + 


119.99 1 


I EPYX Crush Crumble Chomp 


22 99 


Word Man/Word Master 


37.99 


1 Buflerboard 


11999 1 


1 CurseofRa 


1499 


Word Radar 


37.99 


■fl Bufferd Grappler + 


1^9.99 H 


1 Jabberlalky 


2299 


EOUFUN Frenzy Flip Flop 


23.99 


Wm PADDLE ADAPPLE 


24.99 I 


Oil Barons 


74 99 


EPYX Crush Crumble Chomp 


22.99 


SH SATURN 128K Ram 


379.99 i 


| Star Warrior 


2299 


GRAPH nCALC 


14999 


1 Accelerator II 


444 99 I 


Temple of Apshar 


2299 


HAYDEN Piewnler 


12999 


1 Nep1une64K 


19999 i 


Upper Reaches of Apshai 


1499 


S argon II 


2699 


1 Neptune 1 28 K 


299.99 I 


1 GRAPH 'NCALC 


149.99 


INCREDIBLE JACK 


12999 






1 HAYDEN Piewnler 


12999 


JOR-ANO Secret Agent 
KENSINGTON Format! II 
L&S Crossword Magic 


21.99 
2699 
39.99 






1 HAYES 1200B Modem 
1 KENSINGTON PC Saver 
1 KRAFT Joystick 


43999 
SCALL 
44.99 






LEARNING CO Bumble Games 
Bumble Plot 


2999 
2999 


1 ACCESSORIES 


1 LIFETREE Volkswnter 
1 LIGHTNING Mastertype 


11999 
3699 


Gertrudes Puzzle 
Juggles Rainbow 
Magic Spell 


32.99 
22.99 
26 99 




.:- : . 


1 LOTUS 1-2-3 
MICROLAB Highrise 
Death in the Caribbean 


SCALL 
22 99 
25.99 


3 Ring Disk Sheds (10) 


7,99 


Moptown Parade 


26 99 


Printer Stand Small (plxgls) 


24,99 


Miner 20-49er 


2999 


Rocky's Boots 


37 99 
2999 
22.99 
2999 
26.99 
22999 
53.99 
37 99 


Printer Stand Large (plxgls) 
64K CHIPS (9x4 164-200ns) 
16K CHIPS (8x4 116-200ns) 
LIBRARY CASE 
Flip *n File (ORIGINAL) 
Flip - n File 25 Locklray 
Flip T) File 50 Locklray 


I'M 'J'J 
79 Ti 
9.99 
< 'U 
17 99 
17 99 
27 99 


MOUNTAIN Harddisk 

NORTON Utilities 

PC CRAYON 

PC TUTOR 

PERFECT SOFTWARE 

POOL 1.5 

PLANTRONICSColorPlus 

SIERRA ON-LINE Frogger 


SCALL 
5999 
4999 
4 7.99 

SCALL 
27 99 

409.00 
2699 


LIGHTNING Masterlype 
MICROLAB Highnse 

Miner 20-49er 

Death in the Caribbean 

Dala Factory 
OOESTACHESS 


Checkers 


Odin 


3799 


Power Strip w/surge 


17.99 


Crossfire Lunar Leep. Mouskatlak 


n 2299 


PEACHTREE 


SCALL 


HAYES 300 Baud Smartmodem 


199.99 


Golf Challenger 


1999 


PENGUIN Graphrcs Magician 


44.99 


1 200 Baud Smartmodem 


4 74 'JN 


Ulysses & Golden Fleece 


2 9.99 


SIERRA ON LINE Frogger 


24.99 


NOVATION J CAT 


104.99 


SIR-TECH Wizardry 


44.99 


Screenwriter II 


89.99 


NOVATION 103/212 AUTOCAT 


429.99 


SUBLOGIC Pinball 


29.99 


Screenwriter PRO 


14999 


NOVATION 103 SMARTCAT 


169 99 


TMAKER 


169 99 
44 99 
49999 
16499 
199.99 


Ultima II 
Cannonball Blitz 
General Manager 
Dark Crystal 


44.99 
26.99 
169 99 
29.99 


NOVATION tNFONE MAX) 
NOVATION EXPANSION MOD 

MX&FX 100 RIBBONS 


869.99 
29 99 

7 99 


TG Joystick 
TITAN 64K BOARD 
VISICORP. Visicalc or Visidex 
Visifile, Trend/Plot, Schedule ea 


SOFTWARE DIMENSIONS ACCT +11 SCALL 


MX&FX 80 RIBBONS 


4.49 


Visilink 


SCALL 


STATE OF THE ART 


SCALL 


OKI82.83.92.93GEM RIBBONS 2.99 


Vision 


SCALL 


SUBLOGIC Pinball 


26.99 


USI Compumod RF MOD. 


34 99 


Vtsispell 


17999 


ULTRASOFT Serpents Star 


29.99 


Fingerprint 




Visiword 


269 99 


Mask ol the Sun 
VISICQRP 


29.99 

Scall 


(Epson Enhancer) 44.99 


EAGLE PC $CALL| 



SORCIM 



SUPERCALC 
SUPER SPELLGUARD 

119.99 ea 



SUPERWRITER 
SUPERCALC 2 

167.99 ea 



APPLE. IBM & CP/M VERSIONS 



| |[Videx 








APPLE WRITER PRE-BOOT 


1499 


CHARACTER ROMS 


24 99 


ENHANCER II 


9999 


FUNCTION STRIP 


3499 


HAROSWITCH 


1699 


MICROMODEM CHIP 


24 99 


PS10 


169 99 


SOFTSWITCH 


25 99 


ULTRATERM PRE-BOOTS 


SCALL 


VIOEOTERM WSJS + INV 


21999 


VISICALC PRE-BOOT 


3999 


ULTRATERM 249.99 


VIDEOTERM 199.99 



inpoconv 



ENCHANTER 

DEADLINE 

PLANETFALL 

SUSPENDED 

WITNESS 



32 9 !a 



STARCROSS 
ZORKI 
ZORK II 
ZORK III 



24 9 fa 



CP/M VERSIONS 57.00 MORE 



MONITORS 



AMDEK 

PRINCETON RGB HZ- 12 
OUADCHROME RGB HX-12 
USI Pi 1 9"Green20mh 
USI Pi 2 12" Green 20 mh 
USI Pi 3 12" Amber 20 mh 
USI Pi4 9" Amber 20 mh 
USI 1400C Color Composite 
OSBORNE Monitor Cable 
Tl Monitor Cable 
RCA 6" Male-Male 



SCALL 
489.99 
499.99 
116.99 
119.99 
146.99 
136.99 I 
288.99 
SCALL 
SCALL 
2.99 

lie to Prmcelon card cable 13999 

TAXAN 1 2 Green 1 8 mh 1 34.99 



icroPro 



CALCSTAR 
DATASTAR 
MAILMERGE 
REPORTSTAR 
SPELL STAR 
STARINDEX 
SUPERSORT 
WORDSTAR PRO 



89 99 
179.9 
139 99 
199.99 
139,99 
109.99 
139.99 
38999 



INFOSTAR& 

WORDSTAR 

Call for special pricing 



^continental 


APPLE SOFTWARE 1983 BOOK 


9 99 


ATARI SOFTWARE 1983 BOOK 


9 99 


APPLE GRAPHICS BOOK 


14.99 


CPA(GL. AP. AR. PAY)ea 


149 99 


FCM/FL isl CLASS MAIL(AP) 


61.99 


FCM/FL IstCLASS MAIL(IBM) 


71.99 


HOME ACCOUNTANT+(IBM) 


84 99 


HOMEACCNT+(KAYPRO.OSB) 


59.99 


HOME ACCNT.+ (Tl PRO) 


119 99 


PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 


299 9!' 


TAX ADVANTAGE 


39 99 


ULTRAFILE (IBM) 


SCALL 



DISKETTES 



PRINTERS 



HOME ACCOUNTANT 

Apple. Alan. Commodore $44. 99 



DYSAN5" SS/DD (10) 
DYSAN 5" SS DD (100) 
MAXWELL 5" SS DD(lO) 
MAXWELL 5" SS/DD (100) 
MAXWELL 5" DS/DD (10) 
MAXWELL 5" DS/DD (100) 
VERBATIM 5" SS/DD (10) 
VERBATIM 5" SS/DD (100) 
VERBATIM 5" DS DD (10) 
VERBATIM 5" OS/DD (100) 



3199 
299.99 

27 99 
25999 

37 99 
35999 

24 99 
229 99 

3699 
349 99 



VkDysan box or case 

Double-sided, double density 
10/box 100/case 

38.99 369.99 




SAN JOSE: 

860 S. Winchester Bl. 
San Jose. CA 95128 

(408) 985-0401 

MON-FRI8AM-7PM 
SAT.-SUN-HOL. 10AM-5PM 



MAIL& PHONE 
ORDERS 

860 S. Winchester Bl. 
San Jose. CA95128 

(408) 985-0400 



SAN FRANCISCO: 

1230 Market St. 
San Francisco. CA 9401 2 

(415) 626-2244 

MON-FRI 10AM7PM 
SAT-SUN-HOL 10AM-5PM 



:i"\.- -..'W< yv-.i / v->*M \(uA) 



C-ITOH PROWRITER 


SCALL 


EPSDN(ALL MODELS) 


SCALL 


OKIOATA82A 


384 99 


OKIOATA 83A 


62999 


OKIDATA 84P 


96999 


OKIOATA 92 


489 99 


OKIDATA 93 


859 99 


STAR GEMINI I OX 


SCALL 


STAR GEMINI 15X 


SCALL 


STAR DELTA 


SCALL 


TRANSTAR 


SCALL 


RIBBONS IN STOCK FOR MOST MODELS 



COMPUTER DISCOUNT PRODUCTS 



SMITH CORONA 
TP2 499.99 



No Charge For Credit Cards 
Prices Subject To Change 
Software Sales Are Final 
Mm. S4.00 Shipping Charge 
Purchase Orders Call First 



-524 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 90 on inquiry card. 



TOLL-FREE 

ORDERING: 

800-222-8686 

FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT/ 

SERVICE / IN ARIZONA: 

602-282-6299 



PPT CUSTOM COMPUTER 
OO I TECHNOLOGY 

1 CRAFTSMAN COURT - BOX 4160 - SEDONA, ARIZONA 86340 

Purchase your Hardware and Software directly from an OEM/Systems Integrator. Takeadvantageof our buying power". We 
stock a full line of Board Level Components, Software, and Peripherals. Call for your needs. We'll give you the Lowest 
Prices, and the Technical Support and Know-How we are quickly becoming well-known for. Satisfied Customers Nation- 
wide! The Nations's Custom Systems House for Business, Education and Science. Call for a system quote. 



• FOREMOST QUALITY • ADVANCED SUPPORT • REASONABLE COST • 



OF PRIME INTEREST 

Our prime interest at CCT is service and 
support. We build and sell hundreds of 
systems per year to the serious computer 
market. We rigidly adhere to our strict 
policy of reliable machines, and reliable 
people behind them. We feel the Com- 
puPro product line to be the state-of-the- 
art of the computer industry. 

THE CCT EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY 

With any system we build, we provide, 
in writing, an unconditional 12 month 
direct warranty on the entire system, in- 
cluding mainframe, boards, drives, power 
supplies, cabling and peripherals! We of- 
fer guaranteed 24 hour in-house repair 
and/or replacement with just a toll-free 
phone call. We can offer this, since we are 
so sure of our level of quality and reliabili- 
ty. It's great to know that in the event of a 
problem, you're not out of business 
waiting on service turnaround. We deliver! 

Our various OEM contracts with all the 
manufacturers of the components we in- 
tegrate, allow us this unprecedented flex- 
ibility. No factory O.K.'s necessary — just 
getit running — NOWI 

Wyse 100 terminal -14" Green ... $699 

WS Prom Option - Installed $50 

Mitsubishi 8" DSDD drives, full or half 
height. Set-up FREE OF CHARGE .. $449 

Okidata 82 $389/83 $619 

84 .. $1029/92 .. $469/93 .. $779 
Ashton-Tate dBASE 1 1 8 " or M D ... $299 
Supercalc 86 - for CP/M 86 & MP/M . $99 

Visual Terminals in stock Call 

LearSieglerADM20 $499 

Freedom 50 $499/100-$549 

Hays Modem-$259 • Diablo 620-$1029 
We carry a full line of software in all 
available formats atdiscount prices. 

TECH TIP CORNER 

dBASE II USERS - CUSTOM TERMINAL 
KEYS! Implement your arrow keys; 
emulate Wordstar edit commands - send 
anSASEwith $2.00- (ATTN: TTC). Tell us 
your arrow key codes. We'll return easy, 
detailed instructions to change almost 
anything. It's beautiful — Pat. . . 





PROFESSIONAL LEVEL BUSINESS SYSTEMS 
STATE-OF-THE-ART QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, RELIABILITY 



CCT ANNOUNCES: 



INTRODUCTORY PRICE: 

$3,399 



OUR OWN IN-HOUSE ENGINEERED 
CUSTOM COMPUPRO SYSTEMS 

CCT-1 - ENTRY LEVEL S*-10*0 BUSINESS SYSTEM 

• Enclosure 2-Desk-20 Slot Mainframe • • CCT 2.4 Dual 8" Mitsubishi 
• CPU 8085/88 - 6Mhz 8085/8Mhz 8088 • DSDD Drive System - 2.4 Megabytes • 

• Disk 1 - DMA Floppy Disk Controller • • CP/M 80 - 2.2 LD/M - CCT Modified • 

• RAM 16 - 64K Static RAM - 12 Mhz • • All Cabling, Complete CCT Assembly, 

• Interfacer 4 - 3 Serial/2 Parallel I/O • Testing, and Minimum 20 Hour Burn-in • 

RUNS ALL STANDARD 8" CP/M SOFTWARE - INCLUDES OUR EXCLUSIVE 12 MONTH DIRECT WARRANTY 
CP/ M M P/ M NOTE: Each copy we furnish is CCT modified for the target system. M-Drive/ H and hard disk drivers are furnished, 
and the BIOS optimized for the fastest disk step rate, as well asterminal and printer compatibility. 

• • CCT-2- THE FASTEStVcROCOMPUTER IN THE WORLD!! * * 

Enclosure 2-Desk • 90K Baud Parallel Terminal Board • 78 Key Professional Ergonomic Keyboard 
CPU 8086 -10Mhz • Disk 1 • 512K M-Drive/H • High Resolution Amber Monitor. INTRODUCTORY PRICE: 
128K-16 Bit Memory • CP/M 86 -CCT Modified • CCT 2.4 Dual DSDD Drive System 
Interfacer 3-8 • SS1 • All Cabling, Complete CCT Assembly, Testing, & Minimum 20 Hour Burn-in 

RUNS ALL CP/M 86 SOFTWARE ■ ULTRA FAST - INCLUDES 12 MONTH DIRECT WARRANTY 
• • CCT-3-10Mhz68KSystem similar toabove,with128K RAM $6,699 * • 

We are the largest in the custom configuration of complete state-of-the-art S-100 systems, at package pricing, with integration, 
burn-in and programming. We custom build CompuPro systems / hard disk systems for business applications. Call for Com- 
puPro literature, CCT system configuration data and technical information. We can save you money! 



IIHUUUUIUHYPHIUfc 

$6,799 



* SUPER PRICES * COMPUPRO COMPONENTS * IN STOCK * 

SYSTEM SPECIALS - ALLCCTA&T, BURNED IN: 816A-$4299 816B-$4999 816C-S6499 

M-Drive CP/M-Blowout-$39 • Disk1w/CP/M-$449 • M-Drive/H-512K-$1149 

CPU 8085/88-S319 • CPU 8086/87-$579/10Mhz-$659 • CPU 68K-$519/10Mhz-$639 • CPU-Z-S249 

CPU 286-$1249/10Mhz-$1359 • Disk 1 -$369 • Disk 2- $599 • Disk 3- $599 

RAM17(12Mhz)-$329 • RAM 16(1 2Mhz)-$359 • RAM 21 (128K)-$779 • RAM 22(256K)-$1399 

lnterfacer1-$229 • lnterfacer2-$249 • Interfacer 3-5-$399/3-8-$459 • lnterfacer4-$349 

System Support 1 -$299 • Enclosure 2-Desk-$599/ Rack-$649 • 20 Slot Motherboard-$210 

CP/M80-$99 • CP/M86-$150 • MP/M8-16-$699 • CP/M68K-$279 • UNIX-SOON 

86 Upgrade Kit: Consists of CP/ M 86, 64K Ram, System Support 1 , Cable - $749 
Call for CSC Boards — New Releases — Operating System Mods/Updates 



* PRICE BREAKTHROUGH * 
Hard Disk Subsystems 

CCT/Fujitsu 5V4" subsystem, includes Disk 3, custom 
enclosure & power supply, all cabling, A&T, formated, 
burned-in. Ready for any CompuPro or similar S-100 
svstem: CCT-5(5.5Meg)-$1599 

C'CT-10 (11 Meg)-$1899 / CCT-20 (22 Megh$2299 



? ? HARD DISK DECISIONS ? ? 

Hard/Floppy Combinations 

An exclusive CCT innovation. CCT/ Fujitsu/ Mitsubishi 
ultra-system: 5Vi " hard disk next to a 1 .2 Meg. DSDD 
8" floppy. Includes Disk 3, custom horizontal enclosure 
and power supply, all cabling, A&T, formatted, burned- 
in. Will stand alone in any CompuPro system: 
CCT-5/142099 CCT-10/1«$2399 CCT-20/ 1-$Z799 



NEW DISK 3/5%" HD SYSTEMS * 

2.4 Megabyte Floppy Systems 

CCT/ Mitsubishi 2.4 Megabyte Dual DSDD 8" system. 
Includes custom horizontal enclosure, all cabling, A&T, 
burned-in. This is the fastest system available: $1149 
With stacked half-height drives: $1175 

All Systems Cany Our Exclusive 12 Month Warranty. 



Prices & availability subject to change. All products new, and carry full manufacturer's warranties. Call for catalog. Free technical help to anyone. We can configure boards & soft- 
ware for your system. Plug-in and go. Arizona Residents add sales tax. CompuPro® Trademark - W.J. Godbout; CP/M® MP/M® Trademarks - Digital Research 



Circle 122 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 525 



IS Hanilwcll 



corp 



4962 EL CAMINO REAL. SUITE 119 • LOS ALTOS. CA 94022 

(415) 962-9265 • TLX 171947 HANDWELL LTOS»1-(800) 821-3628, 



7400 



7400 

7401 

7402 

7403 

7404 

7405 

7406 

7407 

7408 

7409 

7410 

7411 

7412 

7413 

7414 

7416 

7417 

7420 

7421 

7422 

7423 

7425 

7426 

7427 

7429 

7430 

7432 

7437 

7438 

7439 

7440 

7441 

7442 

7443 

7444 

7445 

7448 

7447 

7448 

7450 

7451 

7453 

7454 

7459 

7460 

7470 

7472 

7473 

7474 

7475 

7476 

7479 

7480 

7482 

7483 

7485 

7486 

7489 

7490 

7491 

7492 

7493 

7494 

7495 

7496 

7497 

74100 

74107 

74109 

74116 

74121 

74122 

74123 



.19 

22 
.22 
.22 
.22 
.23 
2.35 
235 

26 
.23 
.22 
.29 

29 
.39 

59 
.29 
.29 
.22 

35 
.29 
.29 

29 
.29 
.25 
.45 
.23 

29 
.25 
.29 
.29 

19 
.79 
.57 
.95 
.95 
.79 
.79 

65 

79 

19 
.19 
.19 
.19 

25 
.23 
.29 
.29 
.34 
.34 
.38 
.34 
4.60 

49 
.95 
.55 
.65 
.35 
1.75 
.39 

57 
.45 
.45 

69 

65 

.69 

2.90 

2.90 

32 
.37 
1.95 

29 
.39 
.59 



74125 
74126 
74128 
74132 
74136 
74139 
74141 
74142 
74143 
74144 
74145 
74147 
74148 
74150 
74151 
74152 
74153 
74154 
74155 
74156 
74157 
74158 
74159 
74160 
74161 
74162 
74163 
74164 
74165 
74166 
74167 
74170 
74172 
74173 
74174 
74175 
74176 
74177 
74179 
74180 
74181 
74182 
74184 
74185 
74186 
74188 
74190 
74191 
74192 
74193 
74194 
74195 
74196 
74197 
74198 
74199 
74221 
74251 
74273 
74276 
74279 
74823 
74284 
74285 
74290 
74298 
74365 
74366 
74367 
74368 
74390. 
74393 
74490 



.39 

.44 

.59 

.69 

.75 

95 

79 

2.95 

2 95 

2 95 

.62 

1.95 

1.20 

1.09 

67 

.67 

.67 

1.19 

.78 

.78 

69 

1.65 

2.49 



.89 
87 
87 
87 
1 20 

1 95 
1.69 
4.75 

.79 
.89 
.85 
75 
,75 

1.34 
,75 

1.75 
.75 

2.25 

2 25 
9 95 
3.90 
1.15 
1 15 

85 

85 

85 

68 

85 

85 

1 39 

1.39 

1.19 

.95 

1 05 

1.89 

.75 

1.40 

3.90 

3 90 
1 25 

.95 

.68 

68 

68 

68 

1 45 

1.90 

1 90 



74LS00 



J 



74S00 



DIP SWITCHES 



4 Position 
5Posi1iun 
6Position 
7 Position 
8Posilion 



9(J 
90 
90 
95 



SOUND CHIPS 



76477 

76489 

AY3-8910 

AY3-8912 

MC3340 



2 95 
8 95 
9.95 
12.95 
1.49 



MOS PROMS 



2708 

2758 

2716 

2716-1 

TMS2516 

TMS2716 

TMS2532 

2732 

2732-250 

2732-200 

2764 

2764-250 

2764-200 

TMS2564 

MC68764 

27128 



395 
595 
3 95 
5 95 
5 50 

7 95 
5 95 
495 

8 95 
11 95 

8.95 
10.95 
16.95 
12,95 
39.95 
25.95 



74LS00 

74LS01 

74LS02 

74LS03 

74LS04 

74LS05 

74LS08 

74LS09 

74LS10 

74LS11 

74LS12 

74LS13 

74LS54 

74LS15 

74LS20 

74LS21 

74LS22 

74LS26 

74LS27 

74LS28 

74LS30 

74LS32 

74LS33 

74LS37 

74LS38 

74LS40 

74LS42 

74LS47 

74LS48 

74LS51 

74LS54 

74LS55 

74LS73 

74LS74 

74LS75 

74LS76 

74LS78 

74LS83A 

74LS85 

74LS86 

74LS90 

741S9? 

7<1LS93 

74LS95 

74LS96 

74LS107 

74LS109 

74LS113 

74LS114 

74LS122 

74LS123 

74LS124 

74LS125 

74LS126 

74LS132 

74LS136 

74LS138 

7.1LS139 

74LS145 

74LS148 

74LS151 

74LS153 

74LS154 

7-ILS155 

74LS156 

7-ILS157 

74LS158 

74LS160 

74LS161 

74LS133 

74LS241 

74LS280 

74LS299 

74LS339 



26 
28 



43 
55 
1 19 
1 35 
89 
52 



1 25 
1 49 



1 70 
1 19 



1 15 
65 

1 69 

2 90 
2 00 
1 95 



74LS162 
74LS163 
74LS164 
74LS165 
74LS166 
74LS168 
74LS169 
/4LS170 
74LS173 
74LS174 
74LS175 
74LS181 
74LS190 
74LS191 
74LS192 
74LS193 
74LS194 
74LS195 
74LS196 
74LS197 
74LS221 
74LS240 
74LS242 
74LS243 
74LS244 
74LS245 
74LS247 
74LS248 
74LS249 
74LS251 
74LS253 
74LS257 
74LS258 
74LS259 
74LS260 
74LS261 
74LS266 
74LS273 
74LS275 
74LS279 
74LS283 
7<iilS290 
74LS293 
74LS295 
74LS298 
74LS324 
74LS347 
?<HS348 
74LS352 
74LS353 
74LS363 
74LS365 
74LS366 
74LS367 
74LS368 
74LS373 
74LS374 
74LS375 
74LS377 
74LS385 
74LS386 
74LS390 
74LS393 
74LS395 
74LS399 
7-1LS424 
74LS668 
7OLS670 
74LS378 
74LS379 
74LS381 
74LS640 
74LS645 
74LS690 



1 15 
1 15 

1 99 
89 
89 
89 

2 20 
1 15 



1 69 
1 69 



2 20 
1 10 
1 10 
1 19 
1 40 
140 



65 
249 



1 75 

4 40 



1 95 
1 95 
1 19 
1 19 

1 49 



1 89 
189 

69 
1 95 
1 95 

65 
1 95 
1 95 

1 70 

2 35 
2 95 

1 75 

2 29 
1 95 

1 95 

2 95 
2 95 
2 95 
1 50 



Tel: 1-(800)-821-3628 



Z80 SERIES 

8000 SERIES 

8200 SERIES 

6800 SERIES 

CALL FOR 
PRICE 



S-RAM 



2101 

5101 

2111 

2112 

21 14 

2114-25 

2114L-4 

2114L-3 

21 14L-2 

2147 

HM6116-4 

HM6116-3 

HM6116-2 

HM6116LP-4 

HM6116LP-3 

HM6116LP-2 



1 95 

3 95 
249 

2 99 
8 9 95 

8 10.95 
8 12.95 
8 1345 
8 13 95 
495 

4 75 

4 95 
8 95 

5 95 
695 

10.95 



74S00 

74S02 

74S03 

74S04 

74S05 

74S08 

74S09 

74S10 

74S11 

74S15 

74S20 

74S22 

74S30 

74S32 

74S38 

74S40 

74S51 

74S64 

74S65 

74S74 

74S86 

74S112 

74S113 

74S114 

74S124 

74S133 

74S134 

74S135 

74S136 

74S138 

74S139 

74S139 

74S140 

74S151 

74S153 

74S157 

74S158 

74S160 

74S174 

74S175 

74S188 

74S194 

74S195 

74S196 

74S240 

74S241 

74S242 

74S243 

74S244 

74S251 

74S253 

74S257 

74S258 

74S260 

74S280 

74S287 

74S288 

74S373 

74S374 

74S387 

74S471 

74S472 

74S473 

74S474 

74S475 

74S570 

74S571 

74S572 

74S573 

74S940 

74S941 

74S132 

74S161 

74S163 

74S181 

74S189 

74S225 

74S283 

74S289 



39 

43 

45 

52 

52 

49 

49 

42 

42 

42 

42 

42 

42 

49 

1 19 

49 

42 

46 

.46 

69 

72 

72 

72 

72 

3 69 

54 

66 

1.15 

1 69 

1 29 

1 29 

1 29 

73 

129 

1.29 

1 29 

1 29 

2 79 
1 49 
1 49 
2.69 
1.89 
1.89 

1 89 

2 75 
2 75 
299 
2 99 
2 99 
1 35 
1 35 
1 29 

1 29 
75 

2 79 
2 99 

2 55 

3 10 
3 10 
2 75 
7 95 
7 95 
7 95 
9 95 
9.95 
5.75 
5.75 
895 
8.95 
2 90 
2 90 
2 15 
2.95 
3.15 
2.15 
2 95 
7.75 
4.15 
395 



Miscellaneous 

4.95 



6502 

68000 

8748 

8255-5 

82S123 

82S129 

82S131 

93422 

93L422 

93425 

93427 

D2125AL-2 

D2104 

AY5-3600 

6810 

8304 



49.95 
24.95 
5.95 
2.55 
2.99 
3.99 
8.95 
9.95 
3.95 
8.95 
3.95 
1.95 
12.95 
3.95 
3.95 



LINEAR 



LM301CN 

LM304H 

LM305H 

LM306H 

LM307CN 

LM308CN 

LM309K 

LM310CN 

LM311D/CN 

LM312H 

LM317T 

LM318CN 

LM319N/H 

LM320K-XX' 

LM320T-XX" 

LM320H-XX- 

LM323K 

LM324N 

LM337K 

LM338K 

LM339N 

LM340K-XX' 

LM340T-XX' 

LM340H-XX* 

LM344H 

LM348N 

LM350K 

LM358CN 

LM360N 

LM372N 

LM376N 

LM377N 

LM380CN/N 

LM381N 

LM383T 

LM386N 

LM387N 



35 
1 98 
1 89 
3.25 
.29 
.98 
1.49 
1.25 

.89 
1.75 
1.70 
1.49 
1 25 
1.35 
1.39 
1.25 
4.95 

95 
5.95 
6 95 

95 
1.75 
1 25 
1.25 
1.95 
1.20 
5.60 

98 
1.49 
1.95 
375 
2.75 
1.25 
1.79 
1.95 
1.25 
1 40 



16 RAM CARD 



IN-LINE 
PRINTER BUFFER 

FOR ANY COMPUTER 

ANY PRINTER 
*64K Byte 
'Parallel to Parallel 
'Parallel to Serial 
'Serial to Parallel 
'Serial to Serial 

Model BF64S *225. 00 

For single computer 

single printer 

Model BF64M *395.°° | 
For multi-computer 

single printer 
Allow up to four 
computers 

Share one printer 



LOGIC PROBE 

WITH MEMORY 

FUNCTION 

$22. 95 



CRYSTALS 



DRAM 



32 758khz 
1 Omhz 

1 8432 
20 

2 097152 

2 4576 

3 2768 

3 579535 
40 
50 
5 0688 

5 185 
5.7143 
60 

6 144 
6 5536 
80 
100 

10 738635 
1200 
14 31818 
150 

16 

17 430 

18 

18 432 
20 
22 1184 
32 



1.75 
3.95 

3.95 
2 95 
295 
2 95 
295 
2.95 
295 
2 95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
295 
2 95 
2 95 
2 95 
295 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2 95 
2 95 
2 95 
2.95 



DOS3.3.CP M. 
Visicalc. PASCAL 
1YR. WARRANTY 



$ 39. 



MULTIFUNCTION BOARD 

WITH MEMORY, I/O 

CLOCK 



FOR IBM P/C 
CALL FOR LOWEST PRICE 



SPEEDY EPROM 

PROGRAMMER 

FOR APPLE II 

PROGRAMMING 

2716, 2732, 2764, 27128, 

2532, 2564 

IN 30 SECONDS $ 99. 00 



Apple I l/l le 
Compatible $ 175. 00 
Disk Drive 

CONTROLLER 
CARD *44. 95 



SUPER COOLING 

FANS FOR APPLE 

WITH SURG 



IBM MEMORY 
EXPANSION KIT 



IBM 64K $52.95 
(9Pcs64KRAM) 



HighQuality 
Diskettes 

5W SS/SD 15/Box 
5V4'' SS/DD 17/Box 
5W* DS/DD 27/Box 



80 Column Dot Matrix 
Printer 



80 cps parallel interface 
graphics printing compatible 
with EPSON MX80FT 

SALE PRICE s 299. 00 



TMS4027 

UPD41 1 

MM5280 

MK4108 

MM5298 

4116-300 

4116-250 

4116-200 

4116-150 

4116-120 

2118 

4164-200 

4164-150 



1 99 
300 
3 00 
195 
1 85 
8 11 75 
8 11 95 
8 1295 
8 14 95 I 
8 29 95 
4.95 ] 
5 95 
6.95 1 



526 BYTE January 1984 



TERMS: For shipping include S2 for UPS Ground or S3 
for UPS Blue Label Air. Items over 5 pounds require 
additional shipping charges. S10 minimum order. 

1-(800) 821-3628 | 

Hanilwcllcorp 

1 4962 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 119 • LOS ALTOS, CA 94022) 
1(415) 962-9265 • TLX: 171947 HANDWELL LTOS | 

Circle 179 on inquiry card. 




Computer Components unlimited 
SUPER BOWL SPECIALS rf£ 

We Will Try To Beat All a 

Competitor's Prices in This Magazine! 



BMC Color Monitor 

• Composit Video 

• Great for Apples 



$219 



Dual $W' Cabinets 

• Power Supply 

• Hi Quality 

• Mfg. by PC Products 



CDC Disk Drive for PC 

• Cadillac of the Drives 

• Fully IBM Compatible 



$239 



Okidata 92 

• 160CPS 

Close to Letter Quality 



$429 




Hayes Micro Modem HE 

• w/ Software 
• Lowest Advertised Price 



$239 



Gemini 15X 

• 15" Carriage 
• 120 cps 

$399 



MicroSci A- 2 

» Fully Apple Compatible 
• Looks Like Apple Drive 

$209 

C. ItOH F-10 -55 

• Letter Quality 

• 55 CPS 

$1395 

Siemens FDD100-8 

• 8" Disk Drive 
• Sgl. Side/Dbl. Density 

$159 
2 For $300 



Gorilla Monitor 

• Amber video 
• 12" Composite 



LOtUS 123 

state-of-the-Art Software 

• The BEST!! 

$329 

PCS Monitor 

• IBM Copy 

• Color Res. 

$479 



Plantronics 

• Color Board for PC 
• Parallel Port 
Great Software included 



$399 



Franklin Ace 1000 

•64K 

• Numeric Key Pad 
Large Power Supply & Fan 

• Apple Compatible 



$799 



IBM, Kaypro, RS232 
Cables 

• 6 ft. Long 



$24 Hffiia f 



omputer 
Components 
Unlimited 



800-847-1718 

OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA 

RETAIL STORE: 

11976 Aviation Blvd. 
inglewood, CA 90304 

MAIL ORDER: 

P.O. BOX 1936 
Hawthorne, CA 90250 



This Ad Supersedes All Others 
(213)643-5188 



All merchandise new. we accept MC, visa, wire 
Transfer, COD Call, Certified Check, P.O s from 
qualified firms. APO accepted. Shipping 
Minimum $4.50 first 5 pounds. Tax- California Res. 
Only add 6V ; % sales tax. 

Prices Subject to Change 

Mon.— Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Circle 71 on inquiry card. 












• r 



PERSONAL /PORTABLE SYSTEMS 



Franklin 

Ace1000w/64K S 799 

Ace1100 299 

Ace1200OMS 1795 

Ace Pro Pack 1149 

Franklin Ace Drive 299 

Apple Computer 

IIEW/64K $ 995 

HE Starter System 1395 

AppleDrive 299 

Apple he 80coi. card 49 

IBM 

PC64K. Keyboard, 1 Drive $1995 

PC 64K, Keyboard, 2 Drives 2245 

XTHardDiskDrive,l28K 4995 

PCMonochromeCard 335 

PCColorCard 275 

PC Monochrome Monitor 335 

Kaypro 

Kayproll $1495 

Kaypro4 1795 

Kaypro 10 2595 

Columbia 

1600-1, 2 Dbl. Drives, Color Card, 
Keyboard $2795 

Eagle Call for pricing 

Televideo 

Teletotei S1395 

Teletoteii 1695 

TS803 1900 

TS1603 2450 

Compupro 

816A $4195 

Call for Compupro Board Pricing 

Sanyo 

MBC-555 $ 975 

MBC-1000 1395 

STM Computers 

PiedPiperl $ 995 

Hayes Micro Computer 

300BaudSmartModem $ 209 

1200 Baud Smart Modem 499 

Micro Modem w/software 259 

1200 Baud w/smart com for PC 409 

Chronograph 229 

Novation 

>cat300Baud $ 109 

Applecatn 249 



FROM 



SUPER 
Computer 



APPLE, FRANKLIN 

Accessories 



Advanced Logic Systems 

CPM3.0Card(6MHz) $ 299 

ZCard 139 

CPMCard + SuperCalc 499 

Astar 

RF Modulator S 18 

Fan 39 

Hi-quality Joystick 29 

Gibson 

Lightpen. $ 239 

Micro Max 

80 col. for ll + or Franklin, Inverse Char., 

Softswitch, VidexCompatible $ 139 

80 COl. forllEw/64Kexp.128K 139 

Kensington 

SystemSaver S 79 

Micro Soft 

Softcardw/cpm $ 239 

l6KCard 69 

Premium Pack 499 

California Computer Systems 

Serial interface card $ 129 

TC Products 

Joystick $ 44 

Paddles 34 

selectaport 39 

Kraft 

Joystick $ 49 

Micro Tek 

Baml6Kcard $ 59 

Serial interface 119 



LOW PRICED 
Hi Quality DISKETTES 



Computer Components 
5V*" Disks 

SglSide/DblDensity . .$l8abox 

Dbl Side/ Dbl Density 27 a box 

8 Disks 

SglSide/Sgl Density $l9abox 

DblSide/DblDensity 29a box 

All Disks come w/ Reinforced Hub, 
5 yr warranty and not bulk packed. 

Fliptubs 

Smoked Plexiglass Diskette File 
Holds70 $ 19 

Call for all brands of Disks. 



IBM PC ACCESSORIES 



Ast Research 

IO + $ 119 

Combo + 259 

Six Pack + 279 

Mega+ 279 

Mega Pack 279 

Quadram 

Quad Link $ 475 

ColorCraphicsCard 245 

QuadchromeColorMonitor 475 

Tandon 

320KDiSkDrive $ 235 

Panasonic 

SlimlineDrive,320K .....$ 205 

CDC 

320K Disk Drive $ 249 

64K Upgrade 

each64K $ 59 

Paradise Systems 

Multi Display Card $ 399 

Plantronics 

Multi DisplayCard $ 399 

PC Cable 

Printercable(6ft) $ 29 



5V4 " & 8" DISK DRIVES 



Shugart 

SA400, Sgl/Dbl S 160 

SA455, 1 /2Height 225 

SA801R Sgl/Dbl 355 

SA851RDbl/Dbl 475 

Tandon 

TM 100-1, 160K S 160 

TM 100-2, 320K 235 

TM 101-4 (quad) 299 

TMTM 848-1 Sgl/Dbl Den 359 

TM848-2Dbl/DblDen 435 

Mitsubishi 

2894Dbl/Dbl8 M $ 399 

Siemans 

FDD 100-8, Sgl/Dbl $ 159 

CDC 

9409T.320K $ 239 



we accept all P.o.'s from Universities 

CALL 800-847-1718 = 



We Offer More Than 



*a low Prices!!! ^ 



BOWL SPECIALS 
Components unlimited 



DISK DRIVES 
FOR APPLE & FRANKLIN 



Super 5 

Sup-5( 1 /2 Height) S 209 

Controller 69 

Rana Systems 

Elitel S 250 

Elite II 400 

Elite ill (Quad Density) 500 

Controller(control!s4 drives) 90 

Quentin Research 

AppleMate $ 219 

Controller 60 

Micro Sci 

A-2 $ 209 

Controller 70 

Mountain Computer 

5meghardisk $1795 



DISK DRIVE CABINETS 



5Va" Cabinets 

SingleCab.w/powersupply $ 59 

DualCab.w/powersupply 85 

8" Cabinets 

SingleCab.w/fan&powersupply . .$ 209 
DualCab.w/fan&powersupply . . . 259 



HOT CIRCUITS 



Watch Computer Components to 
expand in this area. Call for all 
volume requirements. 

TTL 

74L5244 $1.39 

Dynamic Rams 

TMS4027 $1.99 

UPD411. 3.00 

4116-200 ns 1.59 

4164-200 ns 5.95 

4164-150 ns 6.95 

Static Rams 

2114L-2 $1.69 

6116-4 200 ns 4.65 

Eproms 

1702 $4.40 

2708 . 4.00 

2716 4.00 

2732 4.8O 

2764 6.00 



Circle 72 on inquiry card. 



PRINTERS 



C. ITOH 

Gorilla-Banana, 50cps $ 194 

Prowriter85l0,120cps 349 

Prowriter I1 1550 (15") 649 

Prowriter I Serial 499 

Prowriter II Serial 695 

Starwriter F-10, 40 pu 1129 

8600BP ( 180CPS 999 

PrintmasterF-10-55 1375 

Epson 

RX-80(120CPS) call 

MX-80FK80CPS) Call 

FX-80(160CPS) call 

FX-100 (15" Carriage) Call 

NEC 

PC8023A(100CPS) $ 399 

PC8025 (15" Carriage) 699 

Okidata 

Microline92Pd60cps) $ 429 

Microline92Sd60cps) 599 

Microline93Pd60cps, 15") 749 

Microline 93S (160 cps, 15") 899 

Microline 82A (Par. & Serial) 369 

Microline83A (15" Carriage) 599 

Microline84P(200cps) 969 

Microline 84S (200 cps) 1049 

Star Micronics 

Gemini 10X(120cps) $ 294 

Geminil5d00cps) 339 

Gemini 15X 499 

Delta 10 449 

Letter Quality 

Brother Hr I $ 599 

Comrexll 499 

Juki 499 

DynaxDX-15 479 

Daisywriter 

2000w/Buffer $1199 

Call For All Printers 



TERMINALS 



Qume 

l02,80col.Green $ 539 

102AM 549 

103,80/132 749 

Adds 

Viewpoint3A + S 570 

Televideo 

925 $ 719 

950 . 919 



Computer 
Components 
Unlimited 



800-847-1718 

OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA 

RETAIL STORE: 

11976 Aviation Blvd. 
Inglewood, CA 90304 

MAILORDER: 

P.O. BOX 1936 
Hawthorne, CA 90250 



PRINTER ACCESSORIES 



Orange Micro 

Grappler + $ 119 

Grappler + w/16Kexp.to64K 179 

Apple Par. Card 

card&cable $ 49 

Microtek 

DumplingGX $ 99 

Dumplingw/l6Kexp.to64K 149 

Additional l6Kfor 15 

wesper Micro 

Full Graphics Interface Card $ 79 

Cables 

IBM to Printer $ 29 

Kaypro to Printer 29 

Osborne to Printer 29 

Okidata Options 

Tractorfor82&92 $ 59 

2K Serial Buffer 119 

Star Options 

Serial interface $ 60 

Epson Options 

Bufferw/Serial $ 119 



VIDEO DISPLAY MONITORS 



USI 

PM (9"GreenHiRes) $ 119 

Pi 2 d2"GreenHiRes) 139 

PI 3 (l2"AmberHiRes) 149 

PI 4 (9"AmberHiRes) 129 

BMC 

12AUW d2"Green) $ 79 

9191 ColorComposite 229 

12EUN(20MHZHiRes) 129 

Zenith 

ZVM122 (Green) $ 99 

ZVM123 (Amber) 129 

Gorilla 

HiResGreen $ 89 

HiResAmber 99 

Amdek 

Color I Composite Color $ 329 

ColorllRGB 419 

300A 159 

310A ..... 179 

300G 149 

Princton Graphics 

pgshxi2 $ 479 



This Ad Supersedes All Others 
(213)643-5188 



All merchandise new. We accept MC, Visa. Wire 
Transfer. COD Call. Certified Check. P.O. s from 
qualified firms. APO accepted. Shipping 
Minimum S4 50 first 5 pounds. Tax. Calif orma Res 

Oniv add 6' >"» sales idx. 



Mon.— Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 



COMPUTER SUPPLIES 



DISKETTES 



5% 

S/S S/D 

MIN. ORDER 50 



RIBBONS 



OKIDATA 
MICROLINE 84 

EPSON 
MX100 
MIN. ORDER 6 



$ 3 77 

$y84 



LABELS • CONTINUOUS FORMS 



PeachText 5000 reg395°° 275 00 
complete line of 
EDUWARE SOFTWARE 

•Terms: Visa, M.C. or C.O.D. 

•Dealer Inquiries Invited 

COMPU-MEDIA 

SOFTWARE, INC. 

159 Main St. S.I.N.Y. 10307 



\X1 






AUTHORIZED 
DISTRIBUTOR 



CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-248-2418 
™ in N.Y. State 212-967-1700 



FREE SOFTWARE 

RENT THE PUBLIC DOMAINI 
User Group Software isn't copyrighted, so no fees 
to pay! 1000's of CP/M software programs in 
.COM and source code to copy yourself! Games, 
business, utilitiesl All FREEI 

CP/M USERS GROUP LIBRARY 

Volumes 1-91, 46 disks rental- $45 

SIG/M USERS GROUP LIBRARY 

Volumes 1-90, 46 disks rental- $40 

Volumes 91-154, 30 disks rental -$40 

SPECIAL/ Rent all SIG/M volumes for $75 

IBM PC-SIG (PC-DOS) LIBRARY 

Volumes 1-75, 5%" disks $99.50 
SPECIAL "Flippy" Floppies 
copy both sides-8" $3.00 
5%" $2.00 

Disk— Public Domain User Group Catalogs $5 
(check in advance, please) 
Rental is for 7 days after receipt, 3 days grace to 
return. Use credit card, no deposit. 

ALL FORMATS AVAILABLE! SPECIFY. 

Shipping, handling & insurance— $7.50 per library. 

(619) 941-0925 information, 

(619) 727-1015 anytime order machine 

Have credit card ready! 

P.J.S. Co. AMEX 

993 S. Sante Fe "C" ^gF 
Vista, CA 92083 



C LANGUAGE 
PROGRAMMERS 

c -systems 
C COMPILER 
c- window™ 

The complete c language source level 

program testing and debugging tool. 

• Single step by c source line. 

• Set breakpoints at line numbers. 

• Display and alter variables by symbol 
name, using c expression syntax. 

• No more printf or assembler level 
debugging! 

c-Mfindow™ is a support package for 
the c-ftyBtams C COMPILER for 

8O86/8O88 based systems. 



Contact: 
c-systems 

P.O. Box 3253 

TM c-systems 



Fullerton, CA 92634 
714-637-5362 



Circle 381 on inquiry card. 



Circle 288 on inquiry card. 



I SEE OUR CATALOG FOR 8 DISKETTES 



SAVE UP TO 50% 
5'A DISKETTES 

SPECIFY SOFT. 10 or 16 SECTORS 




wabash 


S/10 


S/50 


S/100 


SSDD(M13A411X) 
OSDD (M14A411X) 
DSOD-96TPI (M 16A41 1X) 

control data 


21.00 
2900 
4300 


10250 
142.50 
209,00 


199.00 
279.00 
410.00 








SSDDICDC1 242-00) 
DSDD (CDC 1244-00) 

3M scotch 


22.00 

30.50 


106.00 
147.00 


210.00 
290.00 


SSDDOM 744O0) 
DSDD (3M 7450) 
DSDD-96TPI (3M-747-0) 

verbatim 


22.00 

31 00 
45.00 


109.00 
15000 
21200 


213.00 
295.00 
399.00 



SSDDIMD5250D 
DSDDIMDS5O01) 
DSDD-96TPUMDS57 01I 

e maxell 

SSDD(MAX-MD-IM) 
DSDD(MAX-flD2-DM) 
DSDD-96TPI (M02-DDM) 

• dysan 

SSDDIDYS 104-10) 
DSDD (DVS 104-2D) 
DSDD-96TPI (DYS 204-2D) 



25 20 
3650 
4580 



124 00 245.00 
180 00 355.00 
226 00 448.00 



2650 

38 00 
43.00 



13000 25500 
185 00 360 00 
21000 41000 



35.00 

41 00 
48 50 



17200 34000 
20000 395.00 
240.00 475.00 



CALL TOLL FREE 800824-7888 

(VISA. M.C, C.O.D. ORDERS ONLY OPERATOR 906 
7 DAYS A WEEK 



fteattvi ty Unlimited 



• CHECKS. MO. VISA. M C. 
- ADD S200 SHIP/ORDER 

• CA RESIDENTS ADD 
6=0 SALES TAX 

• SURCHARGE ON ORDERS 
SHIPPED OUTSIDE USA 



1741 SARATOGA AVE.. 
SAN JOSE. CA 95129 
(408) 252-4210 



201 



M-F. B:0O AM TO 5:00 PM \^r y 
FOR NEXT DAY RESPONSE f ^>VkX 

DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED 



Circle 118 on inquiry card. 



CP/M CROSS 

SOFTWARE 

for the NS16000 



INCLUDES: 

* Cross Assembler * 
* Cross Linker * 

* Debugger * 

* Librarian * 

* Pascal Cross Compiler * 

Prices start at 
$500 for Assembler only. 



SOLUTIONWAKE 

CORPORATION 

1283 Mt. View-Alviso Rd. 

Suite B 

Sunnyvale, CA 94086 

408/745-7818 



f 

of looking for reliable 
Source of Supply? 

WMMWW 

from Looking??? 

about 
QUALITY?? 

DISKETTES + 
RIBBONS + 
ACCESSORIES 

Call Bob Kelly Now. . . 
Kelly Computer Supplies 

1811 Carl St. • St. Paul, MN 551 1 3 

Toll Free ... 800 - 447 - 2929 

MN Res. Call Collect. . .612/644-9030 

3M SCOTCH DISKETTES 




Circle 209 on inquiry card. 



Scotch Diskettes 

Rely on Scotch* diskettes to keep your valu- 
able data safe. Dependable Scotch diskettes 
are tested and guaranteed error-free. The low 
abrasivity saves your read/write heads. 
They're compatible with most diskette drives. 




(800)235-4137 



Dealer Inquiries 
invited 




San Luti Obispo i.'fi 
1340I InCal call 
iWK 1IVJ2-V* IS.., 

(WiSiS-h-iim: 




FOR YOUR APPLE, 



RADIO SHACK 
IBM PC, 
OSBORNE ETC. 



D1SKETTES-5V4 IN. 

3M MEMOREX 

SSDD $2.10Ea./50 $2.10 Ea./100 

DSDD $2.85Ea./50 $2.85 Ea./ 100 

HARD DISC SUBSYSTEMS 

5MB 10MB 15MB 

APPLE $1,250. $1,500. $1,700. 

IBM $1,300. $1,550. $1,750. 

PRINTERS 

FACIT 4510 P AND S $450. Ea. 

PROWRITER 8510 P $395. Ea. 

PROWRITER 1550 P $695. Ea. 

TRANSTAR 315 $515. Ea. 

We carry Daisy Wheel Printers, Floppy Disc Drives. 
Monitors, Terminals, Expansion Boards, Software, 
Ribbons, Printwheels, Etc. 



i\lct-Cliciii i 

Met-Chem International Corpora^.. 

291 1 Dixwell Avenue. Hamden. Conn. 06518 

Phone: (203) 248-3212 or 1 -800-638-2436 



Circle 240 on inquiry card. 



DISK DRIVES 

(For PC, Mod I, III & IV) 

Tandon TM55-2 $229 

Tandon TM100-1 $1 75 

Tandon TM100-2 $229 

Tandon TM1 1 -4 $31 5 

CDC 9409 $239 

Case and PS $ 45 

PC EXPANSIONS 

MAYNARD 

Disk Controller $162 

Sandstar Series call 

QUADRAM 

Quad board (64K) $269 

AST 

Six Pak Plus: 64K SPC $269 

Mega Plus: 64K & SC $269 

I/O Plus (SC) $114 

2nd S or P or Game $ 35 

64K CHIPS 

Set of nine $ 55 

EPSON 

RX80. FX80, FX1 00 call 

VLM Computer Electronics 

10 Park Place • Morristown, NJ 07960 
(201) 267-3268 Visa, MC, Check or COD. 






Circle 334 on inquiry card. 



Circle 278 on inquiry card. 



MORE THAN 7 REASONS 

MINIMUM SHIPPING $3.00 • NO SURCHARGE ON VISA/MASTERCARD 



TOLL FREE 1-800-545-2633 -Continental U.S. 



DISK DRIVES 



DISK DRIVE CABINETS DISK SUB ASSEMBLY 



SHUGART 

5V4" SA400(35 TR) 160K 150.00 

5V«" SA400L(40TR) 190 K 189.00 

5V* " SA455L (40 TR) 320 K V* HGT . . 235.00 

8" SA601 R(SS/DD) 600 K 355.00 

8" SA851R(DS/DD) 1.2 MG 479.00 

QUME 

5V." 142(40TR) 320 K Vi HGT 239.00 

8"DT8(842) 490.00 

MITSUBISHI 

5 1 /." M-4853 V 2 size 410.00 

96 TPI same as TM KXM 

M-289-63(DS/DD)220V 449.00 

8" M-289&63 399.00 

Thinline 8" DS/DD 7.2 MG 

8" M-2894-63(110V) 389.00 

STD 8" DS/DD 1.2 MG 



AC SURGE ELIMINATORS 



Grizzly (200W) uninterruptible power 

system + surge protection . . 750.00 
Grizzly (500W) uninterruptible power 

system + surge protection . 1,802.00 
Hawk AC power monitor w/surge 

protection 160.41 

Lemon (6AC outlets-3 prong) 44.00 

Lime (5'-3 prong pwr cord w/on-off 

switch 69.00 

Orange-AC surge + EMI filter (6 

outlets) 95.00 

Peach (3 outlets) AC surge/ 

EMI filter 69.00 

8"DSC 88-2SKT-for 2-8" drvs 

w/skt. conn 20.00 

5y« r, DSC55-2SKT-for 1-5%" 

dvs w/skt. conn 20.00 

RS232MM-5" (male to male) 19.00 

IBM to PAR 32.00 

Osborne to PAR 32.00 

Kaypro to PAR 32.00 

OKI-Data Serial 24.00 

QUV-TB/1 H (hobby) 49.95 

QUV-T8/2I (Industrial version) 68.95 

QUV-T8/2P (w/timer & safety switch) 97.50 



CDC 

5V«" 9409-DS/DD 225.00 

TANDON 

5V4 M TM100-1 SS/DD 160K 150.00 

5V«" TM10O2A FOR IBM-PC . . . 225.00 
DS/DD (320 K) 

TM101-4 (96 TPI Quad Den) 339.00 

8"' TM848 2 (DS/DD) 1.2 MG 400.00 

SIEMAN'S 

8" FD10O€ (SS/DD) 110V^301 R). . . . \169.00 

8" FD10O8 (SS/DD) 220V\Compatible/l99.00 

MPI 

5V«" B-51 40TR SS/DD 180 K 145.00 



CONNECTORS 



RS232 Connectors 

SOLDER TYPE 

DB25P 2.50 

DB25S 3.00 

DB25Hood 1.00 

S-100 Connectors 10 for 25.00 

DE9P 2.00 



8" CABINETS 

8" DDC88V28 w/PS vertical 

for2-8" drives 269.00 

8" DDC88T-1 w/PS vertical-for 2 

or 4-8" thinline drives 269.00 

8" DDC88T-2 w/PS vertical for 2 

8" thinline drives 200.00 

8" DDC8H w/PS horizontal for 

1 ea. 8" drive 249.00 

8" DDC8V w/PS vertical for 1 

8" drive 249.00 

8" DDC88H w/PS horizontal 

for 2-8" drives 289.00 

5 %" CABINETS 

5V«" DDC5H w/PS horizontal-for 
1-5 %" drive 55.00 

5V«" DDC5V w/PS vertical-for 
1 ea.5V*" drive 65.00 

5V«" DDC55V w/PS vertical-for 
2-5V4 drives 65.00 



MODEMS 



DISKETTES 



5% 



Soft Sector SS/DD 18.00/10 

FOR APPLE, ETC. 

5 V* " Soft Sector DS/DD 24.00/10 

FOR IBM PC & PARTNERS 
FOR QTY OF 100 
(15% DISCOUNT) 



Diskettes are 3m media/processed, 

packaged and certified by CENTECH. 

Lifetime 

warranty— 5 colors In each pkg. (Red, 

Yellow, Blue, Green, Brown) 

5V4" Sgl side/dbl den 22.00V10 

5V« " Dbl side/dbl den 29.00/10 

5 V*" 10 sector 24.00V10 

5V«" 16 sector 24.00V10 

8" Sgl side/dbl den 30.00/10 

8" Dbl side/dbl den 40.00/10 



MAXELL 

Sgl. side/dbl. den 24.00 

Dbl. side/dbl. den 36.00 

Dbl. side/quad den 45.00 

MEMOREX CALL 

TDK CALL 



DISKETTE STORAGE 



AA-5V4 (Holds 82 Disks) 17.00 

AA3 (Holds 82 Disks) 26.00 

Smoked Plexiglass Disk Tubs 

LIBRARY CASES 
CAS-5V*" Colors Available; color burst asst.. 2.50 

CAS 8" . beige, black, blue. reo". gray 3.00 

Color Burst (Pack of 5) 1ZO0 

FLIP "N" FILE 
Flip ,, N"File25-5y4"(holds25)w/lock .21.00 

50-5% (holds 50) w/lock 27.95 
Flip "N" File "Original-5" (holds 50) ... 21 .00 
Flip "N" File "Original 8" (holds 50) . . . 29.95 



OUR BEST BUY'S 

6" SUB ASSEMBLY 

DDS + O 2EA SS/DD Siemens FD100-8 

Drives w/Cabinet 595.00 

DDS +2 2EA DS/DD Mitsubishi 

M2894-63 w/cabinet 1,075.00 

DDS +4 2EA DS/DD 8" Thinline 

Drives w/Cabinet 1,150.00 

Specify— Vertical or Horizontal Cabinet 

5%" SUB ASSEMBLY 

DDS + 5 1 EA SS/DD Disk Drive 200.00 

DDS + 6 2EA SS/DD Disk Drive 369.00 

* Hayes Smart 300 199.00 

* Hayes Smart 1200 425.00 

Multi-Tech MT212 AD (1200/300) .... 475.00 
Novation J-Cat 300 109j00 

U.S. Robotics 21 2A Auto Dial 468.00 

it U.S. Robotics (300/1 200) Password .. 375.00 



VIDEO DISPLAY MONITORS 



AMBER 

Dynax AM121 (20 MHZ) Hi-Res/80 Col/12" 139.00 

USI PI-4 (20 M HZ) Hi-Res/80 Col/9" 139.00 

USI PI-3 (20 MHZ) Hi-Res/80 Col/12" 149.00 

Zenith ZM122 (18 MHZ) HI-Res/80 Col/12" . 119.00 

COLOR 

Amdekl-12"Composite(ForApple) 259.00 

Amdekll-12"-RGB (For IBM-PC) w/audio. . 429.00 

Amdek I + Composite w/audlo 275.00 

^Princeton HX-12-RGB (For IBM-PC) 469.00 

Sakata SC-100-13" Composite (For All). . . 260.00 
Sakata SC-?00 RGB (For All) 489.00 

GREEN 

BMC 12AU (15 MHZ) 80 Col/12" 80.00 

Dynax GM 120 (20 MHZ) Hi-Res/80 

Col/12" 129.00 

Sanyo DM 2112(15 MHZ) 64 Col/12" 80.00 

SakataSC-1000 (18 MHZ) 80 Col/12" 119.00 

USI PI-1 (20 MHZ) Hi-Res/9" 129.00 

USI PI-2(20 MHZ) Hi-Res/12" 139.00 



S-100 PRODUCTS 



CARD CAGES/MOTHER BOARDS 



"/£££- 696- No termination required 

w/card bare card 



Slots Bare Bd 


A + T cage cage 


4 15.00 


40.00 60.00 20.00 


6 20.00 


46.00 70.00 22.00 


8 25.00 


69.00 100.00 31.00 


12 30.00 


99.00 140.00 41.00 


18 45.00 


150.00 200.00 50.00 


22 60.00 


165.00 — 75.00 


All card cages 


will accommodate a 4" fan 


Add $20.00 for 1 fan-Add $30.00 for 2 fans 



CLOCK/CALENDAR 



S-100*Time in hrs., min., sec.«AM/PM or 
Military Format«Date in Mo.. Day. Yr., 
Day of Week & Leap Year recognition^ 
hard interrupts (1024 Hz. 1 Hz. 1 min. 1 
hr)«On board battery (will last 14 mos. 
w/no power on) 

QTC-CCS-BB (S-100) 45.00 

QTC-CCS-A (A + T) for S-100 95.00 



MAINFRAMES 



For 2 Standard 8" Drives 

MF + DD6 (6 slot M/B) 575.00 

MF + DD8 (8 slot M/B) 625.00 

MF + DD12(12 slot M/B) 675.00 

* li 

For 2 Thinline 8" Drives fQh^ 
IMF + DD6F 300.00 

For 2-5 V*" Disk Drives 

MF + MD12 (12 slot M/B) 560.00 

Standard Plain Front 

MF + 12 (12 slot M/B) 499.00 

MF + 22 (22 slot M/B) 550.00 

All mainframes except IMF + DD6F have EMI filter, 2 AC outlets. 15 
ea. DB25, 2 ea. 50 pin, 2 ea. 34 pin, 1 ea. Centronic cutouts, power 
supply for 8" MF ( - 5V1A/ + 5V6A/ + 8V16A/ ± 16V3A/ + 24V6A) 



SIERRA DATA 



COMPUTIME/QT BARE BOARD SET 



PN-2048 Best Bare Board Set Available 

QTC-SBC 2/4 CPU (SBC 880) 

QTC-EXP + III 256K (CT256) Memory bd./ 

Expandable to 1MG 
QTC-FDC 5/8 Floppy disk controller 



\ Circle 172 on inquiry card. 

CUSTOMER SERVICE 

CLAIRE 

1-801-972-2739 



Bare Board Set $150.00 

1) Includes manuals & assembly instructions 

2) Parts available 

3) Monitor & B10S available. Add $30.00. 



SDS-SBC-100-Z80 (4mhz) master 2 

serial 2 par/floppy control ler/64k 

ram $655.00 

SDS-SBC-100S4mhs slave/2 serial 2 

par/64k ram $565.00 

SDSZSIO/4-4 serial port I/O 

bd $250.00 

SDS-MUX-RS232 multiplexer 

bd $235.00 

SDS-HDI-M-Hard disk bd for 

micropolis $129.00 

SDS-CPM/B105 cp/m for SBC100 

w/BIOS $150.00 

SDS-Turbodos-Multiuser for master & 

slaves $645.00 

20 Slot MB 225.00 

CPU 8085/88 349.00 

CPU 8086/8087 550.00 

Disk I 399.00 

CPM 2.2 for Disk I 150.00 

Disk II 610.00 

Ram16-64K 339.00 

Ram17-64K 329.00 

Ram21-128K 650.00 

Interfacer 1 198.00 



CPU/MEM/I/O 



QTC-SBC 2/4 BB (SBC880) . . . $50.00 
QTC-SBC 2/4 A A + T 

(SBC880) $265.00 

QTC-Z + 80 B9 (BIG Z) $28.00 

DYNAMIC (64K/256K or 1 MEG) 
QTC-EXP + III Bare Bd. (CT256) $75.00 
QTC-EXP + III 64K A + T 

(CT256) $375.00 

QTC-I/O + BB 2 SER 2 

PAR A + T $75.00 

QTC-J/O +A + T $300.00 

QTC-ADA ADA Converter 

A+T $400.00 

QTC-Dual GPIB-488 IEEE 488 

Interface bd $795.00 

Interfacer 2 249.00 

Interfacer 3 515.00 

Interfacer 4 329.00 

System Support I 306.00 

Active Terminator 65.00 

Enclosure 2 (Desk) 725.00 

Enclosure 2 (Rack MT) 775.00 

CPU-Z 226.00 

M-Drlve H 1,229.00 

6 Slot MB 125.00 

12 Slot MB 155.00 

CPU 68K 510. 



v**- 



Computer Company, 



1-801-972-2717 



Retail Salefe 

123 East 200 South 

— Salt Lake City, Utah 841 1 1 

Retail Hours 

Monday-Friday 10 AM to 6 PM 

Saturday 10 £m to 5 PM " . 

Retail Phone — 364-0057 



TO BUY FROM YOUR 

CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS SAVE 6% SALES TAX 



8 YEARS (1976) EXPERIENCE IN COMPUTER MAIL ORDER BUSINESS 



PRINTERS 




ALPHACOM 

• FOR ATARI, COMMODORE 
orTI. 

• 40 or 80 COL 

• 80CPS 

• FULL CHARACTER SETS 

• GRAPHICS 

• LIGHT WT. 4 TO 6 LBS. 

• FRICTION FEED 

ALPHACOM 42(4OcoDw/lnt0rfac8 89.00 

ALPHACOM 81 (80 cof) w/lntert see 148.00 

40 COL PAPER (per roll) ZfiO 

80 COL. PAPER (per roll) 4.50 

BROTHER 

HR-1A 17CPS Daisywheel 3K Buff 575.00 

HR-1A 17 CPS Dalsywheei3K Buff 589.00 

HR-25 

CENTRONICS 

351P-200CPS,Par100CPSCORR 1,795.00 

6085P-600CPS, Parw/cabinet 8,500.00 

6085S— 600CPS, Serial w/cabinet 7,000.00 

6085IBM-600CPS w/cablnet 7,500.00 

3583 or 4 Automatic cut sheet feeder 695.00 

DATA-SOUTH 

OS 180 160CPS/Serlal or Par/Tractor 1,400.00 

DAISYWRITER 

Daisywriter200CM8K Buffer/20T040CPS LTR/Par . . 1,095.00 

Daisywriter Cable 40.00 

DalsywriterTractor 140.00 

DIABLO 

620(25CPS/Serial) 920.00 

630(40CPS/Multi-IF) 1,790.00 

630 ECS/IBM 2,100.00 

DYNAX 

Dynax-15 Par-13CPS Daisywheel 

2 color PTG-3K buff 475.00 

Dyanx 15 Seriai-13CPS Daisywheel 525.00 

EPSON 

FX80 (160 CPS-Par 10") CALL 

FX100 (160 CPS-Par 15") CALL 

C, ITOH 

Pro-writer I (8510A) Par 120 CPS 350.00 

Pro writer I (8510A) Serial 120 CPS 529.00 



APPLE/FRANKLIN 

APPLE II E Starter— Includes CPU 1 F.D. Monitor and 

Stand 1,475.00 

FRANKLIN 1000w/color 799.00 

FRANKLIN 1200 Starter includes CPU 2 F.D. 80 col 1,825.00 
FRANKLIN 1200 OMS includes CPU-2 F.D. and bundled 
software 1,825.00 

IBM* PC TYPES 

COLUMBIA (1600-1) 16 bit 128K Ram 2 ea. 

320K Disk Drive-2 SER, 1 PAR, Key Bd. 8 slots, 

Display Cd., bundled software 2,775.00 

IBM P.C. 16 bit 64K Ram 2 ea. 320 K Disk Drive, 

Princeton HG12X-ColorCard 3,395.00 

EAGLE PC-2 16 bit 126K Ram 2 ea. 320K Disk 

Drive 12" Green (HH-Res) bundled software 2,650.00 

EAGLE PORTABLE 16 bit 128K Ram 1 F.D./10 MG HD/Green 

Screen MS-DOS 210 bundled software 4,000.00 

KAYPRO 

KAYPRO II w/bundled software 1,475.00 

KAYPRO 4 w/bundled software 1,875.00 

KAYPRO 10 w/bundled software 2,695.00 

(Trade-In Allowance S75 for SS/OO Drive) 

MOLECULAR SYSTEMS 

MICRO 1&8 16 bit (6086) CPU 1 ea. 8" F.D.-1 ea. 

10 MB HD— 64K Ram expands to 256K up to 8 

users w/addltlonal application processors— 

CP/M and CP/M 86 5,200.00 



Pro-writer II Parallel-15" 660.00 

8600 (180CPS) Paror Serial 18 PIN 90 CPS LTR . . . . 1,099.00 

F-1040CPS/Diablo/Par or Serial 1,125.00 

F-10 55CPS/Diablo/Par or Serial 1,425.00 

GENERAL ELECTRIC 

Demand Document Printers 
3400-400CPS Serlai/Tractor to 60 100 CPS CORR. 2,175.00 
3404-400CPS Serial/Tractor 100CPSCORR 2,459.00 

JUKI 

6100-18 CPS/Diablo Compatible Par/Daisywheel 569.00 

MANNESMAN-TALLY 

Spirit 80CPS Par 10" 330.00 

160L(160CPO40CPS LTR 10") 589.00 

180L(160CPS-40CPSLTR15") 829.00 

MPI 

MPI-Portable Sprlnter/160CPS/IBM PortMK Buff, up to 

64K 100 CPS CORR. Keyed avlb 795.00 

MPI-99G (9") Par 499.00 

MP1 150 Bl (15") Par2K Buff w/Graphics 875.00 

MP1 150 Al (15") Par4K Buff w/Graphlcs 799.00 

MP1 150 Al (15") Par 16K Buff w/Graphics 899.00 

NEC 

NEC201020CPS Serial Daisywheel 950.00 

NEC2015 20CPS Diablo Comp Daisywheel 950.00 

NEC2030 20CPS Par Daisywheel 950.00 

NEC2050 20CPS for IBM Daisywheel 1,050.00 

NEC351035CPS Par Daisywheel 1,595.00 

NEC3550 35CPS IBM 1,850.00 

NEC7710 55CPS Serial Daisywheel 1,995.00 

NEC7715 55CPS Diablo Comp Daisywheel 1,995.00 

NEC8023A 100CPS-Par-Graphlcs-10" 389.00 

NEC8025A 100CPS Par Graphics 15" 699.00 

Serial Card 139.00 

OLYMPIA 

Typewriter/Printer Daisywheel 14 CPS 649.00 

OKI-DATA 

2350— 350CPS 2 color tractor 2,195.00 

2410P 350CPS 2 color tractor 2,495.00 

Mlcrollne82A (SER & PAR-120CPS 10") 379.00 

Mlcrollne63A(SER & PAR-120CPS 15") 825.00 

Microline92(PAR-160CPS-LTR-10") 459.00 

Microline93(PAR-160CPS-LTR-15") 769.00 

Microline64P(PAR-200CPS-LTR-15") 969.00 

Mlcrollne 84S (SER-200CPS-LTR-15") 1,059.00 



SYSTEMS 



MICRO 15-8 16 bit (6086) CPU 1 ea. 8" F.D.-1 ea. 15 
MB HD— 64K Ram expands to 256K up to 8 users 
w/addltional application processors— 

CP/M and CPM 86 6,600.00 

AP8001-ASYNC/9600 BPS Application Processor . 589.00 
AP8003-ASYNC/19,200BPS Application Processor. 839.00 
AP8011-SYNC/50K BPS 1,079.00 

NEC 

PC8201A-Portable 2.4 MHZ CPU 16K Ram/Expands to 
64K-32K RAM LCD Display- Keybd (67 key-5 function) 
Modem, Serial and Par Port-FD and Cassette 

Interface— Uses 4 AA Batt— bundled software 660.00 

PC8201A-90-N1 Cad Pak 18.00 

PC6221A— Portable Printer 149.00 

PC6271A-02— AC Adapter 15.00 

S-100 

COMPUPRO 818A 4,125.00 

COMPUPR0818B 5,495.00 

COMPUPRO 818C 8,995.00 

TELEVIDEO 

TS-803 4 MHZ CPU-64K 2 ea. 360K F.D.- 
Graphics 12" green 1,900.00 

TS-1603 5 MHZ CPU-128K 2 ea. 360K F.D.- 
Graphics 12" Green CP/M 2,400.00 

TELETOTE 1 4 MHZ CPU 64K 1 ea. F.D. 9" Amber 
detach KYBD Par/Ser mouse port CP/M 1,350.00 



TOLL FREE 

1-800-545-2633 
CONTINENTAL U.S. 



Circle 173 on inquiry card. 



7AV 



Computer Company, 



1-801-972-2717 



PRINTER ACCESSORIES 



STAR MICRONICS 

Gemini 10X NEW VERSION (PAR-120CPS-10") CALL 

Gemini 15X (PAR-120CPS-15") CALL 

Gemini Delta 10 (Par-160CPS-10" 8K buffer serial) CALL 

SILVER REED 

EXP550P-17CPS Daisywheel-PAR 669.00 

EXP550S-17CPS Dalsywheel-Serial 680.00 

TOSHIBA 

P-1350(192CPS-120CPSLTR PAR or Serial) 1,499.00 

TRANSTAR 

120 P 14CPS ParDiabloComp 479.00 

315 Color Printer500CPS Par 489.00 

DIABLO 

Diablo 620-Uni-Direct Tractor 110.00 

Diablo 620-Sheet Feeder 720.00 

Diablo 630-BI-Direct Tractor 275.00 

Dlable 630-Tractor Sound Cover 29.00 

Diablo 630-SGL Sheet Feeder 775.00 

JUKI-6100 

Serial Interface 55.00 

Bi-DirTractor 120.00 

Uni-Dir Tractor 90.00 

MANNESMAN-TALLY 

Factory Quick Tear 230.00 

Auto Front Feed 1,150.00 

NEC 

Thimbles 20.00 

Vertical Tractor 219.00 

Horizontal 152.00 

Bl-Dir. Tractor 330.00 

Cut Sheet Feeder 1,100.00 

OKI-DATA 

84 Cut Sheet Feeder 515.00 

82/92 Tractor 55.00 

Serial Intf. w/2K Buff er(For 82A) 125.00 

Serial Intf. w/2K Buffer (For 92 & 93) 110.00 

Oklgraph I 82A or 83A Graphics ROM 40.00 

Oklgraph II 82A or 83A Disk for Apple 55.00 

STAR-MICRONICS 

Serial Intf. Bd 70.00 

Serial Intf. Bd w/2K Buffer 120.00 

Commodore 64 Intf. Bd 72.00 

TOSHIBA 

P-1350 Cut Sheet Feeder 800.00 

P-1350 Bl-Dir. Tractor 210.00 



TERMINALS 



ADDS 

Vlewpolnt-A1 (White) 509.00 

Vlewpoint-A2 (Green) 539.00 

Vlewpoint-3A + (Green) 509.00 

Viewpoint 60-Same as Televideo 925 715.00 

QUME 

QVT-10280Col. Green (910comp) 549.00 

QVT-102 80 Col. Amber 560.00 

QVT-103 80/132 Col. Green 885.00 

QVT-103 80/132 Col. Amber 895.00 

QVT-108 80/132 Col. Amber (925 Corp.) 715.00 

TELEVIDEO 

TV910 529.00 

TV910 + . 585.00 

TV925 w/2nd page memory 715.00 

TV950 w/2nd, 3rd, 4th page memory 925.00 

TV970 • 1,019.00 

RG1000/TV60 Graphics Upgrade for 925/950 ... 1,100.00 

WYSE 

WYSE-100 725.00 

WYSE-300 (Color) 1,125.00 



Mail Orders 

P.O. Box 3150 

Salt Lake City. Utah 84110 

Mail Orders 

Monday-Friday 8 AM to 6 PM 



(sometimes much fat 
Saturday 10 AM to 5 i 



COMPUTER SUPERMARKET 



OUR SALTIEST DEAL 



TRADE YOUR 5 1 / 4 " DRIVE 



SGL SIDE/DBL DEN FOR DBL SIDE/ 
DBL DEN DRIVE $75.00 ALLOWANCE 



DBL SIDE/DBL DEN FOR 2 EA 

(TM100-2) FOR 1/2 DBL SIDE/DBL 

DRIVES $175.00 ALLOWANCE 



IBM ACCESSORIES 



AST 

Six Pak Plus(Serial/Par/CLK 64K Expands to 384K) . . 289.00 

Meg-A-Plus(Serial/CLK/64K Expands to256K) 269.00 

Meg-A-Pak (Expands Meg-A-Plus to 512K) . 269.00 

I/O Plus(SP) 129.00 

PC-Net (with Shared User Software) 556.00 

PC-Net Starter Kit 1,192.00 

AST-5251 (Allows connection of IBM PC to System 

340036) 826.50 

MANY OTHER OPTIONS AVAILABLE. 

ASHTONTATE 

D-Base II 400.00 

Bottom Line Strategist 279.00 

Financial Planner 499.00 

Friday 189.00 

DOW JONES 

Dow Jones Invest/Evaluator 125.00 

D.C. HAYES 

Smartmodem 1200B-Smartcom 2 software included . 429.00 
Smartcom 2Telecomputive for 300/1200 on disk 89.00 

LOTUS DEVELOPMENT 

Lotus 1-2-3(on disk) 369.00 

KRAFT 

Joy Stick 47.50 

Paddle(pair) 37.00 

KEYTRONICS 

Enhance your PC-with a superior keyboard 210.00 

MAYNARD 

Floppy Controller 155.00 

Floppy Controller (Serial) 225.00 

Floppy Controller (PAR) 205.00 

Sandstar MOD FDC 
MODULAR (for 5 V*" or 8" drives) . . . 200.00 

ADD-ONS FOR Pararrel MOD 60.00 

SANDSTAR Serial-MOD 79.00 

MODFDC Clock Calendar MOD 89.00 

Game Adapter MOD 49.00 

Sandstar Multi-Function Bd (Holds up to 
6 modular add-ons 82.00 

PLANTRONICS COLOR PLUS 

Color + Color Display Card (16 colors) 395.00 

PRINCETON GRAPHICS 

PGSHX12-Hi-Res Color. The Best 469.00 

QUADRAM 

Quadlink— Allows Apple Software to be used in IBM 

PC HAS64K Ram-Game Port Display Gen-Disk 

Intf. w/software 520.00 

Quadboard 2— 64K Ram (expands to 256K) 2 Ser Port 

CLK and software 289.00 

Quadboard — 64K (expands to 256K) Par and Serial Por1 

CLK and software 289.00 

Quad 512 — 64 Ram (expands to 512K) Serial Port and 

software 259.00 

Quadchrome — Color Monitor 489.00 

Tilt Table 40.00 

Chronograph Clk/Calendar BD 79.00 

SHUGART DISK DRIVES 

SA455L-1/2 HGT320 KDS/DDw/BRACKETS 239.00 ea. 

440.00 for 2 ea. 

TANDON DISK DRIVES 

TM1002A320K DS/DD 225.00 

TM55 2 1/2 HGT 320 K DS/DD w/BRACKETS 249.00 ea. 

440.00 for 2 



APPLE/FRANKLIN ACCESSORIES 



ALS 

CPM 3.0 Card 289.00 

Z-Card II 139.00 

ASHTONTATE 

D-Base II 400.00 

ASTAR 

RF Modulator 19.00 

Fan, Clock, Cool Time. Surge Protector 60.00 

DOW JONES 

Dow Jones Invest/Evaluator 125.00 

GENERIC 

Z-80 Card (Emulates Micro-Soft) 99.00 

60 Col. Video (Videx Compatible) 99.00 

80 Col. Video w/Soft Switch 125.00 

Joy Stick 20.00 

E-Prom Writer 79.00 

Pararell Interface 49.00 

Pararell Interface w/Graphics 65.00 

16K Ram Card 40.00 

RF Modulator 13.00 

HAYES 

Joy Sticks 29.00 

Micro-Modem II 259.00 

Micro-Model II w/terminal package 279.00 

KENSINGTON 
System Saver/Fan & Surge Pro 75.00 

KOALA TECH 

Koala Gr/Tablet w/Software 99.00 

KRAFT 

Joystick for II E . 44.00 

LOTUS DEVELOPMENT 
Executive Briefing System 139.00 

MICRO-MAX 

View Max 60 (60 Col for II +) 139.00 

View Max 80E (80 Col W/64K Memory Exp to 128K) . . . 129.00 

MICROTEK 
Dumpling 64K/lnterface and Graphics 64K Buffer . . . 235.00 

Dumpling GX-P/Par Interface Card and Cable 99.00 

Parallel Interface Board (RV611C) 81.00 

BAM 16 (16K Add-on Memory) 45.00 

NOVATION 

Apple Cat II w/software 269.00 

212 Apple Cat 625.00 

Handset 29.00 

ORANGE MICRO 

Grappler + (Graphics Interface) 119.00 

Grappler + 16K (Buffer and 5 to 64K) 1 75.00 

Buffer Board 135.00 

PRINCETON GRAPHICS 

Interface Card allows use of HX12 Color Monitor 156.00 

QUADRAM 

RAM 80-80 Col64K card 119.00 

APIC— Par Intf. card 60.00 

APIC/G— Par Intf. w/Graphics 85.00 

CPI— 8" Cable (APIC to Cen. Printer) 34.00 

APIC III— Par Printer Intf. for Apple w/8' Cable 95.00 

TG PRODUCTS 

Joy Stick— For Apple II + 38.00 

Paddles 29.00 

Selecta Poi1 38.00 

VIDEX 

Ultraterm 279.00 

Videterm 199.00 

VISTA 

A800 Floppy Controller for 8" Drives 300.00 

A-800-1 Cable 27.00 



APPLE DISK DRIVES 



Vista Solo(35TR) 189.00 

Micro-Sci A-2(35TR) 225.00 

Micro-Sci A-40 (40TR) 269.00 

Micro-Sci A-70 (Quad) 329.00 

Micro Sci Controller 70.00 

Rana Elite I 249.00 

Rana Elite II 399.00 

Rana Elite III 509.00 

Rana Controller 85.00 

Super 5 "THINUNE" / size 163K 40TR 189.00 

Super 5 "THINLINE" Vi size 163K 40TR 
(TEAC DIRECT DRIVE) 225.00 

KRAFT Joy Stick 15.00 

PERCOM AT 88 SS/DD Disk Drive w/Printer Port .... 499.00 

RANA Rana 1000— SS/DD Disk Drive 379.00 

TRAK AT-D2 SS/DD Disk Drive 379.00 



COMMODORE 



STAR Star Gemini Interface to VIC 20 + CMD 64 ... . 85.00 

DOW JONES Dow Jones Invest/Evaluator 125.00 

KRAFT Joy Stick 15.00 

KOALA Koala GR/Tablet w/software 

(specify VIC20 or CMD64) 99.00 

Sprinter K (5MHZ Speed-up) 99.00 

K-Clock (Batt Backup Clk/Cal) 99.50 

Video Output BD-{allows use of video monitor) 125.00 

Kaypro II Upgrade Disk Drives (DS/DD) 239.00 

(Trade In Allowance $75 for SS/DD Drive) 

LOTUS 1-2-3 369.00 

QUADRAM TI64 64K Ram Card 206.00 

QUADRAM TI-92 192K Ram Card 319.00 



WESPER 



WIZARD BPO (Same as Grappler + 16K 

Specify Printer) 149.00 

WIZARD IPI (Same as Grappler + Specify Printer) 89.00 

WIZARD EBO (Internal Buffer for Epson) 109.00 

WIZARD 80 Col/64K For II E 139.00 

WIZARD 80 Col/ For II + 139.00 



ImmmcmU 

« TOLL FREE 


^yvAH-^ 


1-800-545-2633 ^ 
CONTINENTAL U.S. 


The Great Salt Lake ^ 

m Computer Company, lng;_^j 


Circle 173 on inquiry card. 


1-801-972-2717 



IBM UPGRADE 
KIT 

Includes 9 Ea. 4164-200NS 

For Expansion on all IBM 

Products with Parity 

$55.00/per set 



Retail Sales 

123 East 200 South 

— Salt Lake City, Utah 841 1 1 

Retail Hours 

Monday-Friday 10 AM to 6 PM 

Saturday 10 Am to 5 PM 

Retail Phone — 364-0057 




MICROPROCESSOR COMPONENTS W\ 



Digitalker 



CA3010H 
CA3039H 

CA3046f; 14 

CA3059N 14 

CA3060N 16 

CA3065E 14 

CA3080E 8 



CD40 
CD400T 
CD4002 
CD4006 
C04007 
CD40O9 
CD4010 
C04011 
CD4012 
CD4013 
CD4014 
CD4015 
CD4016 
C04017 
CD4018 
C040I9 
C04020 
CD4021 
CD4022 
C04023 
C04D24 
CD4025 
C04026 
CD4027 
CD4028 
CD4029 
CD403D 
C04034 
C04035 
^ (Mm In 



CA3081N 

CA30B2N IB 1.1 

CA3083N IB 1.4 

CA3086N 14 .6 

CA3089N IS 16 

CA3096N 16 _ 1.4 

I 

CD4040 16 

C04041 14 

C04042 16 

C04043 16 

CD4044 16 

CD4046 16 

C04047 14 

CD4048 16 

CD4049 16 

C04050 16 

CO4051 16 

C04052 16 

CD4053 16 

CD4056 16 

C04059 24 

C04060 16 

CD4066 14 

CD4068 14 

C04069 14 

CD4070 14 

CD4071 14 

CD4072 14 

C04073 14 

CD4075 14 

C04076 16 

CD4078 14 

CD4081 14 

C04082 14 

CD4093 14 



CA3130E 
CA3140E 
CA316QH 
CA3161E 
CA3I62E 
CA3189E 
CA3401N 



C04098 16 

C04S06 16 

CD4507 14 

CD4508 24 

C04510 16 

CD4511 16 

CD4512 16 

C04514 24 

C04515 24 

C04516 16 

C04518 16 

C04S19 16 

CD4520 16 

C04S26 16 

C04S28 16 

CD4529 16 

CD4543 16 

CD4562 14 

CD4566 16 

CD4S83 16 

CD4584 14 

CD4723 16 

C04724 16 

MC14409 16 

MC14410 16 

MC14411 24 

MC14412 16 

MC14419 16 

MC14433 24 

MC14S38 16 

MC14541 14 



MICROPROCESSOR CHIPS 

PiU No. "Pirn Function Mca 

COP1802 40 CPU S2.95 

MCS6502 40 MPU w/Clock 5.95 

MCS6502B 40 MPUw/Cicckat3MHz 9.95 

MCe«02CP 40 MPUw/CtockandRAM 7.95 

6809 40 CPU-8-bil(lntemal Clock) 1MH*.. .14.95 

IHS803SN-6 40 MPU-8-bit(6MHz) 5.95 

INS8039N 40 CPU-St;i . . .. Ram). 5,95 

1NS8040N-6 40 CPU (256 bytes RAM) 9.95 

INS8070N 40 CPJ (64 bytes RAM) 29.95 

INS8073N 40 CPU w/ Basic Micro Interpreter .29 95 

P8085A 40 CPU 4.95 

8066 40 CPU 16bi15MHz, 24.95 

6088 40 CPU8/16-bit 29 95 

8155 40 HMOS RAM I/O Port-Timer. 6 95 

8748 40 HMOSEPROMMPU 24.95 

Z80, Z80A, ZBOB, ZB000 SERIES 

Z80 40 CPU(MK3880N)(780C)2MH* . $3.95 

Z80-CTC 28 Counter Timer Cixuil 3.95 

280-OART 40 Dual Asynchronous Rec./ Trans . 10 95 

Z60DMA 40 Direct Memory Access Cir cud . 995 

280P10 40 Parallel I/O InterlaceConlroller 3.95 

Z8O-S10/D 40 Serial I/O (TxCB andRxCB Bonded) 12.95 

Z80S10/1 40 Seriall/0(lacksDTRB) 12.95 

Z8DS10/2 40 Seriall/OILacksSYNCB) 12 95 

Z80-S10/9 40 Serial I/O 12.95 

Z80A 40 CPu(MK3830N-4)(780Ct)4MHi 4.49 

Z80A-CTC 2B Courier Timer Crrcuil .4.95 

ZBOA-DART 40 Dual Asynchronous flee ./Trans 9.95 

Z80A-DMA 40 Direct Memory Access Circuit 12 95 

Z80A-P10 40 Parallell/O InterlaceConlroller 3.95 

Z80A-S10/0 40 Serial l/0(TxCBandRxCBbonded) . 1295 

Z80A-S10/1 40 Serial 1/0 (Lacks0TR8) 12.95 

Z80A-S10/2 40 Serial I/O (LacksSVNCB) 12.95 

Z80A-S10/9 40 Serial l/D 12.95 

Z80B 40 CPU{MK3880N-6)6MHz 9.95 

Z80B-CTC 28 Counter Timer Circuit 12.95 

280B-DART 40 OualAsynch. Receiver /Transmitter . .19 95 

Z80BP10 40 Parallel 1/OlnterlaceConlroJler 12 95 

Z8001 48 CPUSegmented 44.95 

Z8002 40 CPU Non-Segroenied .34.95 

Z8030 40 Serial Comm. Controller 44.95 

Z8036 40 Counter/Timer & Parallell/O Unit 29.95 

6500/6B00/6B000 SERIES 

MC6502A 40 MPU with clockand RAM (2MHz) 6.95 

MC6520 40 Peripheral inler. Adapter 4.95 

MC6800 40 MPU 2.95 

MC6802CP 40 MPU withclockandRAM 7.95 

MC6809E 40 CPU (1MHz) External (Locking) ..14.95 

MC6821 40 Peripheral Inter Adapt (MC6820) .2.95 

MC6B28 24 Priority Interrupt Controller .15.95 

MC6830L8 24 1024x8-bi1R0M ( MC68A30-8) 9 95 

MCS850 24 Asynchronous Comm Adapter 3.95 

MC6B52 24 Synchronous Serial OalaAdapler .5.75 

MC6860 24 0-GOObps Digital MOOEM . .7,95 

MC68000L8 64 MPU 16-Bit (8M Hz) 49 95 

MC68488P 40 General Purpose Int Adapter . .9.95 

MC68652P2 40 Multi Protocol Comm Controller, .. .24.95 

MC68661PH 28 Enhanced Pre gComm Inl g.95 

MCM68764 24 64K EPRDM (SDns) 24.95 

SY6522 40 Peripheral I nrir. Adapler . ...7.95 



INS8080A 

TMS5501 

INS8154 

8156 

INS82C06 

0P8212 

0P8214 

0P8216 

DP8224 

DP8226 

0P8228 

DP8238 

INS8243 

INS8245 

INS8246 

INS8247 

INS8248 

WS8250N 

DPB251 

0P8253 

DP8255 

DP8257 

DP8259 

DP8275 

OP8279 

DP8303 

DP8304 

DP8307 

DP8308 

DP8310 

8741 

8755 



-8080A SERIES- 



INS1771I 

FD1791 

FD1793 

FD1795 

FD1797 

6843P 



DS002SCN 

DS0026CN 

INS265I 

MC3470P 

MM58167AN 

MM58174AN 

C0P402N 

C0P402MN 

C0P470N 

IDM2909AJC 

MM5369EST 



40 CPU 

40 SynchronuisDatalnlertace<S)RC) 

40 128 Byte RAM 16-Bil I/O 

40 RAM with I/O Port and Timer 

20 Octal Flip FlopTriSlale (74C374) 

24 8-bit Input/Outpul (74S412) 

24 Priority Interrupt Control 

16 81-Oirecuonal Bus Driver 

16 ClockGeneiaior/Driver 

16 Bus Driver 

28 SystemCon!/BusDriver(74S428) 

28 SysleniController(74S438) 

24 t/0Expander1or48 Series 

18 16-Key Keytwar d E ncoder (74C922) 

20 20-Key Keyboard Encoder (74C923J . 

28 DisplayControiie/(74C911) 

28 Display Controller (74C912) 

40 Asyn. Comm. Element 

28 Prog. Comm. I/O (USART) 

24 Prog.lnlervalTimer . 

4D Prog. Peripheral I/O (PPI) 

40 Prog. OMAConlrol . . 

28 Prog. InlerruplContirjl 

40 Prog CRT Controller . 

40 Prog. Keyboarrj/Dlsptay Interlace 

20 8-Oit Tri- State Bi-Directional Trans 

20 8-bit fit-Directkma! Receiver 

20 8-btlBhO rectorial Recover 

20 8-bit Bi-Directioral Receiver . . 

20 Octal Latched Peripheral Orwer 

40 8-bilUniv, Peripheral Interface 

40 16KEPR0M with 

— DISK CONTROLLERS 

40 Single Density 

40 Single/DualDensity(lnv.) 

40 Single/Oou I e Density (True) 

40 DualDensity/SideSclrxtflnv) 

4D DualDensity/SideSdectTruc ... 

4D Floppy Disk Co (toiler ( i M Hz) 

— SPECIAL FUNCTION 

8 DnalMOS ClockOnver(SMZ) 

8 Dual MOS Clock 0rrw(5MZ) .. 

28 Communication Chip 

18 Floppy Disk Read Anip System 

24 Microprocessor Real TimeClock 

16 Micro. Compatible TimeClock 

40 Microcontroller w/64-digitR AM 

and Oirecl LED Orive 

40 Microprocessorw/64-d igil RAM 

& Direct LED Diivew/N Buss Inl 

20 32-segVACFInor Divr (20-pinpkg ) 

28 Microprocessor Sequencer 

8 Prog, Osdltaior/DrvHlerdOOlIz) 



Part No. -Pins DYNAMIC RAMS 



1103 18 1024x1 (300ns) 99 

4027 16 4096x1 (250ns) 2,49 

4116N-2 16 16,384x1 (150ns) 189-8/t4.95 

4116N-3 16 16.384x1 (200ns) 1.69-8/12.95 

4116N-4 16 16,384x1 (250ns) 149-8/10.95 

4164N-150 16 65.536x1 (150ns) 6.95-8/49.95 

4164M-200 16 65.536x1 (200ns) . 5.95-8/44 95 

MM5261 18 1024x1 (300ns) 49-8/1.95 

MM5262 22 2048x1 (365ns) 49 - 671 .95 

MM5270 18 4096x1 (250ns) MK4096 4.95 

MM5280 22 4096x1 (200ns)2107 3.95 

MM5290-2 16 16,384x1 (150ns) ... 189-8/14.95 

MM5290-3 16 16,384x1 (200ns) 1,69-8/12.95 

MM5290-4 16 16.384x1 (250ns) ... 149-8/10.95 

MM5298-3 16 8192x1 (200ns) 1.69 

STATIC RAMS 

1101 16 256x1 (650ns). t.49 

2101 22 256x4 (450ns) 8101 2.49 

2102 16 1024x1 (350ns) . 89 

21L02 16 1024x1 (450ns) LP 1.49 

21 11 18 256x4 (450ns) 8111 2 95 

2112 16 256x4 (450ns) MOS 1.95 

2114 1B 1024x4 (450ns] 1,49-8/9.95 

2114L 18 1024x4 (450ns) L.P. ... 1.95- 8/13.95 

2114? 13 1024x4 (200ns) . 1,75-8/11.95 

2114L-2 IB 1024x4 (200ns) L P 225-8/14.95 

2147 IB 4096x1 (70ns) . , .4.95 

2148 IB 1024x4 (70ns) 4.95 

TMS4045 IB 1024x4 (450ns) 3.95 

TMS40L47-45 20 1024x4 (460ns) 2 95 

5101 22 256x4 (450ns) CMOS . 2.95 

MM5257 IB 4096x1 (450ns)4044 4.95 

HM6116P-3 24 2048x8 ( 150ns) CMOS 5.95 

KM6116-4 24 2048x8 (200ns) CMOS 4.95 

HM6116LP-4 24 2048x8 (200ns) L.P CMOS 5.49 

HM6264P-15 28 8192x8 (150ns) CMOS . .-39.95 

27LS0O 16 256x1 (80ns) LP 9.95 

7489 16 16x4 (50ns) 3101 2.25 

74C920 22 256x4 (250ns) 3.95 

74C921 18 256x4 (250ns)CMOS ...3.95 



74C929 


16 


1024x1 


(250ns) CMOS (650!) 


3.95 


74C930 


ia 


1024x1 


(250ns) CMOS (6518) 


. 3 95 


74SI89 


IB 


16x4 


(35ns) 93405 . . 


.1.95 


IVX'in 


16 


256x1 


(80111)13410 


3.95 


74S206 


16 


:^6*i 


(60ns) 93411 


.3.95 


74S289 


lb 


16x4 


(35ns)3101 


.2.25 


82S10 


lb 


1024x1 


(50ns) OC. (93415) .. 


.3.95 


82S25 


lb 


16x4 


(50ns) C.(74S2B9) .. 


.,2.25 










1702A 


u 


256x8 


(1us) . 


.4.95 


2708 


?4 


1024x8 


(450ns) 


3.95 


2708-5 


/4 


1024x8 


(550ns) SM00246 


2.95 


TMS2516 


24 


2048x8 


|450ns)2716 


5,95 


r !,!:;;"..■(;• 


74 


4096x8 


(450ns) HMC2532 


6 95 




n 


8192x8 


(450ns). 


14 95 


TMS2716 


74 


2043x8 


(450ns)3vot1age 


. .9.95 


2716 


74 


2048x8 


(450ns) 


. 4.95 


2716-1 


74 


2048x8 


(350ns) 


. 5,95 


2716Q-D 


74 


2048x8 


(550ns) 


..4,49 


2732 


74 


4096x8 


(450ns) . . 


695 


2732A-3 


74 


4096x8 


(300ns) 


7.95 


273M-1 


74 


4096x8 


(450ns) 21V . . 


.6.95 


27320-1 


74 


4096x8 


(550ns) .. 


.5.95 


275BQ-A 


24 


1024xB 


(450ns) 


.2.95 


2764-4 


?fl 


8192x6 


(450nsi 


.9.95 


2764-3 




8192x8 


(300ns) 


14.95 


MM52040 


24 


512x8(1usi 


. 4 95 


MCMG87G4 


74 


8192x6 


(450ns) 


24.95 


27128 


?n 


16,384x8 (450ns) 128K EPROM 


59 95 


74 S IBS 


16 


32x8 


PROMO C (6330-1) . 


.1.49 


74S287 


IB 


256x4 


PROMTS (6301-1) 


. 1 .95 


74S288 


lb 


32x8 


PROMT S. (6331-1) . . 


.,1.95 


■MSililr" 


lb 


l-'I.fx-'. 


PROM OX. (0300-1) 


..1,95 


7454/1 


711 


256x8 


PROM T.S (6309-1). 


. .5 95 


74S472 


711 


IjK'xB 


PROMT S (6349-1) 


4,95 


74S473 


zt 


'ii;.s 


PROM OX (6348) 


495 


74 S 4 74 


74 


512*8 


PROMT S (DM87S296TJ 


.4,95 


74S4 75 


74 


512x8 


PROM OX. (63401 


. 4.95 


74S4 7C 


IB 


1024x4 


PROM T S 


695 


74S478 


24 


1024x8 


PROM T S 


895 


74S570 


16 


512x4 


PROM OC. (6305) 


2 95 


74S571 


16 


512x4 


PROM T S (63061 . 


2 95 


74S572 


11 


1024x4 


PROM OX (C352) .. . 


.4.95 


/•IS!,/.'! 


18 


1024x4 


PROM 1 S (82S137) 


.4.95 


: : . 


16 


32x8 


PIH1M0C (37S1B) 


2.95 


82S115 


i: 


512x8 


PROMTS (27S15) , 


9 95 


/•■;; 


16 


3^6 


PROMT S.(27S19) 


2 95 


B2Sl?6 


16 


256x4 


l'ROU ilC (27S20) . 


2.95 


t-rsi/'i 


16 


256x4 


PI'OM I S (27S21) 


295 


82S130 


16 


512x4 


PROM OX (27S12) 


395 


82S185 


If) 


2048x4 


PROMT S (TBP24S81) 


.9.95 


82S190 


24 


;e; ;i .h 


(80ns) 


14.95 


87S191 


24 


2048x8 


(80ns) 


14 95 


OM87S180N 


24 


1024x8 


PROM OX (82S1BO) 


9 95 


: 


74 


1024x8 


PROMTS (82S181) 


9.95 


DM673184N 


IB 


2048x4 


[428184] 


. 9 95 


\-,\Ml\\\<vS. 


IB 


2048x4 


PROM T.S. (82S1B5) . 


.9.95 


; ' ; . <■■■ 


24 


■■ I 


PROM OC.(82S 190) . 


.14.95 


OM87SIU1N 


24 


2048x8 

)ATAA 


PR0MTS.(82S191) .. 


.14.95 










0C10 


Mostek OC/DC Convert. + 5V to -9V . 


295 



MC3470P 18 Floppy Disk Read AMP System . 

MC1408L7 16 7-bitD/A Convener (DAC0807LCN) ... 1.49 

MC1408L8 IB 8-WTO/A Converter (DAC080BLCN) ...2 25 

ADCO803LCN 20 8-t)ilA/D Converter (* 1/2LSB) 4 95 

AOCOB04 20 8-bitA/D Convener (ILSB) ...3.49 

DAC0806 16 8-bitO/A Convener (0 78% tin ) . . 195 

ADC0809 28 8-bitA/D Convener (8-Ch.MulH ) . .4.49 

ADC08I7 40 8-bltA/D Convener (1C-Cli Multi ) ...9 95 

DAC10U11 24 !!iL-iil)/ACo'iv Micro Cornp (0 05%) 7.95 

DAC1008 20 10-btt D/A Conv Micro Comp. (0 20%) 6 95 

DAC10Z0 16 10-bd D/A Conv. (0.05% Lin.) 7.95 

DAC1022 16 10-bil D/A Conv (0.20% Lin ) 5.95 

DAC1222 18 12-bilD/ACoriv (0 20% Lin ) .6 95 

LM334Z Constant Current Source . 119 

LM335Z Temperature Transducer 

LM399H Temp Comp. Piec Rel ( 5ppm/C) 

AY-5.1013A 40 30K Baud Uarl -- 



LOW PROFILE 
(TIN) SOCKETS 

19 10-99 100-up 



B pin L 
14 pin L 
16 pin L 
IB pin U 

20 pin LI 
22 pin LI 
24 pin Li 

28 pin LI 
36 pin LI 



SOLDERTAIL (GOLD) 
STANDARD 

1-9 10-99 1 



8 plnSG 
14 pin SG 
16 pin SG 



18 pi 



SG 



24plnSG 
28 pin SG 
36plnSG 
40pinSG 



1 08 



ST 



WW 



(Tfl1602| 



SOLDERTAIL 
STANDARD (TIN) 

1-9 10-99 100-up 



75 



WIRE WRAP SOCKETS 
(GOLD) LEVEL #3 



16 pin WW 
1B pin WW 
20 pin WW 
22 pin WW 
24 pin WW 
28 pin WW 
36 pin WW 
40 pin WW 



1.B9 



1 69 
1-79 



$10.00 Minimum Order — U.S. Funds Only 
California Residents Add 6 Va % Sales Tax 
Shipping — Add 5% plus $1.50 Insurance 
Send S.A.S.E. for Monthly Sales Flyer! 



Spec Sheets — 30c each 
Send $1.00 Postage for your 
FREE 1984 JAMECO CATALOG 
Prices Subject to Change 




ELECTRONICS 



V/SA* 



DT1050 — Applications: Teaching aids, 
appliances, clocks, automotive, telecommunica- 
tions, language translations, etc. 

The DT1050 is a standard DIGITALKER kit encoded with 137 separate 
and useful words, 2 tones, and 5 different silence durations. The 
words and tones have bean assigned discrete addresses, making It 
possible to output single words or words concatenated Into phrases 
or even sentences. The "voice" output of the DT1050 Is a highly In- 
telligible male voice. Female and children's voices can be synthesiz- 
ed. The vocabulary Is chosen so that It is applicable to many pro- 
ducts and markets. 

The DT1G50 consists at a Speech Processor Chip, MM54104 (40-pin) 
and two (2) Speech ROMs MM52164SSR1 and MM52164SSR2 (24-pin) 
along with a Master Word list and a recommended schematic 
diagram on the application sheet. 

DT1050 Digitalker™ $34,95 ea. 

MM54104 Processor Chip , $14.95 ea . 

DT1 057 -Expands the DT1050 vocabulary from 137 to over 260 

words, includes 2 ROMs and specs. 

Part No. DT1057 $24.95 63. 

Part No. "Pins Function PjIm 

7045IPI 28 CMOS Precision Timer 14,95 

7045EWKtf 28 Stopwatch Chip, XTL 19.95 

7106CPL 40 3ViDigi!A/D(LCDDrivo) .....9.95 

FE0203D 3fe Digit LCD Display lor 7106 & 7116 19.95 

7106tV/Kif 40 IC. Circuit fioard. Display 34.95 

7107CPL 40 Vh Digit A/D (LEO Orrve) 11,95 

7107EV/Kif 40 IC. Circul Board, Display 29.95 

7116CPL 40 Vk Digit A/D LCD Dis HLO 1695 

7201IUS Low Battery Voll Indicator 2.25 

72051PG 24 CMOS LEO Stopwatch /Timer , 1295 

7205EV/Kif 24 Stopwatch Chip, XTL 14.95 

7206CJPE 16 Tone Generator 4 95 

7206CEV/Kif 16 Tone Generator Chip. XTL 7.95 

7207AIP0 14 Oscillator Controller ...5.95 

7207AEV/Kif 14 Freq. Counter Chip. XTL 7.95 

7215IPG 24 4Func CMOSSlopwatch CKT 13.95 

7215EV/KH" 24 4 Func. Stopwatch Chip. XTL 14.95 

7216AIJI 28 SDigilUnrv. CounlerC.A 29 95 

7216CIJI 28 8 Digit freq. Counter C. A 24.95 

72I60IPI 28 8 Digit Freq Counler C C 19.95 

7217IJI 28 4 Digit LED Up/Down Counter C A 10 95 

7217AIPI 28 4 Digit LED Up/Down Counter C.C 11.95 

7224IPL 40 LCD Vk Digit lip Counter DR1 10.95 

7226AIJL 40 8 Digit Univ Counter 29.95 

7226AEV/KH' 40 5 Function Counter Chip. XTL 74 95 

130009 1983 INTERSIL Data Book M356~j . . . .$9.951 



Scv. 74HC High Speed CMOS 



1355 SHOREWAY ROAD, BELMONT, CA 94002 
1/84 PHONE ORDERS WELCOME — (415) 5928097 Telex: 1 76043 



74HCO0 

74HC02 

74HC03 

74HC04 

74HCU04 

74HC08 

74HC10 

74HC11 

74HC14 

74HC20 

74HC27 

74HC32 

74HC42 

74HC51 

74HC58 

74HC73 

74HC74 

74HC75 

74H(76 

74HC85 

74HC86 

74HC107 

74HC109 

74HC112 

74HC113 

74HC132 

74HC137 

74HC138 



74HC139 


IS 


.99 


74HC147 


M 


1.19 


74HC151 


16 


.89 


74HCI53 


tfi 


.99 


74HC154 


74 


2.49 


74HCI57 


Ifi 


.89 


74HC158 


1fi 


.89 


74HC16D 


16 


1.29 


74HC161 


tl 


1.29 


74HC162 


1fi 


1.29 


74HC163 


Ifi 


1.29 


74HC164 


14 


129 


74HC165 


16 


2.79 


74HC173 


16 


1.69 


74HC174 


1R 


.99 


74HC175 


M 


99 


74HC192 


16 


1.39 


74HC193 


16 


1,39 


74HC194 


16 


1.09 


74HC195 


Ifi 


1.09 


74HC237 


N 


2.95 


74HC240 


71) 


1.95 


74HC241 


?n 


195 


74HC242 


14 


1.95 


74HC243 


14 


1.95 


74HC244 


?f) 


1.95 


74HC245 


20 


2.49 


74HCU04 is 


unbuffered 



74HC251 
74HC253 
74HC257 
74HC259 
74HC266 
74HC273 
74HC280 
74HC373 
74HC374 
74HC390 
74HC393 
74HC533 
74HC534 
74HC595 
74HC688 
74HC4002 
74HC4017 
74HC4020 
74HC4024 
74HC4040 
74HC4060 
74KC4075 
74HC4078 
74HC4511 
74HC4514 
74HC4538 
74HC4543 
All others 



14 


395 


20 


7 39 


20 


7 39 


16 


149 


14 


1 49 


70 


7 39 


20 


7 39 


16 


3 95 


20 


3 19 



24 3.79 
16 239 
16 349 

Duflered. 



'Programmable Array Logic (PALS) 



Part N 



PAL10H8 20 0ctan0-lnpulAN0DRGateArray(High Output) . . . 

PAL12U6 20 Hex 12-lnput AND-OR Gate Array (High Output} 

PAL14K4 20 0uadl4-lnputAND-0RGateArray(High Output) .... 

PAL10L8 20 Octal 10-lnpul ANO-OR-lnvert Gale Array (Low Oulput). 

PAL12L6 20 Hex 12-lnpu! ANO OR Invert Gate Array (Low Output) 

PAL14L4 20 OuarJ 1-t-lnputANDOR-lnvert Gate Array(LowOulpul) 

PAL16L8 20 0ctal16-lnpulAND-0R-lnvertGaleArray ... 

PAL16R8 2Q Octal i6-lnpui Register ANO-OR Gate Array 

PAL16R6 20 Hex 16-lnput Register AND-OR Gate Array 

PALI6R4 20 Quad 16-lnpul Register AfJO-OR Gate Array . . 



30012 1982 NATIONAL PAL Data Book (i76p). .$5.95 I 



74COO 
74C0? 

/JI.IM 
74C08 
74C10 
?;cn 
74C20 
74C3Q 
74C37 
;■:(;■:;' 

MC-Ui 

7AC,n 
/•h.:/4 

74CB5 

-■u:tit; 
?.:. i • 
i.\w. 
74C93 



74C95 
71C107 
74C151 
74C154 
74C157 
74C160 
74C161 
74C157 
74C163 
74C164 
,.tCi/;> 
74C174 
74C175 
74C192 

74C195 



74C221 
74C240 
74C244 
74C373 
74C374 
74C901 
74C903 
74C906 
74C911 
74C912 
74C915 
74C917 

74C923 
■ 
74C926 
80C95 
80C97 



1K171CP 8 

TL072CP 8 

TL074CN 14 

TL081CP 8 

TL082CP 8 

TL084CN 14 

LM301CN 8 

LM302H 

LM304H 

LM305H 

LM307CfJ B 

LM308CN 8 

LM309K 

LM310CN 8 

LM311CN 8 

LM312H 

LM317T 

LM317K 

LM318CN 8 

LM3t9N 14 

LM320K-5 

LM320K-12 

LM320K-15 

LM320T-5 

LM320T-12 

LM320MS 

LM323K 

LM324N 14 

LM337T 

LM338K 

Lf«39N 14 

LM340K-5 

LM340K-12 

LM340K-15 



LM340T-5 
LM340T-t2 
LM340T-15 
LF347N 1 
LM348N 1 
LM350K 
LF355N 
LF356N 
LM370N 1 
LM373N 1 
LM377N 1 
LM380N 1 
LM381N 1 
LM382N 1 
LM364N 1 
LM386N-3 
TL494CN 1 
TL496CP 
NE537V I 

NE544N 1. 
NE550A V 
NE555V I 

LM556N V 
NE564N 11 
LM565N V 
LM566CN I 
IM567V I 

NE570N II 
LM703CN 
LM709N 1 
LM710N 1 
LM711N 1 



LM723N 14 .55 

LM733N 14 1.00 

LM739N 14 1.95 

LM74ICN 8 .35 

LM747N 14 .69 

LM748N 8 59 

LM1310N 14 1.49 

LM1458CN 8 .59 

LMI488N 14 89 

LM1489N 14 .89 

LM1496N 14 1.95 

LM1800N 16 2.49 

LM1871N 18 2.95 

LMI872N 16 3.25 

LM1877N-9 14 2.49 

LM1889N 18 2.25 

LM1696N 14 2.95 

LM2002T 1.95 

LM3189N 16 1.59 

LM3900N 14 59 

LM3905CN 8 1.19 

LM3909N 8 .99 

LM3914N 18 2.95 

LM3915N IB 2.95 

LM3916N 18 2.95 

BC4136M 14 1.2S 

RC415SNB 8 1.95 

RC4194TK 4 49 

NE5532 B 2.49 

NE5534 8 1.69 

ICL803BB 14 3.95 

LM13080N 8 1.19 

LM13600N 16 1.19 
MORE AVAILABLE 



30003 1982Nat. Linear Data Book (1952 pgs) .$11.95, 



S3LL 



534 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 200 on inquiry card. 



r. 



VOICE SYNTHESIZER 
FOR APPLE AND COMMODORE 




• Over 250 word vocabulary -affixes allow the formation of mora 
than 500 words • Built-in amplifier, speaker, volume control, and 
audio jack • Recreates a clear, natural male voice • Plug-In user 
ready with documentation and sample software • Case size: 
VU'X x 3V«"W x 1-3/8-H 

APPLICATIONS; 
• Security Warning 



• Teaching 

• Instrumentation 



• Telecommunication 

• Handicap Aid 

• Games 

The JE520 VOICE SYNTHESIZER wlllplug right Intoyour compuUrand illow youto 
enhance almost any application. Utilising National Semiconductor's DIGlTALKER tm 
Speech Pioctsior 1C (with lour custom memory chips), the JE520 compresses 
natural speech Into digital memoiy. including the original inllecllons and emphases. 
The result Is an extremely clear, natural vocallzallon. 
Pari No. Descrlpllon Price 

JE520CM For Commodore 64 &VIC-20 $114.95 

JE520AP For Apple II. Il+,and//e $149.95 



Micro-Logic Corp. * %\ . %| ;fl * v - :* 
MICRO-CHARTS " *>* ; .v'lsW.l 

• Fully decoded data • Instant access • 2-sided, totally comprehensive » Compact 
B Vt x 1 1 in. durable credil card plastic • Perlecl lor programmers & engineers 

• Clear & concise fables for: lull instruction set, disassembly. ASCII, baseconver- 
sion. ellecl ot flags, compare vs. jump, interrupt structure, pinoul, cycle times, 
diagrams, bug notes. &much more... 

PARTNO, REFERENCE PRICE 

ML-Z80 Z80CPU $5.95 

ML-8080A 8080A/8085A $5.95 

ML-6502 6502 (65XX) $5.95 

ML-8048 8048, Relatives $5.95 

ML-7400 5400/7400 TTL Pin-Outs $5.95 

ML-ALGO Basic Algorithms $5.95 

BOOKS 

30001 NationalCMOSData Book (1981) S6.95 

(640 pages) 74C, CD4000. and AfD Converters 

30003 National Linear Data Book (1982) S11 .95 

(1376 pages) LM. LF, ADC, DAC, LH Series 

30008 National Memory Date Book(1980) S6.95 

(464 pages) RAMs, ROMs, PROMs. EPROMs Series 

30009 Intersil Data Book (1983) $9.95 

(1356 pages) Complete line. 

30010 National Audio/Radio Handbook (19B0) S5.95 

(240 pages) Pre-Amps, AM, FM & FM Stereo, Power Amps 

30012 National PAL Dala Book(19B2> JS.9S 

(176 pages) Application Notes, Linear Brlels, etc. 

30013 ZllogDataBook(19B3) S7.95 

(641 pages) Microprocessors and Support Chips 

210830 Intel Memory Components Handbook (1983) S14.95 

(798 pages) Contains all Application Notes, Article 
Reprints, Data Sheets, and other design information 
on Intel's RAMs. EPROMs, E'PROMs & Bubble Memories. 

210844 Intel Microprocessor & Peripheral Handbook(1983) $14.95 
(1027 pages) Contains Data Sheets on alt ol 
Intel's Microprocessors and Peripherals. 

4-D'igit Fluorescent Alarm Clock Kit 





• Bright 4-digit 0.5'high display • 10 minute snooze alarm 

• AM/PM Indicator • Automatic display dimmer 

The JET50 ClockKli Is a versatile 12-hour digital clock with 24-hour alarm. The clock 
tiasa brlglitO.5" high blue-green llaurescentdlsplay. The 24-hour alarm allows the 
onr to d aablethe alarm and immediately re-enable the alarm to activate 24 hours 
later. The kils Includes all documentation, components, case and watttranslormer. 
SIm: 6-5/B-L x 3'Vi"H x 1Y«"0. • 

JE750 Alarm Clock Kit $29.95 

J a me co Digital Thermometer Kit 
l4Utl.l'].IH1 
Dual sensors — switch 
controls lor indoor/outdoor 
or dual monitoring — can be 
extended to 500 feet. Con- 
tinuous LED .8" ht. display. 
Range: -40"F to 199"F, -40"C 
to 100"C. Accuracy ±1" 
nominal. Calibrate lor 
Fa hr en hei tf Celsius. 
-^ - " — : Simulated walnut case. AC 

I COnn (ton nc waM ada P ,er included. Size: 

JhoUU $oy.y5 6VLx3VHxiro. 

Universal Computer Keyboard Enclosures 

"OTE" BiankOesk-Top Enclosures 
are designedtoreasy modifica- 
tion. Highstrenglhepoxymolded 
end piecesln mochaOrown llnlsh. 
Slidlngrear/bollompaneilor service/ 

componenlaccess'. Top/boll, panels .080" 
thick alum, atodine type 1200 finish (gold lint 
color) lor best paint adhesion alter modification 
Vented top& boltompanels lor cooling efficiency, 
Rigidconstruction providesunlimited applications. 
■B.so — fc/ Assembly instructions included. 

DTE-B Pane\VfW1h7.5- $24.95 

DTE-11 Panel Width 10.13" $27.95 

DTE-14 Panel Width 13.5" $29.95 

OTE-20 Panel Width 19.25* $34.95 

W. DTE-22 Panel Width 21.375" $39.95 





CARD-EDGE 

CONNECTOR 

MiteiaHltdoubli-ildld 
1/16-PCboirdwitti 

10O"cinl«n 

c&tw CARO-EOGE CONNECTORS 

Conductor* 1-9 10-99 100 + 




SOLDER A 
TRANSITION - 
CONNECTORS 

FOR PERMANENT 

TERMINATION TO PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS 



36-Pin RIBBON 24-Pin 

CENTRONICS CONNECTORS IEEE488 



CENHM 
CfNHF 
CENJ4M 
CEN24F 
CEN36M 
CEN36F 



3E MlK 
36 Fimjli 



SOCKET 
CONNECIOR 

Milii with 2rowiol 



i" iq w dla poili A * m -■'?'■ 
Iltuni el .100" \fmSm. 



SOCKET CONNECTORS 



MALE CONNECTOR 





UB \ 


ir™ 




"A 


u-i 


§r 




^»Jp 


CONNE 


CTORS 


















Ho at 










Conticti/ 








Pan No 


Styrt 


1-9 


10-99 


100-. 


C0E9P 


9 Mile 


2 95 


2.65 


229 


CDE9S 




3 39 


3 09 


2 E9 


C0A1SP 


IS Mile 


3 95 


355 


3 09 


C0A15S 


15 Fimjle 


4 75 


i 19 


3 E9 


C0825P 


25 Mile 


5 49 


4 79 


4 25 


CD825S 


25 Female 


5 95 


5 49 


4B5 


C0C37P 


37 Mtle 


7 79 


6 95 


6 09 


CDG37S 


37 F mil! 


(95 


7 95 


6 95 



28AWG FLAT GREY CABLE 



CUSTOM ASSEMBLIES 



ACCESSORIES FOR APPLE* COMPUTERS 



Numeric/Auxiliary Keypad 
for APPLE lie* 




idem lor VisiCaif ' users TheJE6t4 Koypad Is housed inadurobis 
mem enclosure ana ,s color coordinated wilh youf APPLE lit 

Screen, Scroll Uc. Scroll Oo*n. Tab. Delete. Lell. flight. Up arx) Ogwn 
EacMKnylasaulo repeal 

JE614 AssemblscJand Tested S89.95 



Switching Power Supply 
for APPLE II, II+ and lie* 



• *pt,l«l,p. [I'ufl m 



Extended 80 Column/64K RAM 
Card for APPLE lie* 







JE864 Assembled andTasted $149.95 



Cooling Fan for APPLE II, 
ll+and/fe* 




POWER SUPPLY +5V0C @ 7.5 AMP, 12V0C @ 1.5 AMP SWITCHING 

Input: 115VAC, 50-60H7 <fr 3amp/230VAC. 50Hz 1.6amp. Fanvotl./power supply select swit- 
ches ( 115/230VAC). Output: 5V0C @ 7.6 amp, 1ZVDC @ 1.6 amp. 8 It. blk. pow. cord. 1 1 'ft'* W x 
13V0x 3VH, Wt. 6 lbs. 

Part No. PS94VDS $39.95 each 



POWER SUPPLY 4-Channel Switching - Apple Compatible 

Microprocessor, mlnl-compuier, terminal, medical equipment and process control applications. In- 
put: 9D-130VAC 47-440H2. Output: +5V0C @ 5A, -5VDC® 1A: +12VDC @ 1A, -12VDC@ 1A. 
Linereo.: ±0.2%. Ripple: 30mV p-p. Loadreg.: ±1%. Overcunent protection. Adj: 5 V main out- 
putitOS. 6-3/B-L x 1-7/B-W x 4-15/16'H. Wl. I.Vi lbs. 

Part No. FCS-604A S69.95 each 



$10.00 Minimum Order — U.S. Funds Only 
California Residents Add 6Vi% Sales Tax 
Shipping — Add 5% plus $1.50 Insurance 
Send S.A.S.E. for Monthly Sales Flyer! 



Spec Sheets — 30c each 
Send $1.00 Postage for your 
FREE 1984 JAMECO CATALOG 
Prices Subject to Change 



MasterCard 



mmmmm. 

lameco 



ELECTRONICS 






No 01 
Contacts/ 


Connoclor & 


Price 


Use Hie pan numbers Irom tne connectors and cable Id order your own 


P»r, No 


Conductors 


W.r.Typi 


Per Foot 


custom assembled cables 

EXAMPU llyoudesirea ?S loolcablewith a.ir 


3ie"Ceniromcs"con- 


171-9 


9 


28AWG Fill Sliandid 


19 


171.14 


14 


284.WG Fill Slnndtd 


25 






171-15 


15 


J8AW0FU! Stranded 


27 


CEN36M-25'-CEN36FClJST0M 




17M6 


16 






J6.69(C£N36M| ♦ 9 75 [CEN36F)= 


J18.44 


171-20 


20 


26HWC Fill Slnndid 


36 


.65 x 25|25lMl36conrj.coble)= . 


S16.25 


171-?* 


24 


2BAWG Fiji Stranded 


45 


2.00 S»lupDh»(i)e onillcuitwn cablet 


1 2.00 


171-25 


25 


28AWG Fill Stranded 


47 


Thli (CEN36M. 25' -CEN36F CUSTOM) Cable ero 


Id colt 136 69 


171-26 


26 


28AWG Fill Slrandtd 


.49 


P-ease speedy CUSTOM alter ihepan ne to 


ensure your order «il 
Xein FfJET. not inches) 


171- 34 


34 


28AWG FlatSlitndoit 


62 


b« tilled coffKiiy limoolant; Please specity a 


171-36 
171-37 


36 


2a»WGFta!SlianrJirj 


65 








171-40 


10 


2BAWG Fill Slnndid 


75 




WVu flfffinV U'rTT'JIi uili uAm 1 




17150 


H 


2BAWG Fiji Slntided 


89 




ifliitliiihi^iiiil^l'Lii'irHi'i! 


^ J|11 gjjj ™ 



1355 SHOREWAY ROAD, BELMONT, CA 94002 
1/84 PHONE ORDERS WELCOME — (415) 592-8097 Telex: 176043 



JE664 EPROM PROGRAMMER 

8K TO 64K EPROMS — 24 AND 28PIN PACKAGES 

• Programs, validates, and checks tor property erased EPROMs * Emulates PFIOMs 
or EPROMs • RS232C Computer Interlace lor editing/program loading • Loads data 
Into RAM by keyboard * Changes data In RAM by keyboard • Loads RAM (rem an 
EPROM • Compares EPROMs tor content ditlerences • Copies EPROMs • Power In- 
put: 115 VAC, 60Hz, -4 10W power consumption • Enclosure: Color-coordinated, 
tight Ian panels w/molded mocha brown end pieces • Size: 15-5/8"L x B'tY'O x 
3Vt"H • Wt.: 5* lbs. 

JE664-A EPROM Programmer $995.00 

AssemOled & Tesled (Includes JM16A Module) 

JE665 — RS232C INTERFACE OPTION — The JE665 RS232C interlace 
Option implements computer access to the JE664's RAM Sample soltwarewnllen in 
BASIC provided tor TRS-SO* Model I. Level II Computer. Baud rale 9600. Word 
Iglti: 8 Oils-odd parity. Stop hits: 2 Option maybe adaptedio older compulers The 
JE665 can be interlaced loany computer with an RS232 port. I ntormationlsalso pro- 
vided tor interlacing loany CP/M system wittian RS232 port. 

JE664-ARS EPROM Programmerw/JE665 Option 51195.00 

Assembled and Tesled (Includes JMi6AModule) 

EPROM JUMPER MODULES - The JE664 s JUMPER MODULE (Personality 
Module) is a plug-in Module Inai pre sels JE664 lo f proper programming pulses to 
Ihe EPROM & conligures EPROM socket conneclions lor lhal particular EPROM 

P/N EPROM EPROM MANUFACTURER PRICE 

JMOBA 2708 AMO.Motorola.Nalional. Intel. T1(25V) S14.95 

JMt6A 2716.TMS2516 Intel.Molorola.Nationai.NEC.TI, (25V) S14.95 

JM168 TMS2716 Molorola. Tl( + 5.-5. +12) S14.95 

JM32A TMS2532 Motorola. Tl (25V) . . S14.95 

JM32B 2732 AMD. Fujitsu. NEC. Hitachi. lnlel(25V) S14.95 

JM32C 2732A(2tV) Fujitsu. Intel (2tV) S14.95 

JM64A MCM6B764, 

MCM6BL764 Motorola (2tV) S14.95 

JM648 2764 lntet(2lV) 514.95 

JM64C TMS2564 TH25V) S14.95 



UV-EPROM Eraser 



8 Chips — 51 Minutes 




1 Chip — 37 Minutes 



Erases2708, 2716, 2732,2764, 2516, 2532,2564. Erases up to B chips 
within 51 minutes (1 chip In 37 minutes). Maintains constant exposure 
distance ol one Inch. Special conductive foam llnar eliminates sialic 
buildup. Built-in salety lock to prevent U V exposure. Compact — only 
9.00" x 3.70" x 2.60". Complete with holding tray tor 8 chips. 

DE-4 UV-EPROM Eraser . . . $ 79-95 
UVS-11EL Replacement Bulb ....$16.95 




5 1 /4" APPLE™ 
COMPATIBLE 
OISK DRIVE 

•Uses Shugart SA390 mechanics • I43K 
lormattod storage * 35 tracks — compatible 
with Apple controller • Complctewith connec- 
tor and cable — just plug into your disk con- 
troller card • Size: 6"L x 3V>"W x 
B-9/16"0 • Weight: 4V, lbs. 

PartNo.ADD-514 S195.95 



K FLOPPY DISK DRIVE 





• Shugart 801 R 
compatible 

• Single-Sided 

• 77 Tracks 

• 400/800K Bytes 
Capacity 

• Industry Standard 



The FDD10O8 8* Floppy Disk Drive (Industry Standard) features 
Single ordouble density. Recording mode: FM single, MFM double 
density. Transfer rate: 250K bits/sec. single density; 500K bits/sec. 
double density. The F00100-8 is designed to work with the single- 
sided soft sectored IBM Diskette I, or e<3. disk cartridge. Power: 
115VAC @ 50-60HZ, + 24VDC @ 1.7 amps max., + 5VDC © 1.2 amps 
max. Unit as pictured above (does not include case, power supply, or 
cables). Size: 8.55'W x 14"L x 4.5"H. Weighs 12 lbs. Incl. 96-pg. 
manual. 

FDD100-8 . .$1 69.95 ea. 



IBM MEMORY EXPANSION KIT 



SAVE HUNDREDS OF $$$ BY UPGRADING 
MEMORY BOARDS YOURSELF! 

Most ol the popular memoiy boards allow you to add an additional 
64K, 128K, 192K, or 2S6K. Tha IBM64K Kit will populate thase boards 
In 64K byte Increments. The kit is simple to Install — just insert the 
nine 64K RAM chips in the provided sockets and set the two groups 
ol switches. Directions ere included. 

IBM64K (Nine 200ns 64K RAMs) S49.95 



EXPAND YOUR MEMORY 



TRS-80to16K, 32K, or 48K 

"Model 1 = From 4K to 16K Requires (1) One Kit 
Model 3 = From 4K to 48K Requires (3) Three Kits 
Color s From 4K to 16K Requires (1) One Kit 

"Model 1 equipped with Expansion Board up to 4BKTwo Kits Required 
— One Kit Required lor each 16K of Expansion — 

TRS-16K3 *200ns for Color & Model III S12.95 

TRS-16K4 ^Ons for Model I S10.95 



TRS-80 Color 32K or 64K Conversion Kit 



Easy to install kit comes complete with 8 ea. 4164-2 (200ns) 6 
dynamic RAMs & conversion documentation. Converts TRS-BOcolor 
computers with E circuit boards, & all new color computers to 32K. 
Minor modifications ol 32Kmemory will allow the useol all the64K ol 
the dynamic RAM providing you have a FLEX DOS operatingsystom 

TRS-64K2 $44.95 



Circle 200 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 535 




TERMS: For shipping include 
$2.00 for UPS Ground or $3.00 
for UPS Blue Air. $10.00 mini- 
mum order. Bay Area and Los 
Angeles Counties add 6 1 /2% 
Sales Tax, other California resi- 
dents add 6% Sales Tax. We re- 
serve the right to limit quantities 
and substitute manufacturer. 
Prices subject to change without 
notice. 

VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE 

2100 De La Cruz Blvd. . 
Santa Clara, CA 95050 
(408) 988-0697 



I 





STATIC RAMS 




2101 


256x4 (450ns 




1.90 


5101 


256x4 450ns 


(cmos) 


3.90 


2102-1 


1024x1 


450ns 




.88 


2102L-4 


1024x1 


450ns 


(LP) 


.98 


2102L-2 


1024x1 


250ns 


1.45 


2111 


256x4 


450ns 




2.45 


2112 


256x4 


450ns 




2.95 


2114 


1024x4 1 450ns 




8/9.90 


2114-25 


1024 x4 250ns 




8/9.95 


2114L-4 


1024 x41450ns (LP) 


8/11.95 


2114L-3 


1024x4 (300ns 
1024 x 4 (200ns 


It?! 


6/12.45 


2114L-2 


8/12.95 


2147 


4096x1 (55ns) 
4096x1 (450ns) 


4.90 


TMS4044-4 


3.45 


TMS4044-3 


4096 x 1 (300ns) 


3.95 


TMS4044-2 


4096 x 1 (200ns 


4.45 


MK4118 


1024x8 (250ns) 


9.90 


TMM2O16-200 


2048x8 200ns) 


4.10 


TMM2016-150 


2048x8 (150ns 


4.90 


TMM2016-100 


2048 x 8 (100ns 


6.10 


HM6116-4 


2048x8 (200ns) (cmos) 


4.70 


HM6116-3 


2048 x 8 (150nsl (cmos) 


4.90 


HM6116-2 


2048 x 6 120ns cmos 


6.90 


HM6116LP-4 


2048 x 8 200ns (cmos (LP) 


5.90 


HM6116LP-3 


2048x8 150ns cmos LP 


6.90 


HM6116LP-2 


2048x8 (120ns| (cmosj(LP) 


9.95 


Z-6132 


4096x8 (300ns) (Qstat) 


33.95 


LP = Low Power Qstat = Quasi-Static 


DYNAMIC RAMS 




TMS4027 


4096x1 (250ns) 


1.95 


UPD411 


4096x1 300ns) 


2.95 


MM5280 


4096x1 (300ns) 


2.95 


MK4108 


6192x1 (200ns 


1.90 


MM5298 


6192 x 1 250ns 


1.80 


4116-300 


16364 x1300ns 


8/10.75 


4116-250 


16384 x1250ns 


8/10.95 


4116-200 


16384x1 (200ns) 


6/11.95 


4116-150 


16384 x11150ns) 


8/13.95 


4116-120 


16384 x1120ns 


8/28.95 


2118 


16384 xl(150ns (5v) 


4.90 


4164-200 


65536 x11200ns) I5vj 


5.90 


4164-150 


65536 x1( 150ns) (5v) 
5V = single 5 volt supply 

EPROMS 


6.90 


1702 


256x8 1US) 


4.45 


2706 


1024x8 


450ns) 


3.90 


2758 


1024X 8 


450ns) <5v) 


5.90 


2716 


2048x8 


450ns) 5v 


3.90 


2716-1 


2048x8 


350ns 5v 


5.90 


TMS2516 


2048x8 


450ns (5v) 


5.45 


TMS2716 


2048x8 


450ns 


7.90 


TMS2532 


4096x8 


450ns (5v) 


5.90 


2732 


4096x8 


450ns 5v 


4.90 


2732-250 


4096x8 


250ns) (5v| 


8.90 


2732-200 


4096x8 


200ns) (5v) 


10.95 


2764 


8192x8 


450ns (5v) 


9.90 


2764-250 


8192x8 


250ns) (5v 


13.95 


2764-200 


8192 x 8 


200ns (5v) 


23.95 


TMS2564 


8192 x 8 


450ns 5v) 


16.95 


MC68764 


8192x8 


450ns) 5v(24pin) 


38.95 


27128 


16384x81 


.all 


Call 




5v m Single 5 Volt Supply 






74LS00 




74LS00 


.23 74LS173 


.68 


74LS01 


.24 74LS174 


.54 


74LS02 


.24 74LS175 


.54 


74LS03 


.24 74LS181 


2.10 


74LS04 


.23 74LS189 


8.90 


74LS05 


.24 74LS190 


.88 


74LS08 


.27 74LS191 


.88 


74LS09 


.28 74LS192 


.78 


74LS10 


.24 74LS193 


.78 


74LS11 


.34 74LS194 


.68 


74LS12 


.34 74LS195 


.68 


74LS13 


.44 74LS198 


.78 


74LS14 


.58 74LS197 


.78 


74LS15 


.34 74LS221 


.88 


74LS20 


.24 74LS240 


.94 


74LS21 


.28 74LS241 


.98 


74LS22 


.24 74LS242 


.98 


74LS26 


.28 74LS243 


.98 


74LS27 


.28 74LS244 


1.25 


74LS28 


.34 74LS245 


1.45 


74LS30 


.24 74LS247 


.74 


74LS32 


.28 74LS248 


.98 


74LS33 


.54 74LS249 


.98 


74LS37 


.34 74LS251 


.58 


74LS38 


.34 74LS253 


.58 


74LS40 


.24 74LS257 


.58 


74LS42 


.48 74LS258 


.58 


74LS47 


.74 74LS259 


2.70 


74LS48 


.74 74LS280 


.58 


74LS49 


.74 74LS286 


.54 


74LS51 


.24 74LS273 


1.45 


74LS54 


.28 74LS275 


3.30 


74LS55 


.28 74LS279 


.48 


74LS63 


1.20 74LS280 


1.95 


74LS73 


.38 74LS283 


.68 


74LS74 


.34 74LS290 


.88 


74LS75 


.38 74LS293 


.88 


74LS76 


.38 74LS295 


.98 


74LS78 


.48 74LS298 


.88 


74LS83 


.59 74LS299 


1.70 


74LS85 


.88 74LS323 


3.45 


74LS86 


.38 74LS324 


1.70 


74LS90 


.54 74LS352 


1.25 


74LS91 


.88 74LS353 


1.25 , 



74LS92 .54 74LS363 1.30 

74LS93 .54 74LS364 1.90 

74LS95 .74 74LS365 .48 

74LS96 .88 74LS366 .48 

74LS107 .38 74LS367 .44 

74LS109 .38 74LS388 .44 

74LS112 .38 74LS373 1.35 

74LS113 .38 74LS374 1.35 

74LS114 .38 74LS377 1.35 

74LS122 .44 74LS378 1.13 

74LS123 .78 74LS379 1.30 

74LS124 2.85 74LS385 1.85 

74LS125 .48 74LS386 .44 

74LS126 .48 74LS390 1.15 

74LS132 .58 74LS393 1.15 

74LS133 .58 74LS395 1.15 

74LS136 .38 74LS399 1.45 

74LS137 .98 74LS424 2.90 

74LS138 .54 74LS447 .36 

74LS139 .54 74LS490 1.90 

74LS145 1.15 74LS624 3.95 

74LS147 2.45 74LS640 2.15 

74LS148 1.30 74LS645 2.15 

74LS151 .54 74LS668 1.65 

74LS153 .54 74LS669 1.85 

74LS154 1.85 74LS670 1.45 

74LS155 .68 74LS674 9.60 

74LS156 .68 74LS682 3.15 

74LS157 .64 74LS683 3.15 

74LS158 .58 74LS684 3.15 

74LS160 .68 74LS685 3.15 

74LS161 .64 74LS688 2.35 

74LS162 .68 74LS689 3.15 

74LS163 .64 74LS783 23.95 

74LS164 .88 81LS95 1.45 

74LS165 .94 81LS96 1.45 

74LS166 1.90 81LS97 1.45 

74LS168 1.70 81LS98 1.45 

74LS169 1.70 25LS2521 2.75 

74LS170 1.45 25LS2569 4.20 

6500 

1MHZ 

6502 4.90 

6504 6.90 

8505 8.90 

8507 9.90 

6520 4.30 

6522 7.90 

8532 9.90 

6545 21.50 

6551 10.85 

2 MHZ 

6502A 6.90 

8522A 9.90 

6532A 10.95 

6545A 26.95 

6551A 10.95 

3 MHZ 

6502B 13.95 

6800 

88000 58.95 

6800 3.90 

6802 7.90 

6808 12.90 

6809E 18.95 

6809 10.95 

6810 2.90 

8820 4.30 

6821 3.20 

6828 13.95 

6840 11.95 

6843 33.95 

6844 24.95 

6845 13.95 

6847 10.95 

6850 3.20 

6852 15.70 

6860 9.90 

8862 10.95 

6875 8.90 

8880 2.20 

6883 21.95 

68047 23.95 

68488 18.95 

6800 1MHZ 

68B00 9.95 

68B02 21.25 

68B09E 28.95 

68B09 28.95 

88B10 8.90 

68B21 6.90 

68B45 18.95 

68B50 5.90 

8000 

8035 5.90 

8039 6.90 

INS-8060 16.95 

INS-8073 23.95 

8080 3.90 

8085 5.90 

8085A-2 10.95 

8086 28.95 

8087 CALL 

8088 38.95 

8089 88.95 

8155 6.90 

8155-2 7.90 

8156 6.90 

8185 28.95 

8185-2 38.95 

8741 38.95 

8748 23.95 

8755 23.95 



536 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 137 on inquiry card. 



I 



8200 

8202 23.95 

8203 38.95 

8205 3.45 

8212 1.75 

8214 3.80 

8216 1.70 

8224 2.20 

8226 1.75 

8228 3.45 

8237 18.95 

8237-5 20.95 

8238 4.45 

8243 4.40 

8250 9.95 

8251 4.45 

8253 6.90 

8253-5 7.90 

8255 4.45 

8255-5 5.20 

8257 7.90 

8257-5 8.90 

8259 6.85 

8259-5 7.45 

8271 38.95 

8272 38.95 

8275 28.95 

8279 8.90 

8279-5 9.00 

8272 6.45 

8283 6.45 

8284 5.45 

8286 6.45 

8287 6.45 

8288 24.00 

6289 48.95 

Z-80 

2.5 Mhz 

Z80-CPU 3.90 

Z80-CTC 4.45 

Z80-DART 9.95 

Z80-DMA 13.95 

Z80-PIO 4.45 

Z80-SIO/0 15.95 

Z80-SIO/1 15.95 

Z80-SIO/2 15.95 

Z80-SJO/9 15.95 

4.0 Mhz 

Z80A-CPU 4.90 

Z80A-CTC 4.90 

Z80A-DART 10.95 

Z80A-DMA 15.95 

Z80A-PIO 4.90 

Z80A-S1O/0 15.95 

Z80A-SIO/1 15.95 

Z80A-SIO/2 15.95 

Z80A-SIO/9 15.95 

6.0 Mhz 

Z80B-CPU 12.95 

Z80B-CTC 12.95 

Z80B-PIO 12.95 

Z80B-DART 18.95 

ZILOG 

Z8132 33.95 

Z8871 38.95 

DISC CONTROLLERS 

1771 15.95 

1791 23.95 

1793 25.95 

1795 48.95 

1797 48.95 

2791 53.95 

2793 53.95 

2795 58.95 

2797 58.95 

6843 33.95 

8272 38.95 

UPD785 38.95 

MB8876 28.95 

MB8877 33.95 

1891 18.95 

2143 17.95 

UARTS 

AY3-1014 6.90 

AY5-1013 3.90 

AY3-1015 6.90 

PT-1472 9.90 

TR1802 3.90 

2350 9.90 

2651 8.90 

TMS6011 5.90 

IM6402 7.90 

IM6403 8.90 

INS8250 9.95 

INTERFACE 

8T26 1.54 

8T28 1.84 

8T95 88 

8T96 68 

8T97 88 

8T98 88 

DM8131 2.90 

DP6304 2.24 

DS8835 : 1.94 

DS8836 98 



I 



VOLTAGE REGULATORS 

7805T .74 7905T .84 

78M05C .34 7908T .84 

7808T .74 7912T .84 

7812T .74 7915T .84 

7815T .74 7924T .84 

78241 74 7905K t44 

7805K 1.34 7912K 1.44 

7812K 1.34 7915K 1.44 

7815K 1.34 7924K 1.44 

7824K 1.34 7gL05 JB 

78L05 .88 79L12 .78 

78L12 .88 79L15 .78 

78L15 - 88 LM323K 4.90 

78H05K 9.90 UA78S40 1.90 

78H12K 9.90 

C,T - TO-220 K - TO-3 L - TO-92 

DIP SWITCHES 

4 POSITION 84 

5 POSITION 89 

8POSITION 89 

7POSITION 94 

8 POSITION 94 

IC SOCKETS 

V99 100_ 

8 pin ST .12 .10 

14 plnST .14 .11 

16plnST .16 .12 

18 pin ST .19 .17 

20plnST .28 .26 

22plnST .29 .26 

24plnST .29 .26 

28plnST .39 .31 

40plnST .48 .38 

84 plnST 4.20 call 
ST - SOLDERTAIL 

8 pin WW .58 .48 

14 pin WW .88 .51 

16 pin WW .68 .57 

18 pin WW .98 .89 

20 pin WW 1.04 .97 

22 pin WW 1.34 1.23 

24 pin WW 1.44 1.30 

28 pin WW 1.64 1.44 

40plnWW 1.94 1.75 

WW » WIREWRAP 

16 pin ZIF 6.70 call 

24 pin ZIF 9.90 call 

28 pin ZIF 9.95 call 

ZIF - TEXTOOL (Zero Insertion Force) 

CRYSTALS 

32.768khz 1.90 

1.0 mhz 4.90 

1.8432 4.90 

2.0 3.90 

2.097152 3.90 

2.4576 3.90 

3.2768 3.90 

3.579535 3.90 

4.0 3.90 

5.0 3.90 

5.0688 3.90 

5.185 3.90 

5.7143 3.90 

6.0 3.90 

6.144 3.90 

6.5538 3.90 

8.0 3.90 

10.0 3.90 

10.738835 3.90 

14.31818 3.90 

15.0 3.90 

16.0 3.90 

17.430 3.90 

16.0 3.90 

18.432 3.90 

20.0 3.90 

22.1184 3.90 

32.0 3.90 

RESISTORS 

!* WATT 5* CARBON FILM ALL STANDARD VALUES 
FROM 1 OHM TO 70 MEG OHM 

50 PCS 1.25 

100 PCS 2.00 

1000 PCS 15.00 

APPLE ACCESSORIES 

80Column Card 129.95 

16 K Card 42.50 

Fan 38.95 

Power Supply 84.95 

RF Mod 24.95 

Joy Stick (Apple II) 29.95 

Paddles Apple 9.95 

Z80Card 129.95 

SCRG Switch-A-Slot 19.95 

Paddle Adapple 24.95 

Extend-A Slot 19.95 

Disk Drive 224.95 

Controller Card 69.95 



5V*" DISKETTES 
ATHANA OR NASHUA 

SSSD 18.95 

SSDD 22.95 

DSDD 27.95 

PERISOFT 

ACCESSORIES FOR APPLE II & lie 
ALL WITH 1 YEAR WARRANTY BY 

PRINTERLINK 

CENTRONICS 
PARALLEL INTERFACE 

• Simple to use — No configuring required 
• Use with any Centronics printer — EPSON, 

OKIDATA, etc. 

• Includes Cable & Manual 

$58°° 

MESSENGER 

SERIAL INTERFACE 

• Connects to any RS-232 serial device 

• 8 switch selectable drivers for printers, 

terminals and modems 

• Includes Cable & Manual 

$98°° 

TIMELINK 

REAL TIME CLOCK 

• Applications in file management, word 

processing, communications, etc. 
• Exclusive Alarm Clock feature 
• Battery recharges automatically 

$83°° 

NEW BUFFERLINK 

ADD-ON PRINTER BUFFER 
• No more waiting for printed output 

• Connects easily to any parallel interface 

• Expandable from 16K to 64K 

$138°° (16K) 

The Flip Sort™ 

The new Flip Sort™ has all the fine qualities of 
theoriginal Flip Sort™, withsome added bene- 
fits. Along with a new design, capacity has in- 
creased 50%, to hold 75 diskettes and the 
price is more reasonable than ever. $19.95 ea. 



The Flip Sort Plus™ 

The Fiip Sort Plus™ adds new dimensions to 
storage. Designed with similar elegant lines as 
the original Flip Sort™, in a transparent 
smoked acrylic. The Flip Sort Plus™ has a stor- 
age capacity of over 100 diskettes and has all 
the outstanding features you have come to ex- 
pect from the flip sort Family. 24.95 each 

DoKa 



Circle 137 on inquiry card. 



2100 De La Cruz Blvd. 
Santa Clara, CA 95050 

BYTE January 1984 537 



t^/lAEWVNCEDl 
T P^COMPUTER 
^\/mODUCTS 




COMPATIBLE 

DISK 
CONTROLLER 

o„.» $ 49 95 



IBM PC COMBO CARD 

MEMORY PLUS AT LOW PRICES! 

Now! "Multicard" expandable 

from 64-256K with 

(1) PARALLEL (1) SERIAL 

(1) CLOCK/CALENDAR 

$22900 



COEX64SPCwith64K 
COEX 256 SPC with 256K 



$ 399°° 



S-10064KcmosRAMCARD 




Unbelievable 
Price! 



'299 1 



100 

Assembled and Tested 



• ACP has sold over 1 000 of these IEEE compatible; 
low-priced, high-reliability 64K Static RAM Cards. 

• Single 5-Volt operation. 



SIEMEN'S SALE 




You can now purchase Shugart 
compatible 8" Disk Drives below your 

existing factory direct pricing! 
These Prices are the lowest ever published. 

•Siemen's SSDD FDD100-8. . $169.00 

Also, with purchase of Disk Drives 

you can buy the Vista V-1000 Dual Case 

with Power Supply and Cable 

for only $375.00 Regular Price $495.00 

Offer Limited! Factory Warranty 90 Daysl 
Shipped Immediately from Stock! 'OEM Quantities 



DOT MATRIX PRINTER 




COEX 80-FT 

v* 9x7 Dot Matrix, 80 CPS, Bi-Directional 

Printing 
* 2K Buffered Memory 
** 80. 96. 132 Columns. Graphics and 

Block Printing 
**» Selectable Char Pitch, Line Spacing 

and Feed 
COEX Interface Card to Apple $49.95 



ACP HAS D SK DR VES 



APPLE II COMPATIBLE 

Thin 
Line 
Drive ^ 



=■-$' 



'249 



00 




xj i^ 



TANDON 100-2 

PC Compatible • Double Sided 

$28goo 



TOSHIBA Half-High 

PC Compatible ■ Double Sided 

$24g00 




OTHER DR VES WE STOCK 



HARDWARE 



ASTMegaplus" Card L 

P/N MG064 (64K, S, C) 3 

•Comboplus" Card 

P/N MC-064SPC (64K. 3, P. C) 3 
•PC I/O Plua II- Card 

P/N I/O (C, S) 1 

• 'SIX PACK" 

P/N SP064SPC (64K, S, P. C) 
COEX Extender Card 
Prototype Card 
HERCULES 

Hercules Graphic Card 
MOUSE SYSTEMS Mouse for IBM 
MICROSOFT 

Mouse plus Multitool Word 
MAR 6 Slot Expansion Chassis 

for IBMPC'XT or Eagle etc 
ORCHID Hi-Res Graphics Adaptor 

PERSYST Spectrum (64-256K) 

P/N SP64. (64K. Clk. S. P) 
PLANTRONICS Color plus" Card 
QUADRAM Quadboard (64-258K) 

P/N Q64. 64K w/4 functions 3 

QuadUnk Apple Card 6 

Quadboard 64K 

Microfazer Print Buffer MP-64 
Ouadchrome (Hires RGB) 
RIXON PC212A Modem I/O 5 

SSM Transmodem 1200 
USI Multidisplay Card 
VISTA "Multicard"" (exp. 64-256K) 

P/N V-064 (64K. Clk. S. P) 3 

P/N V-256 (256K. Clk. S, P) 6 

•"Maxlcard"" (up to 576K) 

P/N V-576-64K 

P/N V-576-576K 
•"PC Master" (10 I/O) 4 

•"PC Extender" (up to 10 I/O) 2 

•"Dlskmasler" 2 

•8" Thlnllne Dual Floppy 
•V1200 6.2Mb Cartridge Drive 



ACP 
$279 



Call 
439 



Apple Printer Interface 

w/Apple to Epson Cable 



$4Q95 



Apple lie Compatible 

80 Column $QQ95 



Card W/64K 



J 99 9 



APPLE COOLING FAN 




APPLE COMPATIBLE 
POWER SUPPLY 




COEX 80F/T SOcps 
DYNAX Daisywheel 
SILVER REED 

EXP50O 132 Column 
STAR MICRONICS • NEW! 

Gemini 10X 120cps 

Gemini 15 15" 
EPSON FX80 

FXtOO 
BROTHER HR.1/BMC 
DAISYWRITER 
TTX Daisywheel 
NEC Spinwriler 3550 
IBM PC to Parallel Cable 



APPLE COMPATIBLE 

w& J0Y 

STICK 



IMsUlUslifci 



AMDEK CORP 

300 Green 12" 

310 Amber 12" 

Color I Composite/Hitachi 

Color II RGB Hi-Res 
BMC 

12" Green 
PRINCETON GRAPHICS 

RGB IBM Lookalike 



VISTA V1200 

6.2 Cartridge Drive w/Controller 
Apple or IBM Compatible 



Please Specify 
with Order 



'999 



95 



VISTA "SOLO" 



DISKETTES 



DYSAN SW SS SD 
DYSAN 5W DS SD 
IBM SW SS SD 
IBM SW SS DD 
VERBATIM 52501 SS 
VERBATIM 55001 DS 
MAXELL MD1 SS 
MAXELL MD2 DS 
Flip Storage Box 5VV* (80 disks) 
BULK SPECIAL SS 
With Sleeve and Box 



10/S5S 
10/65 

io m 

10 65 
10/45 
10/55 
10/50 
10.'60 

10/25 
100 195 






MORE IBM GOODIES 



COMPUCABLE 
Keyboard & Drive Covers (set) 

CURTIS 
PC Pedestal 

PGS or Ouadchrome Adaptor 
Vertical PC System Stand 
IBM Mono Extension Cable 
Keyboard Ext. Cable (3-9') 

EPD PROTECTION DEVICES 
The Lemon (Surge Protector) 
The Peach (Surge Protector) 
The Orange (with EMI/RFI) 
The Lime 

INTEL 8087 IC 

KOALA PAD 

KRAFT Joystick IBM 

RAM EXPANSION 

16K Motherboard (16 IC's) 
64K Memory Exp. (9 IC's) 




HAYES 

Smartmodem 300 

PC Modem Software 1.3 (above) 

Smartmodem 1200 

PC Software 1.4C (above) 

Smartmodem 1200B 

Smartcomll 



800-854-8230 

TWX 

910-595-1565 



Apple II lie 
Compatible 
Disk Drive 

Totally compatible to Apple Drives. 

o„.» $ 199 95 

Controller $49.95 

Just plug in and run. 

Apple II 16K 
RAM CARD 

Compatible with 
Z80Softcard™ . PASCAL CP/M™ 

Full 1 year Warranty. Top Quality by COEX 

NEW LOW 
ACP PRICE 

AlsofromCOEX, NEW EPSON 

Parallel Interface for Apple. 

Wi th cable $49.9 5 

VISTA A800 

8" Disk Controller 

for Apple £99 

VISTA "DISKMASTER" 

IBM Compatible 

3", 5". 8" and $ 

V1 200 Compatible.. 



'49 



95 



199 



95 



Mail Order: P.O. Box 17329 Irvine, CA 927 

Retail: 13108 E. Edinger, Santa Ana, CA 92 

(714) 558-8813 

542 W. Trimble, San Jose, CA 95131 

(408) 946-7010 



tippkz computer 




Apple lie w/64K 
Apple lie System 
Apple lie Sys w/Ext Text 
Disk II w/Controller 
Disk II w/o Controller 
Monitor III Green 
Super Serial Card 
Parallel Interface Card 
80 Column Text Card 
Extended 60 Column Text 
Dot Matrix Printer 



249.00 
529.00 
"Apple Products Available In-Store Only" 



LIST 

$1395.00 
1995.00 
2195.00 
545.00 
395.00 
24900 
195.00 
165.00 
125.00 
295.00 
695.00 



ACP 
$1195.00 
1695.00 
1895.00 
449.00 
359.00 
189.00 
169.00 
139.00 




MICROSOFT 

Z80 Softcard 

16 K Ramcard 
SSM 

AtO-ll 4 Function Serial/ 
Parallel 
EASTSIDE 

Wildcard Apple II 
KENSINGTON 

System Saver 
KEYBOARD COMPANY 

Numeric Keypad 

Apple II Joystick 

Apple II Hand Controllers 
KRAFT 

Joystick 

Hand Controller 
MPC 

128K Bubble Memoiy 
PROMETHEUS 

VERSAcard Four-in-1 
VISTA COMPUTER CO. 

A800 8" Disk Control 

Quartet Disk Drive 5W 

Solo Disk Drive w/Conlr 

Solo Drive w/o Contr 

Vista 5'/i" Disk Contr 

Typehead Bufler 
VIDEX 

Videoterm 80x24 Card 

Keyboard Enhancer II 

Soft Switch 

Function Strip Keys 
PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS 

16K Microbufler 

32K Microbufler 

Snapshot Option 
VOTRAX 

Type n'Talk Speech 

Personal System 
VYNET 

Apple II Voice Syn. 

Apple II Telephone I/O 
SCOTT INSTRUMENTS 

Voice Recognifn VET80 
COEX 

16K RAM Card 

Parallel Card w Cable 

Apple Protocard 

Apple Extendercard 

Apple lie Ext RAM Card 
CORVUS 
ORANGE MICRO 

The Grappler I/O (Plus) 

The Bufferboard 
SATURN SYSTEMS 

32K RAM Card 

128K RAM Card 
STREET 

ECHO II 
LEGEND 

64KC M/lle 

128KC ll/lle 

18SRC 18 K Static 
MICROPRO Wordstar w/CP/M 
MOUNTAIN COMPUTER 

CPS Multifunction 

Music System 

A'D plus D/A 

ROM Plus 
M&R ENTERPRISES 

Sup'rterm 80x24 Card 

Sup'rMod II 

SuprMod V (IBM) 
ALS 

TheCP;M Plus Z80 Card 

Smarterm 80x24 Card 

The Synergizer Package 



UST 

$395.00 
195.00 



149.95 
49.95 
29.95 



ACP 

$249.00 

89.00 



179.00 
115.00 



124.95 
44.50 
25.95 



199.00 166.00 



379.95 
849.00 
29900 
249.00 
92.00 
49.95 

345.00 
149.00 
35.00 
79.00 

259.00 
299.00 
149.00 



299.00 
799.00 
249.00 
199.00 
49.00 
35.00 

279.00 
129.00 
30.00 
69.00 

220.00 
253.00 
109.00 



799.00 675.00 



99.00 
99.00 
29.00 
29.00 
199.00 



175.00 
175.00 



327.00 
599.00 
149.00 



23900 
395.00 
350.00 
155.00 

395.00 
69.00 
69.00 

399.00 
349.00 
699 00 



49.95 
49.95 
19.95 
19.95 
99.95 
Call 

139.00 
139.00 

179.00 
439.00 



269.00 

499.00 

135.00 

415 

169.00 
335.00 
299.00 
129.00 

269.00 
49.00 
49.00 

329.00 
279.00 

549 00 



SAVE UP TO 40% 



BUSINESS 

Screen Writer 
BD Master 
Visicalc '* 33 
Visplot 
PFS. File II 
PFS. File III 
VisitrendA/isiptot 
PFS. Graph II 
PFS. Graph III 
Multiplan 
Versaform 
Wordstar 
dBASE II 
Supercalc 
PFS. Report It 
PFS, Report III 
Acct Plus G/L 
G/L. A/P. A'R 
Above + Inventory 
Magic Window 
HOME 

Home Accountant 
Transend t 
Transend II 
Visiterm 



ASCII Exprs. Prof. 

$129 HOBBY 

155 Zoom Graphics 

185 Utility City 

159 Locksmith 4.0 

1 1 5 Nibbles Away II 

155 GAMES 

25 Choplifter 

1 1 5 Frogger 

155 Wizardy 

199 Snack Attack 

279 Cannonball Btitz 

299 Knight Diamonds 

439 Zork I 

169 Zork III 

95 Slarcross 

115 Serpentine 

299 Star Blazer 

599 Deadline 

799 Tubeway 

115 Flight Simulator 
Space Vikings 

59 Sargon II 

76 Spitfire Simulator 

119 Apple Panic 

89 Olympic Decath 



Apple" Apple Trademark of Apple Computer 
IBM'" IBM Trademark of International Business 
Machines 



| TERMS: MO. Cashier's Check. Bank Wire. Personal checks 
w 2 weeks lor processing. Include Orivers License and 

| credit card #s Visa. AMEX. CB add 3% service cna/ge Add 
3% shipping & handling or S2.S0. whichever is greater. Add 
10% for foreign orders or US Parcel Post. Include Telephone 
number. NO CODs. Prices subject lo change without notice. 
Some items subject lo prior sale. We reserve the right to 

I substitute manufacturer. Retail prices may vary. 



538 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 14 on inquiry card. 



AEMVNCED 



MYiii.Hi3? 



PRODUCTS 



Serving Computer Professionals Since 1976 



HARDWARE 



AST Megaplus" Card List 

P/N MG064 (64K. S, C) 395 

•Combo plus '" Card 

P/N MC-064SPC (64K, S, P, C) 395 
•PC I/O Plus II*" Card 

P/NI/0(C.S) 165 

•"SIX PACK" 

P/N SP064SPC (64K, S, P. C) 
COEX Extender Card 40 

Prototype Card 69 

HERCULES 

Hercules Graphic Card 
MOUSE SYSTEMS Mouse for IBM 
MICROSOFT 

Mouse plus Multitool Word 
ORCHID 

Hi-Res Graphics Adaptor 
PERSYST Spectrum (64-256K) 

P/N SP64, (64K, Clk, S, P) 
PLANTRONICS Color plus'" Card 
QU ADR AM Quadboard (64-256K) 

P/N 064, 64K w/4 functions 395 

QuadLink Apple Card 660 

Quadboard 64K 

Micrafazer Prini Butler MP-64 
Quadchrome (Hires RGB) 
RIXON PC212A Modem I/O 596 

SSM Transmodem 1200 
USI Multidisplay Card 
VISTA "Multlcard'"" (exp. 64-256K) 

P/N V-064 (64K, Clk, S. P) 395 

P/N V-256 (256K, Clk, S, P) 695 

•"Maxlcard™" (up to 576K) 

9IH V-576-64K 

P/N V-576-576K 
•"PC Master" (10 I/O) 
•"PC Extender" (up to 10 \IO) 
•"Dlskmaster" 
•8" Thlnllne Dual Floppy 
•V1200 6.2Mb Cartridge Drive 



395 



495 
249 
299 



ACP 
$279 

279 

115 

299 
29 
35 

359 
269 

Call 

339 

319 
399 

279 
525 
279 
190 
488 
449 
479 
299 

229 
399 

249 
729 
329 
199 
199 
Call 



PRINTERS 



COEX 80F/T 80cps 
DYNAX Daisywheel 
SILVER REED 
EXP500 132 Column 
| STAR MICRONICS • NEW! 
Gemini 10X 120cps 
Gemini 15 15" 
| EPSON FX80 

FX100 
I BROTHER HR-1 /BMC 
DAISYWRITER 
TTX Daisywheel 
NEC Spinwriter3550 
IBM PC lo Parallel Cable 



S299 $199 
525 



399 
599 



319 
469 
549 
749 



895 

1195 

1495 1295 

549 

1875 



MONITORS 


AMDEK CORP 




300 Green 12" $199 


$155 


310 Amber 1?' 210 


175 


Color I Composite/Hitachi 399 


339 


I Color II RGB Hi-Res 899 


695 


[BMC 




12" Green 129 


89 


PRINCETON GRAPHICS 




I RGB IBM Lookalike 700 


545 | 



DISKETTES 


DYSAN 5VV SS SD 


10/S55 


$38 


DYSAN 5W DS SD 


10/65 


48 


IBM 5Vi" SS SD 


10/60 


43 


IBM 5'A" SS DD 


10/65 


47 


l VERBATIM 525-01 SS 


10/45 


23 


VERBATIM 550-01 DS 


10/55 


34 


1 MAXELL MD1 SS 


10/50 


29 


l MAXELL MD2 DS 


10/60 


39 


Flip Storage Box 5W (80 disks) 


19 


1 BULK SPECIAL SS 


10/25 


19 


With Sleeve and Box 


100/195 


149 



MORE IBM GOODIES 



| COMPUCABLE 

, Keyboard & Drive Covers (set) 

| CURTIS 

PC Pedestal 

PGS or Quadchrome Adaptor 
Vertical PC System Stand 
IBM Mono Extension Cable 
Keyboard Ext. Cable (3-9") 

| EPD PROTECTION DEVICES 
The Lemon (Surge Protector) 
The Peach (Surge Protector) 
The Orange (with EMI/RFI) 
The Lime 
INTEL 8087 IC 
KOALA PAD 
KRAFT Joystick IBM 

| RAM EXPANSION 

16K Motherboard (16 IC's) 
64K Memory Exp. (9 IC's) 




COMPUSERVE Subscription 
SOURCE Subscription 



MODEMS 


HAYES 




Smartmodem 300 


$210 


PC Modem Software 1 .3 (above) 


49 


Smartmodem 1200 


525 


PC Software 1 .4C (above) 


79 


Smartmodem 1200B 


445 


Smartcom II 


79 


Smartmodem to IBM Cable 


25 




64K I 



SOFTWARE 



dBASE II 

$ 399 00 

Condor 

*389 00 

SuperCalc 

$99 00 

SuperCalc 2 

*1 79 00 

Multiplan 

$1 89 00 

Wordstar 

$299 00 

Lotus 1-2-3 

Call! 

T. K. Solver! 

Call! 

Flight Simulator 

$4500 

Context MBA 

Call! 

Computer 

Inovations 

C86C Compiler 

$369 00 

Copy II Plus 

*32 00 

Visiword 

$289 00 

Digital Research 

Pascal MT + 86 $295.00 

Concurrent CP/M 86 260.00 

CBASIC 86 149.00 

Plus More Great 

Software Values 

In Our 

1983 Catalog! 

Send For 

Your Copy NOW. 




m?™*vm\ 



If You're Thinking IBM PC", 

READ THIS! 



COEX Combocard II 

* 64K to 256K RAM 

* ASYNC Serial Port 

* Clock/Calendar w/Nicad Backup 

* Parallel Printer Port 

* RAM Disk Software 

* Spooler Software 



64K ,„, $ 229 
256K »„, y $ 399 



00 



00 



Zero "K" Version Available Only $199.00 

PLUS! . . .with Purchase of either 
Memory card above 

SUPERCALC™ only $89.00 (195.00 value) 

Disk Emulator FREE 

Print Spooler FREE 

ACP PC "FEATURE OF THE MONTH" 

1. DISKMASTER". Disk Controller for IBM PC or XT adds both 5W and 8" 

floppy drives. Complete with Software. Same card can also handle List ACP 
the Amlyn 6.2 Mb Cartridge Add-on Subsystem $299 $199 

2. VISTA 1200 with DISKMASTER" $999 

3. M&R "SUP'R EXTENDER'"". IBM PC & XT Expansion Chassis with (6) Slots, Power 

Supply and Fan. Your price!!! only $439.00. You cannot afford to live without one. 



DISK DRIVES 







TANDON 100-2 

PC Compatible • Double Sided 

$28900 

TOSHIBA % High 

PC Compatible • Double Sided 
$24900 



Circle 14 on inquiry card. 



I TERMS: MO. Cashier's Check. Bank Wire. Personal checks 
1 allow 2 weeks (or processing. Include Drivers License and credit 



MAIL ORDER: P.O. Box 17329 Irvine, CA 92713 

card #s Visa, AM EX. CB add 3% service charge. Add 3% n a t_i|. -t^m C Erfinnar c<m»« hr>-> *»« arrtnc f 
shippings handling or $2,50. whichever is greater. Add 10% (or Reb »l- 13t0 E - "linger, Santa Arta, CA 92705 

(714) 558-8813 

542 W. Trimble, San Jose, CA 95131 
(408) 946-7010 



I foreign orders or US Parcel Post. Include Telephone number. NO 
I CODs. Prices subject to change without notice. Some items 
;t to prior sale. We reserve the right to substitute manu- 
I (acturer. Retail prices may vary. We are not an authorized IBM 
I dealer. IBM '" trademark ol International Business Machines. 



800-854-8230 

TWX • 

910-595-1565 



P. S-C- $229.00 



CaM Forma DiqiTAl 

Post Office Box 3097 B • Torrance, California 90503 



FREE* 

Plastic library case supplied with all 
diskettes purchased from California Digital 



$ 



19P 5 

Manufactured for California Digital by one 
of the most respected producers of mag- 
netic media. Each disketles is double den- 
sity at 40 tracks. To insure extended media 
life all diskettes are manufactured with a 
reinforced hub. 

Each box of diskettes is supplied with a 
free plastic library case. 
Soft sector CAL-501 ; Ten sector CAL-51 0. 
Also Available Double sided soft sec- «j 
tor diskettes for use with the IBM/PC 
CAL-551 $24. 95 



stettes 



5 l A" DISKETTES 

WITH LIBRARY CASE 



$ 



26. 



50 



Your Choice 

SCOTCH 

MEMOREX 

VERBATIM 



Single Side Double Density 
Soft Sector 10 Sector 16 Sector 



SCOTCH 



MEMOREX 



VERBATIM 



MAXELL 



DYSAN 



744D-0 



3481 



525-01 



MD1 



104/1D 



744D-10 



3483 



525-10 



MH1-10 



107/1D 



744D-16 



3485 



NA 



MH1-16 



NA 



26.50 



26.50 



26.50 



26.50 



45.00 





Double Side Double Density 




SCOTCH 


745-0 


745-10 


745-16 


39.00 


VERBATIM 


550-01 


550-10 


NA 


42.50 


MAXELL 


MD2-D 


MH2-10D 


MH2-16D 


45.00 


DYSAN 


104/2D 


107/2D 


NA 


49.50 


DYSAN 96 


204/2D 


NA 


NA 


59.50 



EIGHT INCH DISKETTES 



Single Side Single Density 


Single Side Double Density 


SCOTCH 


740-0 


29.50 


SCOTCH 


741-0 


39.00 


MEMOREX 


3060 


29.50 


MEMOREX 


3090 


35.00 


DYSAN 


3740/1 


39.50 


DYSAN 


3740/D 


57.50 


Thirty Two Sector 


Double side Double Density 


SCOTCH 1 740-32 1 29.50 


SCOTCH 


743-0 


47.50 


FJip& FiloS'j stores 50 disk. INC-S25 18 95 


MEMOREX 


3114 


39.50 


Scoichheadcle 
Plaslic library ca 


nkn5'4&8 MM 
5esS'*&8- SHV 


W-ck5 24 95 
V-L5 2 95 


DYSAN 


3740/2D 


65.00 




23" 

IC0MP0SITE 
MONITOR 

*159 



Ideal monitor 
for classroom 

demonstrations. 



I Ever try gathering a classroom ol students around a 12" monitor? Here is your opportunity to 

I purchase a 23" high resolution monitor al a reasonable price. 

I These units accept standard composit video signals generated by most personal computers including 

I the Apple and IBM. Attach it your computer and in second you are shooting down Klingons in wide 

I screen video. 

I MQTBUBa 35 Lbs. Monitors are open frame and lor safety should be enclosed. Wood grained 




VISA 1 














r ^ "1 












1 , 





speem 

Shugart410 

'129 




These Shugart 410 SVV disk drives are all factory 

fresh 1 983 production, recently purchased from the 

Four Phase Division of the Motorola Corporation. 

These disk drives are single sided 80 track{96 TPI) 

suitable for use with the Radio Shack Model 1 and Model 3. Or any other 

application that can supporta n 80 track second drive such as the IBM/PC. The 

41 is full height and lunctionally (he same as the Tandon TM 100-3. Complete 

with power connector and installation manual. 

When these Shugart 410 s are liquidated the price will revert to our regular 

price of S249. SHU-SA410 



MEMORY 



16K DYNAMIC 

1.95 

4116 150ns. 



64K DYNAMIC 

5.95 

4164 150ns. 



2732 EPROM 

4.95 

450ns. 



16K STATIC 

4.95 

6116 200ns. 




2764 EPROM 

SALE*5.95 



4027 4Kc1ynamic250ns 
4116 150ns 16K 
4116 200ns 16K 
4164 150ns 64K 128 cell 
41256 150ns 256K 
DP8409 t 



DYNAMIC MEMORY 

1CM4027250 
ICM-4116150 
ICM-4116200 
sh ICM-4164150 

ICM- 41256150 
ICT-8409 

STATIC MEMORY 



21L02 200ns IK static 
21L02450ns, 1K static 
2112 450ns 2Kstatic 
2114 300ns. 1Kx4 
4044TMS450ns 4K x 1 
5257 300ns 4K x 1 
61t6P4200ns 2K x 8 
6116 P3 150ns 2K x 8 
6167/2167 100ns 16K x 1 (20om> 



2 708 450ns tKx8 
2716450ns 2K x 8 
2716TMS 450ns Tri-voliage 
2732 450ns .4" " 



ICM-21L02200 
ICM21L02450 
ICM-2112450 
lCM-21 14300 
ICM-40.1 1.150 
ICM-5257300 
ICM-6116200 
ICM-6116150 
ICM-6167100 

EPROMS 

ICE-2708 
ICE 2716 
1CE-2716TMS 
ICE-2732 





ICE-2732350 


850 


8 00 


7.60 




ICE-2532 


10 50 


990 


9.50 


2764 350ns 8Kx8 


ICE-2764 


5 95 


5.65 


535 


27128350ns 16Kx8 


ICE-27128 


18 95 


18 25 


1775 


2817 EEROM. 2Kx 8 


ICE-2817 


45 00 


39 00 


36.50 



CONNECTORS 

DB25P 

************ 

lmm m s-i oo Gold <rY^^^-* 




GOLDS-100 EDGE CARD CONNECTORS 
catalog each 10-99 100 + 
lmsais/t.250 CNE-IMS 2 95 2.50 219 
Sul:ir.sHi/R,;l CNE-H100 .119 3 85 3 47 
S-IOOW.roW CNE-W10 395 3 50 3 19 
Altair.140' s/t CNE-100A 4.95 4 50 4 19' 
.156" CENTER EDGE CARD CONNECTORS 
22/44 Eyelet CNE-44E 250 2 15 195 
■13/72 Molo S/ICNE-72S 6 60 6 15 5.75 
36/72 D/G s/t CNE-72S 5,95 5 50 5.19 
Other connoclrj's available upon request 

RIBBON CONNECTORS 

OB25Pmate CND-r25P 5 65 5 25 4 15 

DB25S female CND-r25S 5 95 5 59 4 50 

57-30360 male CNC-r36P 7 95 6 75 5 90 

57-30360fmaleCNC-r36S 7 95 6.75 5 90 

20 pin edge CNI DE20 4 35 3 30 2 50 

20pinsockel CNI-DS20 2 75 IBS 160 

26 pin edge CNI-OE26 4 95 3 50 2 70 

26pirt 5 ockol CNI-DS26 3 50 2 40 2 15 

34 pin edge CNIDE34 495 450 350 

34 pin socket CNI-DS34 4 50 3 95 3 15 
50 pm edge CNI-DE50 5 95 5 60 490 
50 pin socket CNIDS50 4 95 4 60 3 SO 



"IT TYPE dialog 


each 


10-99 


100 + 


DE9Pmale CND-9P 


160 


ion 


1 30 


l)|.!';';i,:m.ile CND-9S 


225 


POO 


1 30 


DE liootJ CND-9H 


1 50 


1.35 


1 ?() 


DAI 5P mate CND-iSP 


235 


? 10 


1.90 


i 1 mate cnd-iss 


3 25 


3 10 


2.yu 


DA15hood CND-15H 


160 


1.35 


1.30 


DB25P male CND-2SP 


1.95 


1 /5 


1.35 


DB25Slemale CND-25S 


2 95 


2.55 


1.65 


DB25hood CND2SH 


1.35 


1 15 


n 


DC37Pmale CND-37P 


420 


3 95 


3B5 


DC37Slemale CND-37S 


595 


5 /S 


550 


DC37hood CND-37H 


225 


195 


1 65 


DD50P male CND-50P 


5 50 


5 10 


4/5 


ODSOhood CND-50H 


2 60 


2.40 


? in 


Hardware 2/Set CND-2HS 


89 


.69 


42 


AMPHENOL / CENTRONICS TYPE 


57-30360 36/P CNC-36P 


7Ti 


6.35 


397 


)EEE488. C'dor CND-24P 


/ •:,:.■ 


' 


: -:^ 


DISK DRIVE POWER CONNECTORS 


8 6 pm DC CNP-6DC 


< s---, 


1 pfl 


m 


8 3ACSgl/S CNP-3SS 
8 3ACD&I/S CNP-3DS 


169 


1 r.i 




: t -,-j 


1 (jq 


— 


5' j 4 pm DC CNP-4DC 


1 79 


1 19 


3 5 


3pmDINrecpt CNP-D3P 


2.59 


1.99 


1 5? 



Shipping: First five pounds S3.00, each additional pound S.50. 



l MMmmmSmmmmsm 



COD'S discouragei 
Open accounts extended to state supported educational instil 
■*■ — ith a strong "Dun & Bradstreet" rating. 
08 Inglewood Avenue, Lawndaie 90260. 



BLOWOUT 

SALE 

<169 



it 



California Digital has recently participated in- 

the purchase of several thousand Siemens' _ 

FDD 100-8 floppy disk drives. These units are eiectronically^nd physically 

similiar to that of the Shugart 801 R. All units are new and shipped in factory 

sealed boxes. Manual ana power connectors supplied free upon request. Your 

choice 1 1 5 Volt. 60 Hz. or 230 Volt. 50Hz. 



in Frankfortreducing in 



REMEX 



DOUBLE 
SIDED 



'219 



California Digital has just purchased a large quantity of Remex RFD-40Q0 
Eight inch double sided disk drives. Remex is the only double sided disk 
drive that has an double gimbal mounted head assembly that guaranties tower 
head tracking. This drive is mechanically solid. Remex has always been 
known for producing premiere products for the floppy disk market. The Remex 
company is a subsidiary of the Ex-cell-o Corporation, a Fortune 500 Company. 

Eight Inch Single Sided Drives 



SHUGART 801 R 
SHUGART 810 Half Height 
SIEMENS F00 100-8 
TANDON 848E-1 Half Height 



One Two Ten 

385 375 365 

385 375 365 

169 169 159 

369 359 349 



Eight Inch Double Sided Drives 



SHUGART SA851R 
SHUGART 860 Half Height 
QUME842"QUMETRACK8" 
TANDON 848E-2 Half Height 
REMEX RFD-4000 
MITSUBISHI M2894-63 
MITSUBISHI M2896-63 Half Ht. 



495 485 475 

485 475 459 

459 459 449 

459 447 465 

219 219 209 

379 375 369 

459 449 409 



Five Inch Single Sided Drives 
SHUGART SA400L 235 229 225 

SHUGART SA410 96TPI/80 Trk. 129 119 call 
SHUGART SA200V3 Height 159 149 139 

TANDON TM100-1 189 179 175 

Five Inch Double Sided Drives 

REMEX RFD480 IBM compatible 199 189 175 

SHUGART SA450 319 309 299 

SHUGART SA455 Half Height 259 249 239 

SHUGART SA465 Half Ht. 96TPI 289 279 269 

TANDON TM50-2 Half Height 215 209 199 

TANDON TM55-4 half Ht. 96TPI 329 319 309 

TAN00N 100-2 279 269 259 

TANDON 101-4 96TPI 80 Track 369 355 350 

MITSUBISHI 4851 Half Height 259 249 245 

MITSUBISHI 4853 1 / 2 Ht. 96TPI 339 329 319 

MITSUBISHI 4854 V 2 Ht., 8" elec. 465 449 439 

QUME 142 Half Height 239 229 219 

TEACFD-55B Half Height 299 389 275 

Three Inch Disk Drives 

SHUGART SA300 with diskette 229 219 209 

Five Inch Winchester Hard Disk Drives 

SHUGART 612 13M/Bytes 895 865 825 

SHUGART 706 6 M/Byte, Half Ht 795 775 755 

SHUGART712 13 M/Byte, V 2 Ht. 895 865 825 

SEAGATE 506 6 M/Byte 465 445 425 

TANDON 503 19 M/Byte 895 875 855 

Upon request, all drives are supplied 
with power connectors and manual 

ENCLOSURES 

California Digital manufactures an asortmentoistockand custom diskdnve 
enclosures. II the volume is justified we will cu stom design an en closure for 
your application. The following stock disk drive enclosures are available. 
All include power supplies the 8" enclosures are supplied with exhaust fans. 



full 



Horizontal mount two 8" 
height drives. S279.00 

Vertical mount two full height 8' 
disk drives. $299.00 



Horizontal mount one full height 
or two half height 8" disk 
drives. S239.00 

Vertical mount two full height 5% 
disk drives S139.00 



TOLL FREE ORDER LINE 

(800) 421-5041 

TECHNICAL & CALIFORNIA 

(213) 643-9001 



CaM Forma DiqiTAl 

Post Office Box 3097 B • Torrance. California 90503 



19.200 baud. Screen attributes do not u: 
characters Emulates 5 popular CRTtei 
between 1 1 5 and 230 volt. We have never 
lowpriceolonlyS475. LIB-F50 40 lbs, 



LIBERTY $&7& 

FREEDOM 50 ~# & 



The liberty Freedom 50 terminal lealures detach- 
able keyboard wilh 93 keys including 10 (unction 
keys. 1 5 graphic symbols, and DIP switchselectable 
character set for 7 loreign languages. The 12 inch 
elched non-glare green phosphor screen displays 
21 rows by 80 characters in 7x9 matrix with true 
descenders. Seltteslarid 25thda1adisplayrowalso 
included. Switch selectable baud raleslrom 110- 
display n vmoiy. allowing operator l odisplay a lull 1920 
inals foreasysollware contiguralion. Switch selectable 
™nal with all those lealures lor the incredibly 



DIABLO 

Word Processing Printer 

'879 




Now from the originator ol the daisy wheel printer, the Diablo 620. Print speeds to24 char/sec 
user selectable bi-directional printing, superscnpts. subscripts, graphics and more. Plus standard 
RS-232 interfacing Communication speeds to 1200 baud wilh a 1 500 character print butler 
Software progrsmable absolute horizontal tabs makes report lormatlmg easy. Over 20 dillereni 
print wheels are currently available. The 6Z0au Imaiically selects the pnnt spacing tor 10. 12. 15 
cnar/inch prml wheels. On site service availab lea/ldwtde. DBL-620 50 lbs. 




Your Choice 

Second Drive or Monitor 

SANYO 

IBM COMPATIBLE 

<99$ 



Sanyo Electronics has just released the long awaited IBM/PC look-a-like, the 
MBC-550. This is a complete microcomputer that includes 128K/byte of 
memory, a SW 160K/byte disk drive upgradeable to 320K/byte drives. Also 
includes both color composite and RGB graphics interface, low profile key- 
board, and parallel printer port. Extensive software such as Sanyo Basic, disk 
utilities, Wordstar word processing software, Calcstar spread sheet & Easy 
Writer I. MS-DOS is supplied with the Sanyo computer. Most programs 
written for the IBM/PC will operate on the MBC-550. 
Along with all this California Digital offers "FREE" your choice of either a 
second disk drive, or a high resolution green or amber screen monitor. All at 
the super low price of only $995. 

We are currently experiencing an initial shortage of this computer. Please 
place your orders early. The MBC-550 will be shipped on a first ordered basis. 



PRINTERS 

'289 

Star Gemini 




MATRIX PRINTERS 



StarGemim-lOX 120 char/sec. STRG10X 

StarGemmt-l5X. 1 00 char/sec. 15" paper. STR-G15X 

StarGemim Oella 10. 160 Char/sec STR-D10 

StarCoex80FTIriction 8 tractor VST-C80FT 

Toshiba P1350. 192char/sec lelterquality TOS-1350 

Okidata82A serial & parallel 9V» "paper OKI-82A 

Okidata 92A parallefinleiface. leOchar/sec. OKI-92A 

Okidala 83A & parallel 1 5' paper OKI-83 A 

Okidata 84A S parallel 15" paper OKI-84A 

Okidata 2350(new) 350 char/sec OKI-2350 

Epson FX80. 10" 160diar /sec withgraphlrax 6PS-FX80 

Epson MX100 with graphtrax. 15" paper EPS-MX100 

NEC8023Aparallel9'.j" paper, graphics NEC-8023A 

Anadex9501Ahighspeedwilhgraphics AOX-9501A 

Anadex 9620A 200 char/sec. par I S serial. ADX-9620A 

Ouantex 7030corespondence quality 180 char/sec. OTX-7030 

Gonlla low cosl dot malnx printer PRO-7500 

Prown1er8510 parallel 9Vi "paper PRO-8510P 

Prownter It. parallel 15 paper, graphics PRO-2P 

Dalaproduds B-600-3. band printer 600 LPM DPS-8600 
-inlronix P300 high speed printer 300 lines per minute. PTX-P300 

Pnntronix P600 ultra high speed 600 lines per minute. PTX-P600 

Transtar130P pail. IBM/PC compatible TNS-130P 

WORD PROCESSING PRINTERS 

NEC7710 55char/second.senalin1erface NEC-7710 

NEC7730 55char/sec.par Imlerlace NEC-7730 

NEC3550 popularprinterdesignedlorthe IBM/PC NEC-3550 

NEC2050 designed lor IBM/PC 20 char/sec, pari NEC-2050 

Silver Reed EXP500. 14 char/sec. pari interlace SRO-EXP500 

SilverReedEXP550 l7Char/secpar linleilace. SRD-EXP550 

Diablo 630 40char/sec. serial DBL-630 
Diablo 620. proportional spacing. horz.S vert. tab. 20 cps. DBL-620 

Juki 6100. 18 char /sec graphic mode. JUK-6100 

Brother HR 1 A daisy wheel, parallel interlace BTH-HR1P 

Brother H R1 A senal interlace BTH-H R I S 

SlarwnterF10serial. 40char/sec. PRO-F10S 

Starwnter FTOparallel, 40char/sec PRO-F10P 

Comrex CRt word processing printer, serial mtr CRX-CR1S 

Comrex CR2.5k butler, proportional spacing, pari. CRX-CR2P 



239.00 
419.00 
439.00 
229.00 
1495,00 
379 00 
479.00 
619.00 
1019.00 
1995.00 
52900 
589 00 
38900 
1099 00 
1199.00 
1595 00 
189,00 
343.00 
68900 
6985,00 
4250.00 
5795,00 
62900 



1979.00 
1979.00 
1799 00 
99500 
459 00 
659.00 
176500 
87900 
53900 
695.00 
779.00 
1125.00 
1125.00 
729.00 
495,00 



MONITORS 



BMC 12 A green phosphor 1 5 MHz. composit video 

BMC 12' highresolulion. 20MHz. 

Zenith ZVM122 Amber Phosphor 12' 40/80cotumn switch. 

Zenith ZVM123 gieen phosphor 12" 40/80 column swiich. 

NEC JF31201 green phosptor 18 MHz. composit video 

NECJB1260commercialgrarJecomposi1. 

USI Amberscreen 12" composit monitor 

Motorola 23" open frame brk/while composit video. 

Motorola 12 'opentrame requiceshorzsync andpower. 

Conrac9'openlrame requires horr sync. & 12 v. supply. 

COLOR 
BMC AU9191U Color composit video wilhsound 
BMC 9 19 1M RGB designed lor use with the IBM computer, 
NEC JC1203OM. RGB color monitor 
NEC JC1201 color composit. 
Zenilh ZVM 134 RGB color suitable lor IBM PC 
Comrex color composit with sound 
Am dej-, C olor 1 -Composit video 



BMC-12A 

BMC-12EN 

ZTH-122 

ZTH-Z123 

NEC-JB1201 

NEC-JB1260 

USI-12A 

M0T-BW23 

MOT-BW12 

CON-BW9 



79.00 
134.00 
1 19 00 

10500 
169.00 
129.00 
169.00 
159.00 
69 00 
59,00 



BMC-9191 24900 

BMC-9191M 499.00 

NEC-1203 699,00 

NEC-JC1201 339.00 

ZTH-Z134 379.00 

COM-6500 329.00 

AMK-100 329.00 




MODEMS 



DIRECT CONNECT 
$69 



Hayes Smait Modem 1200 baud, auto answer, auto dial HYS-212AD 474.95 

Hayes 12008forusewithlhe IBM/PC. 1200baud. HYS-1200B 449.00 

Hayes Smartmodem.300baudonly. autoanswer. autodial HYS-103AD 229.00 

Hayes Micromodem II. l03Appledirectconnecl HYS-MM2 279.00 

Hayes Micromodem 100, S-100 auto answer, autodial HYS-100 319.00 

Hayes Chronograph, times date HYS-CHA232 199.00 

US Robotics 2 l2A 300/ 1200 baud, autodial/answer. USR-212A 43900 

Pennl300/1200aulodial.aulo1og PEN-12AD 695.00 

Universal Data 103LP. line power, answer* originate UDS-103LP 169.00 

Universal Data 103LP J, Auto answer UDS-103LPJ 219.00 

Universal Data 202. 1200 baud, hall duplex only UDS-202LP 21900 

al Data 212LP. lull 1200 baud duplex, line power UDS-212LP 359.00 

. Novation J' Cat. direct connect, autoanswer NOV-.ICAT 115.00 

^Novation Cat, acoustic connect NOV-CAT 159.00 

in SmartCat 103, auto answer, autodial NOV-SC103 219.00 

Novation SmartCat 103/212. 1200 baud auto dial N0V-SC212 529.00 

Signalman Mark 1. direct connect with terminal cable. SGL-MK1 69.00 






The Wyse 100 features die cast 
aluminum case, 102 key keyboard 
and non-glare 26 line green phos- 
phor video display. Split screen 
both horizontal an vertical makes 
the WY-1 00 unusally user friendly. 
This unique terminal is perfect to 
enhance any business system, 

'795 

Freedom 50. split screen, delalchable keyboard 

Visual 50. delalchable. keyboard selectable settings. 

Visual 50 Green screen 

Visual 330, emulator. 14 inch green phosphor. 

Ampex Dialogue 125 green screen, iwo page, lunc keys 

Ampex Dialouge 125 amber screen, two page, lunc. keys 

Wyse 50, 14" green phosphor 

Wyse 100, horz & vert, split screen, metal enclosure 

Wyse 300. Eight color display, split screen. . 

Televideo 910 Plus, block mode 

Televideo 925. detachable keyboard, 22 (unction keys 

Televideo 950. graphic chnr..splii screen, 2" ' 




mm 



LIB-F50 

VSL-50 

VSL-50G 

VSL-33014G 

APX-D125G 

APX-D125A 

WYS-50 

WYS-100 

WYS-300 

TVI-910P 

TVI-925 

TVI-950 

ivi-y-o 

ZTH-Z29 



47500 
619 00 
650.00 

925.00 
675.00 
685.00 
595.00 
79500 

1159 00 
575.00 
759.00 
950.00 

1095 00 
765.00 



APPL 




Apple ll/e, 64K computer only 
Apple ll/e starter kit, monitor, disk, 80 col. card. 
Advanced Busness Tech. 13 Key Pad 
Calif. Computer 7710A Async. Serial Interface 
Calif. Computer 7710B same but for modem 
Calif. Computer 7 11 4A 1 2 K PROM module 
Calif. Computer 7720A parallel interface 
Calif. Computer 7724A Calandar/clockmodual 
Calif. Computer 7729A Centronics interface 
Calif. Computer 7740A programmable timer 
California Digital 16K card for standard Apple II 
Hayes Micromodem II for Apple II 
Kensington Micro, System saver fan 
Microsoft Softcard withCP/M; Z-80 
Mountain Computer "The Clock" 
Mountain Computer AD/DA 16 input, 8bit 
Mountain Computer ROM Plus with keybd. filter 
Mountain Computer ROM writer/socket socket 
Orange Micro "GRAPPLER" parallel interface 
Sorrento Valley 8" controller double side D/D. 
TEAC 5V4" disk drive for Apple If 
Vista Vision 80: 80 column card for std. Apple II 
Vista 8" disk controller double side D/D. 



APL-2E 

APL-2ESK 

ABT-13B 

CCS-7710 

CCS-7710B 

CCS-7114 

CCS-7720 

CCS-7724 

CCS-7729 

CCS-7740 

CAL-A16 

HYS-MM2 

KEN-SF1 

MSF-SFTCD 

MTN-TCLK 

MTN-ADDA 

MTN-RMF 

MTN-ROMW 

OMS-G2 

SVA223 

TEA-A2 

VSA-VIS80 

VSA-A800 



ASCII 
KEYBOARD 



49 




California Digilal has purchased 

over 3000 o! Ihese Microswitch 

keyboards from the General Dynamics Corporation, 93 ASCII encoded Hall eflect 

switches Includes 8 function keys and 14 key nu 

excelled value at only S49. MIC-93GD 5 lbs. 

We also have available a matching General Dynamics 

Non-encodedHytek58key melalconlactkeyboard F 
numeric cluster S9.95. HIK-15 Both lor only S29.95, 



ic cluster makelhis keyboard ai 
el trim panel. $10. 



256 KILOBYTE 

MEMORY BOARD 

<495 

• 256 kilobytes 1 mc m r> using 6 4 K d y,ia m i c RAM . | 

• Over one megabyte oi memory using the new 
256K dynamic RAM chips. 

• Error detaclion-trap capability. 

• Individual 1 SK block can be relocated to any 
boundiy within a megabyte of HAM. 

• 24 bll addressing and phantom mode capability. 

The California Digital 256K RAM board represents an outstanding value in S.-100 memory technology. Priced slighty above 

earlier generation 64K dynamic ram boar J ~" 

leature can be jumperecf to any ol the inti 

addressing with memory management, 

Proper operation with front panel equif 

assured wilh an on the board Ml general! 

delay lines lor proper operatton over the entire operatfng temperature range. 

The board is very recent in design using ihe Nalional Semiconductor DP-B409 RAM Controller chip. Split termination 

networks are used 00 all address lines, CAS tine, and RAS lines eliminating the last iraces of ringing The bo.ird 

separale voltage regulators. One (or Ihe DRAMs and one tor [he interface logic increasing the noise immunity of the ram 

array Typical power dissipation is 8 watts. 

Documentation includes theory of operalion. contiguralion guide, a schematic, and appticalion notes on the use of the 

memory management options CAL-256K 2 1 hs. 

S-lOO BOARDS 



16 BIT MICROPROCESSORS 

Octagon dualCPU8088/Z80. & controller. OCT-88Z80 795 00 

Godbout8086/8087microcomp. 16 bit. G8T-8687 495.00 

Godbouldual processor 8085/8088. 8 /16.GBT-8588 359.00 

SINGLE BOARD COMPUTERS 

insignt EQ-4, 128K. 4 serial "not S-100" INS-ED4 595.00 

Advanced Digital. Floppy & 64K AMD-Z80 750.00 

. oS floppy. 64K. TEL-SMI 895 00 

Teletek FDC- 1 single board . no memory TEL-F0C1 675.00 

8 BIT MICROPROCESSORS 

GodbO|yiZ80.24biieKtendedadd. G8T-Z80 250.00 

California Computer ZBOmicroprocessor CCS-2810 275.00 

Tarbell Z80 with two RS232 ports TAR-Z8Q 33900 

FLOPPY DISK CONTROLLERS 

GodboutOiskl.doubledensily GBT-0SK1 395.00 

CalilorniaComputer2422AwithCPM CCS-2422 339.00 

Morrow OiSk Jockey II with CPM 2.2 MDS-DJ2 350.00 

Morrow Disk Jockey I with CPM. sgl. Oen. MDS-0J1 225.00 

Tarbell EtectromcSdouble density TAR-DDC 419,00 

TarbellElectfOnics single density TAR-SDC 279.00 

fulcrum DMAOmniOisk. 1/0 to hard disk FCM-0D1 389.00 

CPM OPERATING SYSTEM 

Digital Research CP/M 3. 0,8"sgl. den DRC-CpM30 249.00 

GodboijtCPM2.2forDisk1. G8T-CpM22 159.00 

GodboutCPM86lor8088and8086 GBTCpM85 265.00 

TarbellEIectronicsCPM2.2 TAR-CpM22 159 00 

HARD DISK CONTROLLERS 

Octagon hard disk controller with E/C. 0CT-HD1 475.00 

GodbOJtDisk2.8"4 14'harddisk GBT-0SK2 569.00 

GodboutDisk3.for5yVWmchesiers GBT-DSK3 Nov. 

Morrow Oes'gns controller lor SVi" Win. MDS-W506 495.00 

Western DipjtalnewWD-1001 (nol S-100) WDl-1001 495.00 

EPROM BOARDS 

Inner Access EPROM Bd. programs 27128 IAC-PIOO 465.00 

Digital Research PR0Mbnard,32K OGR-P32 119.00 



STATIC MEMORY BOARDS 

GodboutRami6.64K 16 bildatauans. GBT-R16 459.00 I 

Godboul Ram 17. 64K8bit24bitaddress GBT.R17 359 00 

God1ioutRam2l, 128Kbyle8/16 Iransler GBT-R21 85900 f 

Fjlcrum0mniRam8/16!ranslerbank FCM-R816 395 

CalilOrniaComputer 2 1 1 6 . 8 bit only CCS-2116 249 

DYNAMIC MEMORY BOARDS 

California Digilal 256K expand lo 1 Meg. CAi-0256 495 

CalifornlaComp 2066. 64K bank select CCS-2066 295,00 | 

INTERFACE BOARDS 

Godboul inierfacer I. 2 senalports GBT-133A 239.00 I 

Godbojl Inlerfacer II. 1 serial 3 Dar'l ports GBT-150A 269.00 

; : nrts GBT-I35A 495 00 

Godboul Interlacer III. with 8 serial ports GBT-138A 585.00 

Godbut Inlerfacer IV. 3 serial. 2 parallel GBT-187A 32f " 

1 • . 10 J^rnlports CCS-2710 ?7< : 

California Compu;: / par'i CCS-2719 29J __ 

California Computer 2720. 4 port pari CCS-2720 219.00 

California Computer 2630. 6 port scfia! CCS-2830 429.00 

Morrow Designs Multiboard. 3 S/2P MDS-MTL1 319 00 j 

SPECIAL FUNCTION BOARDS 

HayesS-IOOMicromodem. 300 baud. HYS-M100 325.00 | 

QTComputerclock calendar, battery OTC-CC100 13! 

Godbou1Systemsuppoitboard.4KEPR0MGBT-SYSi 350 00 I 

GodboutSystemsupporl board. 9511 malhGBT-S9511 539.00 I 

DualSystems, 4 channel 12 bit 0/Aconv. DSC-A0M12 619. Or 

DualSystem 12 bit resolution, 32ch A/D 0SC-A1M12 629,00 I 

MullinsDpto-Isolatoi. controls 8ch. MUL-IC8I0 179 00 I 

Mullins extender board with togic 4 probe MUL-T84 79 00 [ 

I/O Technologywirewrap prototype IOT-W100 49.00 

ArtecElectronicswirewrap prototype ART-VVW100 25.00 

ArtecElectronicsgeneral purposesolder ART-GP100 2500 

MAINFRAMES & MOTHER BOARDS 

Eclipse Data, stainless. 22 slot EDP-100 695 00 | 

GodboutEnclosure2.20slots G8T-MF2D 67! 

CalilomiaComputer22O0, 12 slot CCS-2200 47! 

California Digilal 18 slotmolher board CAL-M818 35 

Godbottll2 slot mother Boardassembied GBT-M812 14£ 



CP/M SOFTWARE 



AdaSoftCP/M ADA-445C 395.00 



D-Base II 

Wordstar 

Mailmerge 

Spellstar 

Multiplan 

Macro 80 



ASH-015C 429.00 
MPR-187C 309.00 
MPR-392C 169.00 
MPR-429C 169.00 
MSF-483C 189.00 
MSF-187C 139.00 



Supersoft 
MAC 
CP/M 3.0 
Despool 
Pascal Plus 
CP/M 86 
MP/MII 



MPR-309C 149.00 
DGR-401C 85.00 
DGR-410C 249.00 
DGR-367C 45.00 
DGR-004C 429.00 
DGR-186C 239.00 
DGR-208C 379.00 



Shipping: First five pounds S3. 00, each additional pound S.50. 

Cftroinnn^orc. lA^ chlnninn a v,* a <><> ...ill £,0 refunded. 

CODs discouraged, 
ed educational institu- 
t Bradstreet" rating. 
Retail location: 1 5608 Ingle wood Avenue, Lawndale 90260. 



Additional Software available for Apple, IBM/PC and 
Atari. Please telephone for price and availability. 



TOLL FREE ORDER LINE 

(800) 421-5041 

TECHNICAL & CALIFORNIA 

(213) 643-9001 




DISKETTES For IBM PC 

High qualtiy double-sided, double-density diskettes, 
certified to be absolutely error free. Box often, warranteed 
for one year 



MMD-5220104 With FREE! plastic case 
MMD-5220101 Verbatium Datalife . 



$24.95 
$34.95 



CCESSORIES 

for your IBM PC 



QUADBOARD I— QUADRAM 

Up to 256K RAM. serial port, parallel printer port, clock 
calendar. RAM disk, and printer spooler software 

MEX-41000A Quadboard wfo RAM $214.95 

MEX-41064A 64K Quadboard $275.00 

MEX-41256A 256K Ouadboard $399.95 

QUADBOARD II— QUADRAM 

Two serial ports, clock/calendar, memory expansion, and 
Quadmaster software 



MEM-40064A Ouadboard II. 64K 
MEX-40256A Quadboard. 256K _ 



$275.00 
. $399.00 



QUADLINK— QUADRAM 

Allows IBM PC to run Apple software, includes interface 
card and software to allow your IBM PC to run both Apple 
DOS and PC DOS 

$485.00 



CPX-50500A Quadlink 



SIX PAK PLUS— AST 

Up to 384K RAM. clock calendar with battery back-up. 
serial port, parallel printer port, optional game port. Super 
drive and super spool software included FREE! 

MEX-38064A 64K. C.S.P $269.95 

MEX-38256A 256K. C.S.P S489.95 



For Game Port Option Add 



. $39.95 



MEGA PLUS— AST 

Up to 512K RAM, clock calendar with battery back-up, 
2 serial ports, parallel printer port, game port. Super 
drive and superspool software included FREE! 

MEX-51064A 64K. C.1 serial $269.95 

MEX-51000S Second serial port option $39.95 

MEX-51000P Printer port option $39.95 

MEX-51000G Game port option $39.95 

For Each Additional 64K RAM Add $49.95 



COMBO PLUS II— AST 

Up to 256K RAM. clock with battery back-up, serial port, 
parallel port, superspool software included FREE! 

MEX-25064A 64K.C.S.P $269.95 

MEX-25256A 256K.C.S.P $419.95 

I/O PLUS II— AST 

Up to 2 serial ports, parallel printer port, game port, clock 
calendar with battery back-up. Super drive and superspool 
software included FREE! 

IOI-7500A Clock & 1 serial port . . $129.95 

IOI-7500P Printer port option $39.95 

1OI-7500S Second serial port option $39.95 

IO1-7500G Game port option $39.95 



KEYTRONICS KEYBOARD 

Similar to the IBM PC keyboard, but with all the keys in 

the right places for word processing 

KBE-45100 Keytronics/IBM $199.95 



320K DISK DRIVES 

Tandon TM-100-2 double-sided, double-density 320K 
disk drive. Original equipment drive on IBM PC 



MSM-551002 Full size Tandon 

MSM-991004 Half-height 320K drive 
MSM-660551 7"eac Hall-height 



. $224.95 

$199.95 

_ $239.95 



OKIDATA IBM KIT 

Okidata's new plug-n-play ROMs for Oki 82, 83, 84. 92, 
and 93 printers are fully IBM PC compatible! 412 ASCII 
characters, full graphics, complete Epson emulation, and 
near letter quality printing not available with Epson 



HARD DISK For IBM PC 

Hard disk with controller, software, and P/S 

MSH-990205 5MB system 

MSH-990210 10MB system 

MSH-990215 15MB system 



PRA-43086 Plug-n-play for 92 

PRA-43087 Plug-n-play for 93 

WCA-2536A IBM PC to Oki or Epson cable 

PRA-43084 Plug-n-play for 82 

PRA-43085 Plug-n-play for 83 

PRA-43089 Plug-n-play for 84 



. $49.95 
. $49.95 
. $32.95 
. $39.95 
$39.95 
. $89.95 



.$1395.00 
. $1699.00 
. $2199.00 



NEC 3550 LETTER QUALITY 

Only full IBM PC compatible letter qulaity printer 
available— why settle for less! 



SYSTEM CARD— MICROSOFT 

From the authors of MS-DOS— up to 256K RAM, serial 
port, parallel printer port, clock calendar, plus RAM drive 
disk emulation, print spooler, time utilities, and terminal 
emulation software, DOS 1.1 or 2.0 compatible 



PRD-35501 NEC 3550 printer 



. $1799.95 



MEX-16064A 64K system card _ 
MEX-16256A 256K system card 



. $279.95 
. $429.95 



64K RAM UPGRADE For IBM PC 

High speed RAM upgrade kit with parity {error detection) 

and one year warranty 

MEX-64100K 64K kit for IBM PC $49.95 



HI-RES COLOR MONITORS 

Only the best Quadchrome or Princeton HX-12. 690 x 480 
resolution. 16 brilliant colors, special 31mm dot pitch 
tube, includes FREE 1 cable 

VDC-241301 Ouadram Quadchrome $549.95 

VDC-241401 Princeton Graphics HX-12 $529.95 

AMDEK MONITORS 

Full line of high quality monochrome and color video 
monitors 

VDM-801270 Video 310 Amber (IBM) $159.95 

VDC-801320 Color II (RGB) $429.95 

VDC-801330 Color III (RGB) $399.95 

VDC-801340 Color IV (Analog RGB) $775.00 

HERCULES GRAPHIC CARD 

Two pages of ultra-high resolution text and graphics. 
720 x 348. compatible with Lotus 123. Visicalc. dBASE II. 
etc. Includes parallel printer port 

IOV-5010A Hercules graphic card $359.95 

QUADCOLOR I & QUADCOLOR II 

Quadcolor I delivers standard IBM PC color and graphics, 
add Quadcolor II and hi-resolution (640 x 200) color 
graphics are possible 

IOV-4010A Ouadcolor I basic board $234.95 

IOV-4020A Quadcolor II add on $229.95 

PLANTRONICS COLOR PLUS 

Up to 16 colors, 80 characters, bi-planar technology. 

includes parallel printer port 

IOV-6010A Plantronics Color Plus ^___ $379.95 



HAYES SMARTMODEMS 

300 and/or 1200 baud direct connect, auto answer-auto 
dial, pulse or touch tone, auto baud rate selection. 
1200B is a plug-in board for IBM PC only and includes 
Smartcom II FREE 1 



IOM-5550A 1200B with Smartcom II . 

IOM-5500A Smartmodem 1200 

IOM-5400A Smartmodem 300 

SFP-5500550M Smartcom II 



. $399.95 
. $475.00 
. $199.95 
_ $79.95 



THE BEST SOFTWARE For IBM PC 

We have taken the top rated programs and reduced 
the price making them a super value 
LOTUS 12 3 Best spreadsheet 

SFP-24001020M Lotus 123 (1 A) $329.95 

dBASE II Best Data base 

SFP-11210100M Ashton-Tate dBASE II $429.95 

CROSSTALK Best communications package 
SFP53770100M MicroStuff Crosstalk $129.95 



THE BEST MOUSE 

From MouseSystems. Optical mouse with no moving 
parts— nothing to wear out, includes software and is 
compatible with all major software packages 
SYX-14100A Mouse Systems mouse $249.95 



MICROSOFT MOUSE 

Mechanical mouse from the folks that wrote your 
PC's operating system. Includes software and cables 
SYX-16100A Microsoft mouse $149.95 



PLACE ORDERS TOLL FREE! 
Continental USA Inside California 

(800) 421 -5500 (800) 262- 1710 



542 BYTE January 1984 



Los Angeles Area 
(213)973-7707 



for your APPLE 



DISK DRIVE For APPLE 

Totally Apple compatible, 143,360 bytes per drive on 
DOS 3.3 full one year factory warranty, half-track 
capability, reads all Apple software, plugs right into 
Apple controller as second drive. DOS 3.3, 3.2.1 
Pascal, & CP/M compatible 

MSM-431010 Standard Disk II size $199.00 

MSM-431030 Controller only $60.00 

HALF-HEIGHT DRIVE For APPLE 

Totally Apple compatible. Works with all Apple 
software and controllers. Faster and quieter than most 
other drives, yet only half the size! 
MSM-581010 Half-height $199.95 



DUAL 8-inch DISK DRIVES 

Up to 2 Megabytes for your Apple, two double density 
8 inch slimline disk drives, cabinet, power supply, 
cable, controller, and software. Compatiblewith DOS, 
CP/M, Pascal and IBM 3740 formats 



1 MEGABYTE SUB SYSTEM 

2 MEGABYTE SUB SYSTEM 



.$1195.00 
. $1395.00 



GRAPPLER PLUS— Orange Micro 

The ultimate parallel printer graphics interface card 
with many new features, now at a new low price! 
IOP-2300A Grappler Plus $119.95 

BUFFERED GRAPPLER PLUS 

Combines the flexibility of the Grappler + with the 
convenience of the Bufferboard, all on a single board 

IOP-2320A Buffered Grappler+ $175.00 

IOP-2325A Buffered Grappler \ $225.00 



BUFFERBOARD— Orange Micro 

Add up to 20 pages of text output buffering to your 

existing Grappler -I- board 

IOP-2310A Bufferboard $135.00 

ASIO— SSM/TRANSEND 

RS232 serial I/O board for Apple, works with printers 

or modems. 1 1 to 9600 baud. DOS. CP/M and Pascal 

compatible 

IOI-2052A ASIO $119.95 

A488— SSM/TRANSEND 

Allows Apple II, lie, II+ to operate as an inexpensive 

IEEE 488/GPIB instrument controller. Comes with 

cable 

IOX-7488A A488 $339.95 

8088 COPROCESSOR— PCPI 

Similar in concept to Z80 cards for Apple, but uses 
8088, the same microprocessor used in IBM PC. 
Complete with MSDOS and M BASIC 
CPX-88088A PCPI 8 8 card $459.95 



FAN/POWER CENTER For APPLE 

Cooling fan foryour overheated Apple II, II+, or lie; 
a/so »nc/udes power switch and two switched outlets 
with voltage protection circutry 
SYA-1520A -4pp/e fan $59.95 

NEW! MICROMODEM lie HAYES 

The standard in direct-connect, plug-in modem cards 
for Apple. 110-300 baud. Includes FREE Smartcom I 
IOM-2000A Micromodem lie $529.00 



KOALA PAD— KOALA TECH. 

A touch sensitive pad that functions like a joystick or 

mouse, allowing you to move the cursoraround the 

screen with the touch of a finger. Complete with 

software 

SYA-1518A Koala Pad $99.95 



SUPER DISKETTE SPECIAL! 

We bought out a major manufacturer's overstock, 
and we are passing the savings on to you! Singlesided 
double density, package of ten FREE plastic case 
MMD-5120103 Apple diskettes $18.95 




CP/M 3.0 CARD For APPLE— ALS 

The most powerful card available for your Apple! 

6 MHz, Z-80B, additional 64K RAM, CP/M 3.0 
plus, 100% CP/M 2.2 compatibility, C Basic, CP/M 
gr aphics. 300% faster than any other CP/M for Apple 

CPX-62810A ALS CP/M card $299.00 

Z CARD For APPLE— ALS 

Two computers in one, Z-80 and 6502, more than 
doubles the power and potential of your Apple, 
includes Z-80 CPU card, CP/M 2.2 and complete 
manual set. Pascal compatible, tone year warranty 
CPX-62800A A & T with CP/M 2.2 $139.00 

PRINTER CARD & CABLE 

For Apple. Standard Centronics parallel interface for 
Epson, Okidata, C. Itoh, Gemini, NEC, Comrex, etc. 
Includes printer cable and supports graphics 
IOP-2100A Printer card & cable $49.95 



80 COLUMN CARD 

80 column x 24 line video card for Apple II addressable 
25th status line, normal/inverse orhigh/low video. 128 
ASCII characters, upper and lower case, 7 x 9 dot 
matrix with true descenders, CP/M, Pascal and 
Fortran compatible, 40/80 Hz, 40/60 column selection 
from keyboard. Best 80 column card! 
2 year warranty 

IOV-2450A Viewmax 80 $139.95 

IOV-2455A Visicalc/Easywriter Preboot $24.95 



16K RAM CARD For APPLE II 

Expand your Apple II 64K, use as language card, full 
one year warranty. Why spend $175.00? 
MEX-16700A Save over 115.00 $49.95 



MICROFAZER— QUADRAM 

The Microfazer stand-alone printer buffers are 
available "in any configuration of serial or parallel 
input, with serial or parallel output. All are expandable 
up to 64K of memory (about 30 pages of 8V2 x 1 1 text); 
the parallel-to-parallel version is expandable to 512K 
Copy and pause feature included 
Parallel/Parallel 

$139.95 

. $164.95 



IOP-26008 8K List 169.00 
IOP-26032 32K List 225.00 



IOP-26128 128K List 445.00 

Serial/ Parallel 

IOP-27008 8K List 199.00 _ 

IOP-27032 32K 

Parallel/Serial 

IOP-29008 8K List 199.00 _ 

IOP-29032 32K 

Serial/Serial 

IOP-28008 8K List 199.00 _ 

IOP-28032 32K List 220.00 _ 



. $269.95 



.$169.95 
S1 99.95 



. $169.95 
S199.95 



. $169.95 
. $199.95 



MICROBUFFER 

PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS, INC 



Stand-alone Mlcrobuffers 
IOP-2500A Parallel. 32K 
IOP-251 0A \ Parallel, 64K 
IOP-2520A Serial. 32K _ 
IOP-2530A Serial. 64K _ 
IOP-2564K 



stand alone microbuffer 
64K add-on board 



Mlcrobuffers for Apple II 
IOP-2560A Parallel, 16K 
IOP-2570A Parallel. 32K 
IOP-2580A Serial. 16K _ 
IOP-2590A Serial, 32K _ 



_ $249.95 
. $299.95 
. $249.95 
. $299.95 

S179.00 



. $199.95 
. $249.95 
. $199.95 
. $249.95 



DISPATCHER By ALS . 



. IOI-1000A $99.95 



Mlcrobuffers for Epson Printers 

IOP-2540A Parallel, 16K 

IOP-2550A Serial. 8K 



.$139.95 
. $139.95 



Spring CATALOG 



Circle 198 on inquiry card. 



Better than free! 

Just circle bingo card number 

to receive your free catalog! 



•£Ziter Products 



4901 



west Rosecrans Annus. 



HaW thorne, California 



90250 



BYTE Tanuarv 1984 543 




Computer Products 



DISK DRIVES 
S-100 BOARDS 



QUANTITY LIMITED! 

8080 CLOSE-OUT SPECIAL! 

S-100 CPU Board with features / Problem Solvers Brand 

• 2 serial ports, with handshaking, software selectable 
baudrates 

• On-board 2708 can be shadowed out! 

• 8 level priority interrupt controller 

• Real Time interrupt clock on-board 

• tMSAt front panel connector on-board 

• INCLUDES MANUAL AND SCHEMATIC 

• For Technical types Sold "AS IS" 
CPU-10000A ONLY S49.95 

THREE BOARD SET— CCS 

S-100 board setfeaturingZ80A cpu. 64K of high speed 
RAM. serial I/O port, double-density disk controller for 
5'/ d inch or 8-inch drives. FREE CP/M 2.2 on 8-inch disk 
with full manual set. all necessary diagnostic and control 
software. All boards are assembled and tested with full 
factory warranty 

SPECIAL PACKAGE $694.95 

64K STATIC RAM— JADE 

Uses new 2K x 8 static RAMs, fully supports IEEE 696 

MEM-99152B Bare board $49.95 

MEM-99152K Kit less RAM $89.95 

MEM-32152K 32K kit $169.00 

MEM-56152K 56K kit $225.00 

MEM-64152K o4K kit _ $265.00 

Assembled & Tested add $30.00 



EXPANDORAM III 

High density memory board. 64K. 128K or 256K 
MEM-65064A 6*K $398.95 



Priced Too Low To Advertise! 

S-100 BOARDS ON SALE! 

COMPUPRO, SD SYSTEMS, 
CCS, MULLEN, ADC & 
JADE COMPUTER 

WE WILL TRY TO BEAT ANY 
ADVERTISED PRICE IN THIS 
MAGAZINE! 

ISOBAR 

The ISOBAR looks like a standard multi-outlet power 
strip, but contains surge suppression circuitry and 
built-in noise filters, plus a 15amp circuit breaker 

EME-115105 4 receptacle __ $59.95 

EME-115100 8 receptacle $69.95 

DOUBLE D— JADE COMPUTER 

High reliability, double density disk controller 

IOD-1200B Bare board & hdwr man $59.95 

IOD-1200K Kitw/hdwr&sftwrman $299.95 

IOD-1200A A & T w/hdwr & sftwr man $325.00 

SFC-59002001I : CP/M 2.2 with Double D $99.95 

THE BUS PROBE 

Best selling inexpensive S-100 diagnostic analyzer 
TSX-200B Bare board $59.95 



TSX-200K Kit 
TSX-200A A & T . 



. $179.95 
. $199.95 



MEM-65128A 128K 
MEM-65192A 192K 
MEM-65256A 256K 



. $464.95 
. $524.95 
. $589.95 



I/0-4 SSM MICROCOMPUTER 

Two serial I/O ports plus two parallel I/O ports 
IOI-1010A A & T $245.00 

ISO BUS— JADE COMPUTER 

Silent, simple and on SALE! A better motherboard 
6 Slot (5%" x 8%") 19 MHz 

MBS-061B Bare board $22.95 

MBS-061K Kit $39.95 

MBS-061A A & T $49.95 



SBC-200 SD SYSTEMS 

4 MHz Z-80A CPU with serial and parallel I/O 
CPU-30200A A & T $339.95 



VERSAFLOPPY II— SD SYSTEMS 

Double density disk controller for 5'/ 4 " and 8" 

IOD-1160A A & T with PROM $344.95 

_ $349.95 
$80.00 



IOD-1170A Versafloppy 11/696 A & T 
SFC-55009047F CP/M 3.0 with VF-II _ 



72 Slot (9%" x 8%") 1 70 MHz 

MBS-121B Bare board . 

MBS-121K Kit 

MBS-121A A & T 



18 Slot (Uy 2 " x 8%") 6MHz 

MBS-181B Bare board 

MBS-181K Kit 

MBS-181A A & T 



_ $34.95 
_ $69.95 
_ $89.95 

_ $54.95 
_ $99.95 
. $139.95 



THE BIG Z— JADE 

2 or 4 MHz switchable Z-80 CPU board with serial I/O 

CPU-30200B Bare board w /manual $35.00 

CPU-30201K Kit w I manual $179.95 

CPU-30201A A& T $199 OO 



ULTRA-VIOLET EPROM ERASERS 

Inexpensive erasers for industry or home 

XME-3100 .Spectronics w/o timer $69.50 

XME-3101 Spectronics with timer $94.95 

XME-3200 Logical Devices $49.95 



5V4 inch DISK DRIVES 

TANDON TM 100-1 SS DD 48 TPI 

MSM-551001 $225.00 ea 2 for $195.00 ea 

SHUGARTSA400L SS DD 48 TPI 

MSM-104000 $209.00 ea 2 for $199.95 ea 

TANDON TM 100-2 DS DD 48 TPI 

MSM-551002 $229.00 ea 2 for $225.00 ea 

MPI B52 DS DD 48 TPI can be substituted for CDC 

MSM-1 55200 $275.00 ea 2 for $270.00 ea 

MPI B51 SS DD48TPI 

MSM-155100 $209.00 ea 2 for $199.00 ea 

MPI B91 Single sided, Quad Density 96 TPI 

MSM-155300 $285.00 ea 2 for $275.00 ea 

MPI B92 Double sided Quad density 96 TPI 
MSM-155400 $400.00 ea 2 for $390.00 ea 

51/4" CABINETS/POWER SUPPLY 

END-000216 Single cab w I power supply $69.95 

END-000226 Dual cab wl power supply $85.00 



8 inch DISK DRIVES 



SIEMENS FDD 100-8 Single sided, double density 

MSF-201120 $179.00 ea 2 for $175.00 ea 

SHUGART SA 801R Single sided, double density 

MSF-10801R $355.00 ea 2 for $349.00 ea 

SHUGART SA-851R Double sided, double density 

MSF-10851R $459.00 ea 2 for $455.00 ea 

OUME DT-8 Double sided, double density 

MSF-750080 $479.00 ea 2 for $459.00 ea 

TANDON TM 848-1 SS DD thin-line 

MSF-558481 $369.00 ea 2 for $359.00 ea 

TANDON TM 848-2 DS DD thin-line 

MSF-558482 $439.00 ea 2 for $435.00 ea 

NEC FD1165 DS DD thin-line 

MSF-851165 $450.00 ea 2 for $440.00 ea 

NEC FD1164 SS DD thin-line 

MSF-851164 $360.00 ea 2 for $350.00 ea 



DISK SUB-SYSTEMS JADE 

Handsome metal cabinet with proportionally 
balanced air flow system, rugged dual drive power 
cable kit. power switch, line cord, fuse holder, cooling 
fan, nevermar rubber feet, all necessary hardware to 
mount two 8-inch disk drives, power supply, and fan, 
does not include signal cable 
Dual 8" Sub-Assembly Cabinet 

END-000420 Bare cabinet $49.95 

END-000421 Cabinet kit $199.95 

END-000431 A & T $249.95 

0" Sub-Systems— Slngal Sided, Double Density 
END-000423 Kit w/2 Siemens FD100-8Ds _ $579.00 
END-000424 A & T w/2 Siemens FD100-8DS $595.00 

END-000433 Kit w/2 Shugart SA-801 Rs $939.00 

END-000434 A & T w/2 Shugart SA-801 Rs $969.00 

0" Sub-Systems— Double Sided, Double Density 

END-000426 Kit w/2 Qume DT-8s $1229.00 

END-000427 A & T w/2 Qume DT-8s $1249.00 

END-000436 Kit w/2 Shugart SA-851 Rs -$1199.00 
END-000437 A & T w/2 Shugart SA-851 Rs $1219.00 



DUAL SLIMLINE SUB-SYSTEMS 

Dual 8-Inch Slimline Cabinet 

END-000820 Bare cabinet $59.95 

END-000822 A & T w/o drives $164.95 



Dual 8-Inch Slimline Subsystems 

END-000843 Kit w/2 SS DD drives $869.00 

END-000844 A & T w/2 SS DD drives $879.00 

END-000845 Kit w/2 DS DD drives $1060.00 

END-000846 A & T w/2 DS DD drives $1099.00 



DISK DRIVE POWER SUPPLY 

Sufficient current to power up to three 8" drives 
PSD-206A List Price 149.00 $89.95 



We accept cash, checks, credit cards, or purchase orders from qualified firms and institutions. 
Prices quoted are for prepaid orders only and are subject to change without notice. 
Minimum prepaid order $15.00 California residents add 6 1 / 2 % tax. Export customers outside 
the U.S. or Canada please add 10% to all prices. Shipping and handling charges via 
UPS Ground 50<J7lb UPS Air $1 .00/lb minimum charge $3.00 



544 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 199 on inquiry card. 



PRINTERS 




MODEMS 



(DHayesr 

SMARTMODEM— HAYES 

Sophisticated direct-connect auto-answer/auto-dial 
modem, touch tone orpulsedialing. RS232C interface 
programmable 

IOM-5500A Smartmodem 1200 $475.00 

IOM-5550A 1200B for IBM PC $399.95 



IOM-5400A Smartmodem 300 _ 
IOK-1500A Hayes Cronograph 
IOM-1100A Micromodem 100 „ 
IOM-2000A Micromodem lie 



$199.00 

_ $199.00 

$349.00 

$259.00 



1200 BAUD SMART CAT 
NOVATION 

103/212 Smart Cat and 103 Smart Cat. 1200 and 300 
baud, built-in dialer, auto re-dial if busy, auto answer/ 
disconnect, direct connect. LED readout displays 
mode analog/digital loopback self tests, usable with 
multi-line phones 

IOM-5241A 300 Baud 103 Smart Cat $229.95 

IOM-5251A 7200 Baud 212/103 Smart Cat $549.95 



J-CAT MODEM— NOVATION 

1/5 the sizeof ordinary modems. Bell 103. manual or 
auto-answer, automatic answer/orginate. direct 
connect, built-in self-test, two LEDs and audio beeps 
provide status information 
IOM-5261A Novation J-Cat $119.00 

SMART BUY IN MODEMS 
SIGNALMAN 

Direct connect, low cost, high quality, and state-of- 
the-art features. Includes FREEL subscription to the 
Source 



MARK I Universal 300 baud, 
snswerse/ecfron. RS232C 
IOM-5600A 300b RS-232 



automatic originate/ 
$79.95 



MARK VI 300 Baud for IBM PC. auto-answer, 
auto-dial, plug-in modem board with full com- 
munications software included FREE! 
IOM-5630A 300 Baud IBM card $159.95 

MARK VII Universal 300 baud, auto-answer, auto- 
dial RS-232 modem 
IOM-5610A Deluxe RS-232 300b $149.95 

NEW! MARK XII New Universal 1200 Baud auto- 
answer, auto-dial modem with all the popularfeatures 
of the Hayes Smartmodem 1200 
IOM-5620A 72006 deluxe modem $399.95 



EPSON PRINTERS 
SAVE At Least $ 1 50.00! 

CALL US FOR THE BEST DEAL ON THE WORLDS 
BEST SELLING LINE OF PRINTERSl 

EPSON RX-80 700 CPS w/tractor, graphics 
PRM-29082 A 499.00 Value, Save 200.00 _ $299.95 
EPSON RX-80FT 700 CPS with FREE graphics 
PRM-29084 Friction & tractor feed _ SAVE $150.00 
EPSON MX-80FT 80 CPS with FREE graphics 
PRM-28082 Friction & tractor feed _ SAVE $150.00 
EPSON MX-100 700 CPS 75" platten 
PRM-28100 Friction & tractor SAVE $150.00 

EPSON FX-80 760 CPS with FREE graphics 
PRM-29080 Friction & tractor feed _ SAVE $150.00 
EPSON FX-100 760 CPS 75" platten 
PRM-29100 Friction & tractor feed _ SAVE $150.00 

OKIDATA— MICROLINE 92 & 93 

160 CPS, true correspondence quality printing, full 
graphics. IBM PC compatible (optional), handles 
single sheet as well as fan-fold paper, professional 
design construction and quality 

PRM-43092 Oki 92 parallel List 699.00 $479.95 

PRM-43093 Oki 93 parallel List 1199.00 $795.95 

PRA-43181 2K serial board $115.00 

PRA-43086 IBM PC ROMS for 92 $49.95 

PRA-43087 IBM PC ROMS (or 93 $49.95 

PRA-43080 Extra ribbon (2) . $9.95 

PRA-43088 Tractor for Oki 92 $54.95 



MICROLINE 82, 83, & 84 

120 CPS (82. 83) 200 CPS (84), industr 
printers, serial and parallel interfaces, true 
descenders, handles single-sheet as well 

PRM-43082 Oki 82 List Price 599.95 

PRM-43083 Oki 83 wl FREE) tractor 

PRM-43084 Oki 84 parallel List $1399.00 
PRM-43085 Oki 84 serial List 1499.00 _ 
PRA-43081 2K serial board _ 



PRA-43080 Extra ribbons 82/92, 83/93 . 

PRA-43088 Tractorfor Oki 82 

PRA-43180 Ribbons 83, 84, 93 



y standard 
lowercase 
as fan fold 
. $379.95 
. $625.95 
. $925.00 
. $995.00 
. $159.95 

$9.95 

_ $54.95 
$9.95 



GEMINI 10X & 15X 

Star Micronics— up to 120 CPS, full graphics, friction 
and tractor feed. Epson FX-80 compatible 

PRM-66010 Gemini 10X SAVE $150.00 

PRM-66015 Gemini 15X SAVE $150.00 

PRA-66200 Serial board, G-10. G-15 $69.00 

PRA-66202 Serial board, G-10X. G-15X $55.00 

PRA-66206 10X, 15X 4K serial $109.00 



NEW! DELTA 10 

160 CPS. up to 16K buffer, serial and parallel inter- 
faces, graphics friction and tractor, FX-80 compatible 
PRM-66120 Save $150.00 



COMREX CR-II 

Best buy in letter quality printers. NEW! from Comrex! 
full featured letter quality printer, FREE! 5K buffer, 
logic seeking bi-directional printing, boldface 
proportional spacing, double-strike, backspace, 
underline, true super script and sub script, drop in 
daisy wheel cartridge 

PRD-11101 CR-II parallel $495.00 

PRD-11102 CR-II serial __ $589.95 

$99.95 

$189.95 

$179.95 



PRA-11100 Tractor option __ 
PRA-99700 Cut sheet feeder 
PRA-11115 Keyboard option 



SILVER REED EXP-550 

Economical daisy wheel printer with 200 words per 
minute (18 CPS). full 15-inch platen, Diablo 630 
protocol. 10. 12.15 pitch or proportional printing. Very 
quiet, very reliable; a bargain in the under $1000. letter 
quality printer market 

PRD-52001 Para//e/, List 895.00 $669.00 

PRD-52002 Serial, List 995.00 $775.00 

PRA-52000 Tractor. List 159.95 $129.00 





MONITORS 



AMDEK MONITORS 



Full line of high quality monochrome and color video 
monitors 



VDM-801270 Video 310 Amber (IBM) 

VDM-801260 Video 300 Green 

VDM-801265 Video 300 Amber 

VDC-801310 Color-I (composite) 

VDC-801320 Color-ll (RGB) . 



VDC-801325 Color-ll plus (analog RGB) . 

VDC-801330 Color III (RGB) 

VDC-801340 Color IV (analog RGB) 

VDA-80990 DVM-2 (Apple ll/lh ) 

VDA-809901 DVM-80E (Apple He) 



.__ $159.00 
_ $135.95 
_ $149.95 
_ $289.95 
_ $429.95 
_ $439.95 
— $399.95 
_ $775.95 
_ $129.95 
„ $139.95 



BEST MONITORS AVAILABLE! 

Ultra-high resolution, up to 22 MHz, 1000 lines per 
inch, amber or green phoshpor, FREE! tilt and swivel 
base, US manufacturer 



VDM-881220 72" green 22 MHz . 
VDM-881210 72" amber 22 MHz . 
VDM-880920 9" green 18 MHz _ 
VDM-880910 9" amber 18 MHz _ 



$149.95 
. $149.95 
. $139.95 
.$139.95 



12-inch GREEN— ZENITH 

15 MHz, 40 or 80 column 

VDM-201201 72" green 



. $94.95 



STARWRITER F10 

High speed letter quality printer. 40 CPS daisywheel. 
Extensive built-in word processing functions, up to 15 
inch paper width. Uses standard Diablo style print- 
wheels . 



PRD-22010 F10/parallel . 



.$1125.00 



MANNESMAN-TALLY 



Spirit 80 CPS 10" parallel . 

160L 760 CPS 10" 

180L 760 CPS 75" 



— PRM-32100 $329.00 

__ PRM-32161 $588.00 

_PRM-32181 $828.00 



Place Orders Toll Free! 



Continental U.S.A. 
(800)421-5500 

Circle 199 on inquiry card. 



Inside California 
(800)262-1710 



Los Angeles Area 
(213)973-7707 



BYTE January 1984 545 



NUMBER ONE IN SELECTION — NUMBER 



TAX/NY 




AMDER & GREEN 
$129 $119 

12" MONITORS 

For complete specifications, see page 24 of our 
New '83/'84 Engineering Selection Guide. 

Part Number Description List Price SALE Price 



BATAXKG12N 
BATAXKG12NUY 



Green Screen (Sh. Wt. 18 lbs.) $179 00 $119.00 
Amber Screen (Sh Wt. 18 lbs.) $189.00 $129.00 



SAVE ON RGB MONITORS, TOO! 

BATAXRGBI Medium Resolution (30 lbs) S399.00 $329.00 

BATAXRGB3 Super-High Resolution (30 lbs) S699.00 §569.00 

BATAXRGB420 IBM - " Styling Hi-Res RGB (30 lbs) S69900 §569.00 




NEW! 

POWER TYPE 

18CPSDAISYWHEEL 

PRINTER 



MANNESMANN 
TALLY 





$499.00 

• Parallel and Serial Interface • Four Print Sizes 

• Wheels and Ribbons are QUME Compatible 

• Selector Switches for Columns, 

Line Spacing and Paper Length 

BASTRPOWERTYPE Daisywheel Printer (Sh. wt 22 lbs.) $499.00 



Letter Quality 
Dot Matrix Printer 

For complete specifications, see page 41 of our 
New '83/' 84 Engineering Selection Guide 

• 160 cps • 40 cps (Letter Quality) 

• Serial & Parallel Interface • Double wide characters 

• Tractor and friction feed • "Bullet- Proof cast 

frame with metal cabinet 

Not f he Cheapest — 
Just the Best Dollar Value! 

BATALMTI60L 80 column / 160 cps (21 lbs.) $589.00 

BATALMT180L 132 column / 160 cps (28 lbs.) $829.00 

BATALMTRIB160 Replacement RibbonforMT160L(1 Jb.) $ 15.75 

BATALMTRIB180 Replacement Ribbon for MT1 80L(1 lb.) $ 17.80 



GmpuPro Jhe World's Largest Dealer 
v — c — of S- 1 00 Boards 



CPU BOARDS 



List Price Sale Price 



SDSystems 



Ust Price Sale Price 



BAGBT51068 

BAGBT51568 
BAGBT51086 
BAGBT51586 
BAGBT51067 
BAGBT51567 
BAGBT51080 
BAGBT51580 
BAGBT51060 
BAGBT51560 



CPU 68K A&T 8MHz 
CPU 68K CSC 10MHz 
Co- Processor w/8086 only 
Co- Processor w/8086 only 
CPU 8086/8087 A&T 
CPU 8086/8087 CSC 
CPU 8085/88 A&T 
CPU 8085/88 CSC 
3/6MHz CPU-Z A&T 
3/6MHz CPU-Z CSC 



S 695 00 
S 850.00 
A&T$ 750.00 
CSC$ 850.00 
S105000 
St 15000 
S 495.00 
$ 595.00 
$ 325.00 
$ 425.00 



$ 595.00 
$ 765.00 
$ 675.00 
$ 765.00 
$ 939.00 
$1065.00 
$ 389.00 
$ 497.87 
$ 279.00 
$ 347.87 



BASDS38095 
BAS0S38092 
BAS0S38007 
BASDS38088 
BAS0S38089 



SBC-300 4MHzZ80ACPUA&T$ 74100$ 619. 
SBC-300 6MHz Z80B CPU A&TS 825 00 $ 689. 



DISK CONTROLLER BOARDS 



BAPDB171ACPM DISK 1 (A&h w/CP/M 2 2 S67O00 $469.00 
When purchased with two 8" disk drives: $450.00 



BAGBT54D18 
BAG8T41000 



BAGBT41050 



BAGBT54025 



DISK I Floppy controller (A&T) $495.00 $425.00 

CP/M" 22 lor Z80/8085 $148.95 

w/manuals& BIOS. 8" S/D Disk 

CP-M-86" for CPU 8085/88 $249.00 

& CPU 8086/87 CPUs 

w/manuals. BIOS 8" S/D Disk 

DISK 2 8" hard disk controller S795 00 $725.00 

w/CP/M- 2 2 (A&T) 

DISK 3 ST-506 type 5%" hard $795.00 $725.00 

disk controller w/CP/M-SO" & 

CP/M-86' (A&T) 



BASDS38097 
BASDS38076 
BAS0S38082 
BASDS3BD81 
BAS0S3BD96 
BASDS38093 
BASDS38094 

BAS0S38099 



I/O BOARDS 



BAGBT5601Q System Support 1 Multifunction $450.00 $375.00 

l/D (A&TI 

BAGBT56010/56531 SSI w/8231 Math Chip A&T $645.00 $570.00 

BAGBT56010/56320 SSI w/8232 Math Chip A&T $645 00 $570.00 

BAGBT53030 Intertacer 3 - 8 port serial (A&T) S699.00 $599.00 

BAGBT53040 interlaced - 3 Serial, 1 Centron- $450 00 $389.00 

ics Parallel. 1 Parallel (A&T) 



Z80 Starter System A&T $ 450 00 $ 399, 

ExpandoRAM IV 256K A&T S1 145.00$ 975. 
ExpandoRAM IV 256K S1990 00 $1675. 

w/EDC A&T 

ExpandoRAM 111/696 256K $ 825 00 $ 749. 
PROM- 100 w/software A&T $ 285 00 $ 219. 
RAM Disk 256K A&T $ 875.00 $ 775, 

ROM Disc 128K A&T $ 350.00$ 319, 

1/0-8 4-Port Async Ser. A&T $ 600.00 $ 549.00 
1/0-8 8- Port Async Ser A&T S 695.00 $ 589.00 
1/0-8 4 Sync. 4 Async. 8-Port S 795 00 S 699.00 
Serial 1/0 A&T 

Versafloppy III Floppy & ST-506 S 895 00 S 759.00 

Hard Disk Controller 

BAPDBVF339145* w/5V<" unbanked CP/M" 30 $1083.00 $ 888.00 

BAPDBVF339146* w/8" unbanked CP/M*' 3 $1083 00 $ 888.00 

BAP0BVF339147* w/5V banked CP/M* 3.0 $1083 00 $ 868.00 

BAP0BVF339148* w/8" banked CP/M* 3.0 $1083.00 $ 888.00 

BASDS38093 Versafloppy 11/696 (A&T) S 400.00 $ 344.00 

BAP0BVF23914r w/5'/a" unbanked CP/M* 3.0 $ 588.00 $ 424.00 

BAP0BVF239142* w/8" unbanked CP/M"' 3.0 $ 588 00 $ 424.00 

BAP0BVF239143*w/5V banked CP/M® 3.0 $ 588.00 $ 424.00 

BAPDBVF239144* w/8" banked CP/M 1 ' 3.0 $ 588.00 $ 424.00 

*CP/M-Plus" (3 0) configured for the SBC-300 

See Complete Specifications on Pages 12-25 

Of Our '83/'84 Engineering Selection Guide 




MACROTKCH International Corp. 

S-100 Boards 



See Page 1 6 Of Our New '83/' 84 Engineering Selection 
Guide for Complete Specifications 

Ordering Information: The 256 K and 384 K versions include the lully 
socketed Host card. The 512 K and larger versions also include the fully 
socketed "piggy-back" card. List Price Sale Price 

$1125.00 $1165.00 

$1467.00 $1395.00 

$1880.00 $1795.00 

$2442.0? $2325.00 



BAMACMAX256 256K Dynamic RAM (A&T) 

BAMACMAX3B4 384 Dynamic RAM (A&T) 

BAMACMAX512 5 12 K Dynamic RAM (A&T) 

BAMACMAXM 1 MEG Dynamic RAM (A&T) 

BAMACMAXTM MAX Technical Manual $ 15.00 

BAMACMAXVDSKMAX Virtual Disk Software supplies $ 25.00 

on 8" S/D Disk 
BAMACM3 Memory Mapping Option $ 91.00 

Attention CompuPro CPU 8085/88 Users: You must order the CPU 
modification hardware to insure complete compatibility. 



BAMACGBTH00 Hardware modilication for 
CompuPro CPU 8085/88 



$ 10.00 



BANCP1302 

BAMCP1303 

8AMCP1304 

BATNDTM501 

BATNQTM502 

BATNDTM503 

BAIIIHD5002 



DISK DRIVES 



5Y4 Hard Bisk sale price 



Micropolis 20 4/25 9 Mb ( 1 2 lbs.) $1465.00 

Micropolis 33.9/43.2 Mb (12 lbs.) $1875.00 

Micropolis 40.8/51.9 Mb (12 lbs.) $2195.00 

Tandon 6 Mb (9 lbs.) $ 749.00 

Tandon t2 Mb (9 lbs.) $895.00 

Tandon 19 Mb (9 lbs.) $1049.00 

Dual Hard Disk Enclosure $ 395.00 



Qoctagon 



BOARD LEVEL PRODUCT 



8/16 BIT MEMORY BOARDS 



8AGBT520I6 
BA&BT52021 
BAGBT52022 
BAGBT52012 



BAGBT1200 
BAGBT1250 



RAM 16 12MHz 32 K Static A&1S 550 00$ 495.00 
HAM 21 12 MHz 128K Static A&TS 995.00$ 895.00 
RAM 22 12MHz 256K Static A&TS1750 00 $1549.00 
M-Dnve/H 51 2K RAM Disk AS i S1475.00 $1195.00 



BADCTCPU816 8/16 Bit SBC (A&T) 
BA0CT8087NDP 8087 for CPU 8/16 
BA0CTCPM86 CP/M-86* 
BA0CTC0NCPM86Concurrent CP/M-86^ 
BADCTMPM86 MP/M-86' 



S 895 00$ 795.00 
$ 300.00 
$ 150.00 
$ 195.00 
$ 495.00 



MAINFRAMES 



20 Slot Desk Top (A&T) 
20 Slot Rack Mount (A&T) 



S925.00 $795.00 
$975.00 $850.00 



For more CompuPro Specifications 
see pages 2-33 of our New Catalog 



Manufactured by Vector Electronic Co. under license from CompuPro 

BAVCT8800SFB lnterf;icer I 2- Serial (A&T) 5295.00 $219.00 

BAVCT8800GF2B Interfaces ? 3-Par.. 1-Ser (A&T) S325 00 $239.00 

BAVCT88D0ER17BRAM 17 64 K 10MH/ $45000 $389.00 

Static RAM (A&TI 



BA0CTHDC ST-506 Hard Disc Controller $ 595 00 $ 525.00 

BADCTH0SUBI9 19.2Mb Hard Disc Subsystem $2295 .00 $ 195.00 
BA0CTS256T0D 256K Static RAM (A&T) S185000 $1719.00 

BADCTD512K 512K Dynamic RAM (A&T) S1450 00 $1345.00 
See Specifications on Pages 12-27 
Of Our '83/84 Engineering Selection Guide 



COMPLETE OCTAGON 8/16'" SYSTEMS 



BA0CT816SMPMW/256K Static RAM & MP/M-86" S7350.D0 

BA0CTB16SCPM w/256K Static RAM & Concurrent CP/M-86 S7350.00 

BADCT8l60MPMw/512K Dynamic RAM & MP/M-86 $7350.00 

BADCT8160CPM W/5I2K Dynamic RAM & Concurrent $7350.00 

CP/M-86 

See Complete Specifications on Page 5 Of Our 

New '83/84 Engineering Selection Guide 



5 A A" Floppy Disk Drives 



BAMPI51* MPI Full Height SS 48TPI (5 lbs.1 $200.00 

BAMPI52* MPI Full Height DS 48TPI (5 lbs) $270.00 

BAMPI91* MPI Full Height SS 96TPI (5 lbs.) $275.00 

BAMPI92* MPI Full Height DS 96TPI (5 lbs.) $400.00 

BAMPI501 MPI V?-Height SS 48TPI (4 lbs) $280.00 

BAMPI502 MPI ?-Height DS 48TPI (4 lbs ) $300.00 

BAMPI901 MPI ^-Height SS 96TPI (4 lbs.) $300.00 

BAMPI902 MPI V?- Height DS 96TPI (4 lbs) $355.00 

BATNDTM1001 TAndon Full Height SS 48TPI $225.00 

BATN0TM1002 Tandon Full Height DS 48TPI $260.00 

BATNDTM1014 Tandon Full Height DS 96TPI $390.00 
* Replace with M for MPI Door, or S for Shugart SA400 Type D 



6" Floppy Disk Drives 



BASHUB01R Shugart Full Height SS (18 lbs.) $369.00 

BASHU851R Shugart Full Height DS (18 lbs.) $525.00 

BA0MEOT8 Oume Full Height DS (18 lbs) $475.00 

BAMITM289463B Mitsubishi Full Height DS (18 lbs.) $380.00 

BAMPI415 MPI Full Height SS (11 lbs) $380.00 

BAMPI425 MPI Full Height DS (11 lbs.) $480.00 

BAMPI410 MPI Dual Vi-Height SS (22 lbs) $760.00 

BAMPI420 MPI Dual '/.-Height DS (22 lbs.) $830.00 

BAMPI41M MPI ^-Height SS (9 lbs.) $380.00 

BAMPI42M MPI VHeight DS (9'lbs.) $460.00 

BATN0TM8481 Tandon VH eight SS (9 lbs.) $395.00 

BATN0TMB482 Tandon '^-Height DS (9 lbs) $495.00 



H ORDER TOLL FREE (800) 420-5922 - CA, AK, HI CALL (210) 709-51 1 1 



ONE IN PRICE — NUMBER ONE IN SERVICE 



m tjnagffl DUAL TRACE SCOPES 



■■':■ . : 



■ ! 



5 YEAR WAMANTYii 

,- i . *. ; 



NEW LOWER PRICES! 

FOR COMPLETE SPECIFICATIONS ON HITACHI OSCILLOSCOPES, 
SEE PAGES 82 & 83 IN OUR '83/'84 ENGINEERING SELECTION GUIDE 



20MHz 
Low Profile 

BAHITV222 List Price: $695.00 

SALE PRICE: 



40MHz with 
Deloy Line 

BAHITV422 List Price; $895.00 

SALE PRICE: 



60MHz with 
Trigger View 

BAH1TV650F List Price: $1195.00 

SALE PRICE: 




100MHz Deloyed Sweep/ 
Quod Troce 

BAHITV1050F List Price: $1595.00 

SALE PRICE: 



$595.00 $749.00 $995.00 $1395.00 



(Shipping Weight: 17 lbs.) 



(Shipping Weight: 17 lbs.) 



(Shipping Weight: 31 lbs.) 



(Shipping Weight 31 lbs.) 



,.fe 



SOLA 



Uninterruptable | 
Power System 




For more specifica- 
tions, see page 94 ot 
our New 83/84 
Engineering Selection 
Guide. 

A mini U PS goes one step further than aminicomputer regulator. It provides 
the same voltage, noise, and brownout protection plus maintains power to 
keepequipment running smoothly during a blackout Whenapowerfailure 
occurs, the internal maintenance free battery continues powering the 
inverter without the use of any switching devices. This provides uninter- 
rupted, conditioned AC power to the critical load. 

PORTABLE 120VAC 60Hz 
UNINTERRUPTABLE POWER SYSTEMS 

Mx. Out. Dimensions Approx. PRICE 

Pari Number VA rating/ HiWiD Shipping List SALE 

Time Weight 



BASLA260050400301 400/20mm 12x19x11 
BASLA260050750300 750/10min 12x19x11 



95I0S S1617.00 $1406.00 
125 lbs. S1 722.00 $1497.00 
BASLA401751BA0Add-onbaUery pack (120 lbs.) $1014.00 $882.00 
"The Micro/Mini Computer Ultra Isolated Regulator provides instantaneous 
voltage regulation, and ultra isolation from both transverse and common 
mode noise for any type of load. It is particulary applicable in systems 
involving mini or microcomputers, P0S equipment, industrial control 
equipment, or data terminals. 

MINICOMPUTER REGULATORS 

With Line Cord 



BASLA6313070 
BASLA6313114 
BASU6313125 
BASLA6313150 
BASLA63I3I75 
BASIA8313210 
BASLA6313220t 



70 

140 
250 
500 
750 
1000 
2000 



I2x 6x 6 
12x 6x 6 
14x 8x 8 
17x 9x 9 
I7x 9x 9 
17x 9x 9 
17x11x11 



lOlbs.S 192.05 $ 159.00 

18lbsS 251.85 $ 209.00 

31 lbs S 30015 $ 249.00 

47lbsS 416.30 $349.00 

60lbs S 530 15 $ 439.00 

75lbsS 614 10 $ 519.00 

108lbs.$1044.20 $ 889.00 



tllnit Is supplied with 30 amp twist type plug and receptacles. 



^== AC SURGE PROTECTORS 



-- — FOR YOUR COMPUTER 

THE LEMON™ SOURS SURGES f 



8AEP0LEM0N 6 outlet wall mount 
8AEP0LIME 6 outlet 4 V/ cord 

. w/power switch 



Us! Price Our Price 
S5995 $44.95 
$89.50 $69.95 



EMI-RR FILTERED AC SURGE PROTECTOR 

8AEP00RAN6E 6 outlet 4 V cord S139.95 $104.95 

wipower switch 
flA£P0P£ACH 3 outlet wall mount S 97 50 $ 74.95 

(Shipping werghl on above items 4 lbs each) 

AC POWER UNE MONITOR/ SURGE PROTECTOR 

BAEFOHAWK (Sh. Wl 6 lbs) $195.00 $149.00 



SPECIAL PURCHASE 
DISKETTES!! 

&TDK 

8" DOUBLE DENSITY 



ATARI & COMMODORE 
PLUG AND RUN PRINTERS! 

Complete with Built-in Interface Cablesl 



8ATDKF1S 

SINGLE 
SIDED 

BATDKF2D 

DOUBLE 

SIDED 



$19.95 

1 PER BOX OF 10 

$29.95 

1 PER BOX OF 10 




BAAXMAT100A For ATARI (Sh. Wt 1 1 lbs.) 
BAAXMCD100A For COMMODORE (11 lbs.) 

BAAXMGP100A 30 cps; 80 col. dot matrix printer (11 lbs.) $199.00 
Parallel Interlace 



1200 BAUD MODEM SALE 

(j5) 



U.S. 

ROBOTICS 



AUTO DIAL/ 
AUTO ANSWER 
SOFTWARE! 



D.C HAYES 



For more details on 

Modems, see pages 

38 A 39 of our 

New Catalog. 



List Price SALE Price 



Part Number Description 

BAPOBPASSTEIB Password Mnd.tm w/Com- S5?8 00 $398.00 

mnniuhon Softw.oe 8" CP/M" 
BAPDBPASSTFI5 P.issv.nn! Modern w/Com- S528 00 $398.00 

munication Software 5' w" Apple 
BAPDBASIALTELB Auto Dwf 21 ?A Modern SH78 00 $495.00 

w/Coi'!iiuirin:;itini: Sofiwarf 1 8" CP/M" 
BAPDBADIALTEL5 At.lo Dial ?1?A M(xlem S678 00 $495.00 

w/Commnmc-ilion software 5V Applp 
BAPDB5100TELB S 10 Modem ChuI w operating S5?8 00 $398.00 

software im 8" CP M " diskette 



Part Number Description 

0ADCH0400P 

BA0CH0200P 

BADCH0300P 

BADCHDtOOP 

BA0CH000P 

8ADCH1200B 



Ust Price SALE Price 



1 200 Baud Smartmodem 

300 Baud Smartmodem 

Chronograph 

MiCroModem 100 

MicroModei'^ II 

IBM- PC" Modem card 



S695.00 
S279.00 
S249.00 
S399.00 
S379.00 
S599 00 



$514.95 
$229.00 
{199.00 
J349.00 
?299.00 
J499.00 



RIXON 

1200 Baud Direct Connect w/10 Number Memory 



BARIXR212A 
BARIXPC212A 
BARIXPCC0M1 
BAP0BRIX1BM 



1200 Baud Stand Alone unit S495.00 $449.00 
1200 IBM PC modem (2 lbs.) S495 00 $449.00 
IBM PC"* Modem Soltware (1 lb) $ 89.00 

IBM Modem & Software Together (3 lbs.) $539.00 



Are You A Regular Customer Of 
PRIORITY ONE ELECTRONICS? 

Look for your January Issue of PRIORITY INTERRUPT 

— a NEW Sixteen-Page Newsletter Containing: 

• Special Pricing Available ONLY Through Our Newsletter 
• Tech Tips • Profiles of our major supliers 

• In-depth product reviews • Customer "Talk- Back" 

• Meet the Priority One People • Application Notes 

J 1 Don't Miss Out On This 

f / Unique Offer! 

PRIORITY rLS ELECTRONICS 



Phone Today and Get On Our 
Priority Interrupt Mailing List! 



91d Doling Avp. Chcrtsvvorth. CA 9i311-^887 
ORDER TOLL FREE (800) 420-5922 - CA, AK. HI CALL (210) 709-51 1 1 

Terms. U.S VISA MC, BAC. Check. Money Order. US f-unds Only. Ca resirisnts add6W/a Sales Tax. MINIMUM PREPAID 0ROER$l£00. Include MINIMUM SHIP- 
PING & HANDLING of $3.00 for thefirst 3 lbs. plus40C (or each additional pound. Onlnrs over 50 lbs. sent freight collect Just in case, include your phone number. Prices 
subject to change without notice We will do our best to maintain prices through January, 1 984. Many quantities are limited. Sorry, no rainchecks, no refunds orexchang- 
es on sale merchandise Credit card orders will be charged approriate freight Sale prices for prepaid orders only. VVe are not responsible for typographical errors 



<3 
o 





fr 

D 


f== 


c 

c 
o 






O 


_ 


fe 


u 



RETAIL STORE PHONE NUMBERS: (Chotsworth:) (213) 709-5464 - (Irvine:) (714) 660-1411 



^8 w ffi™ MICRO 

mm. sales 



• MADE IN USA • SUV FACTORY DIRECT • 




California 
Computer 
Systems 



^■p 



DISK DRIVE SPECIALS 
We've Lowered Our Prices 




Offering A Complete Selection And. . . 
THE LOWEST PRICES IN BYTE! 

8" Shugart 801R SS/DD - The Industry Standard $355.00 

8" Shugart 851R Double Sided 1.2 Meg - The Old Reliable 457.00 

8" Qume Datatrak-8 DS/DO "THE BEST" of the floppys 479.00 

8" Mitsubishi Full Height Double Sided 1 Year Parts + Labor . . . .445.00 

8" Mitsubishi Thinline DS/DD 1 Year P+L Direct Drive 465.00 

8" Tandon 848-1 Slimline SS/DD BOOK BYTES D.C. Motor 355.00 

8" Tandon 848*2 Slimline Double Sided 1.2 Meg. D.C. .Motor 475.00 

8" Siemens 100-8 SS/DD ON SALE NOW!!! But How Long? 169.00 

bV Mitsubishi Full height 96T.P.I DS/DD 750K M4852 295.00 

bV Mistubishi Slimline 96T.P.I. DS/DD 750K M4853 315.00 

|5Tft" Qume 142 Slimline DS/DD 375.001 



► 



YEAR END SALE 

SAVE $61.00 

New CCS2066 64K Dynamic Memory 

• 65,536 bytes of Dynamic RAM • Z-80/8080, S-100 compatible • Port bank/16 levels 
of 64K = system memory of 1024K • Independently addressed in 16K blocks • 200ns 
access and data lines • Hysteresis drivers and receivers for high noise immunity and 
minimal bus loading effects. Part #B-5000-50 ONLY $299.00 

YEAR END SYSTEM SALE 

• 2300A Mainframe • 2422 Disk Controller 

• 2066 64 K Memory • CP/M Operating System 

• 2810 Z-80A CPU • 2719 2-Port RS-232 Serial 

• All AC/DC & Data Cables • 8-bit Parallel I/O 

A powerful package at ONLY $1495.00 

CCS CALSTAR SYSTEM 

Now available and with FREESOFTWflE: • Perfect Writer • Perfect Calc • Perfect Speller 
and • Perfect Filer. 

This powerful single box system includes: • Z-80 with 128K of RAM expandable to 
256K • A networking interface • SASI hard disk interface to add-on a Winchester • CP/M 
3.0 operating system • One parallel and two serial ports • Reads and writes the ISM 
3740 format (compatible withXOR) AND • Two double-sided double-density 8" floppy 
drives for 2.4 Megabytes of formatted storage AND • Will run two or more 8" or 5 Id " 
floppys. Part #S- 1500-05 

ON SALE NOW 
Regular -$3306.00 — Our Price Only $2695.00 




FANTASTIC SAVINGS! 

S 39S 

HELD OVER 
ON THE ORIGINAL S-100 MOD 

For engineers, hobbiests, and anyone who wants to save a bundle, the S1-M00 
is the answer. Full regulated power to run up to four floppy disks coupled wife 
a mamoth S-100 power supply and 12 slot bus, makes the S1-M0D an excep- 
tional computer base. Single board design means no wiring from the power 
supppfy to the motherboard. This eliminates all ground loop problems associated 
with other brands of mainframes who are forced to use termination. The S1-M0D 
is being offered this month with a matching $-100-12 cabinet. Fan cooled, fused, 
with reset and keylock the cabinet is also enamel painted and silk screened. 
Four AX. outlets are provided lor peripheral hookup and plenty of cutouts 
available for RS-232, Centronics + others. Our regular $225.00 price for the 
S1-M0D and 250.00 price for our 12 slot cabinet is being SLASHED! 

SPECIFICATIONS: jjjttffjJjh SA VE 

Regulated Unregulated '* ™**^B*T; " ^ _..__ 
+5V@5A +8V@30A fsfifcki OVER 
+ 24V @ 3A +16V@6A KmWY **nn 
,-5V@1A -16V @6A ^^T WW 
Don't settle for those cheap 6 slot immitations you've seen elsewhere in this 
mag. OWN THE BEST! X0R 8-1 MOD and S-100-12 Cabinet 5395.00! 



5 1 /4" Tandon TM-100-2 1.B.M. PC Add-on! DS/DD 48 T.P.I 259.00 

5 1 A " Tandon TM 100-4 0S/0D 96T.P.1. 750K 369.00 

• WINCHESTER HARD DISKS * 

SPECIALS 

SVa" Miniscribe Hard Disk 
•5 Meg $589 MO Meg $749 

8" Quantum 20* Megabyte Winchester - Two Ratters 1895.00 

8" Quantum 40* Meg Four Platter - Most Popular 2395.00 

8" Quantum 85* Megabyte - Special Order on this Monster! . . . .2895.00 
8" IOMEGA 10- Meg* Removeable Disk Drive with SCSI Controlled Inter- 
face Board. Runs up to four drives 1895.00 

8" IOMEGA. 10 Meg* Cartridge Drive - No Control Interface 895.00 

8" 10 Meg* Removeable Cartridge Media #M-2000-5l ....... .50.00 

•LAST MINUTE SPECIAL!!! Buy any Winchester hard disk drive above and get a 
Western Digital hard disk interface board AT COST! .ONLY 295.00! 

'Total storage space after formatting. 




SPECIAL 

ONLY 

$450.00 



Limit 5 per customer 

XOR-500 DAISYWHEEL PRINTER 

A letter-quality daisy-wheel printer at an unheard of wholesale price. This 
20 cps workhorse features a daisy-wheel compatible with QUME's 
products. Full 132 column format with 256 character buffer, serial AND 
parallel interfacing (standard), 8 level automatic impression control - 
original and 3 copies. The $450.00 price is not a misprint. High reliability 
and quality performance sums-up the XOR-500 Daisy-wheel 



XOR-500 TERMINAL 



SALE 




_ SLASHED! 
Cut another $50 
Only $445.00 



That's right! A 700.00 terminal 
for $445.00, a special 
deal for our customers. 
Features: •Screen tilt •Detached keyboard *9 cursor con- 
trol keys *5 function keys •/ screen attributes •25th status 
line •50-19.2 Kbaud •Column plus field tab •AND MORE 
•All these features with a full 6 month warranty makes this 
terminal the best buy on the market. 



DUAL DRIVE SUBSYSTEMS 



i 





HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL 

Fully Assembled and Tested Units 

ONE YEAR P + L WARRANTY 

On Shugart and Mitsubishi Subsystems 

A/two Misubishi DS/DD Assem. + Tested 2.4 Meg $1170.00 

Af/two Shugart 801R SS/DD Assem. + Tested 1.2 Meg 975.00 

w/two Shugart 851R DS/DD Assem. + Tested 2.4 Meg 1225.00 

w/two Siemans 120-8 SS/DD Assem. + Tested 1.2 Meg 675.00 

w/two Qume DT-8 DS/DD Assem. + Tested 2.4 Meg 1250.00 

Cabinet Assem. & Tested w/Power Supply and Aces 235.00 

Cabinet Top and Bottom with Mounting Hardware Only 69.50 

All cabinets A & T and subsystems include all AC/DC wiring and 50 pin data 
cable except the horizontal model which includes the internal 50 pin cable and 
requires an external 50 pin cable part #C-6000-01 $ 25.00 

5V*" Subsystems - Cabinet - Power Supply - Drives - Cables 

w/lwo 48TPI SS/DD includes all cables Assem. + Tested .495.00 

w/lwo 48TPI DS/DD includes all cables Assem. + Tested 595.00 

w/two 96TPI DS/DD includes all cables Assem. + Tested ...... .695.00 



CUSTOMER SERVICE HOTLINE 1 - (714) 898-5526 



do you mnji r^r* a<* hit AARiini iTrn to process 



NEED AN 



IBM-PC 16-BIT COMPUTER 



YOUR DATA? 



o* v $1895 



COMPLETE SYSTEM 

Model XPC with ^ 
MS/DOS features 

•MS/DOS standard, 

CP/M-86 operating system 

available at only $65.00 
•64K memory 
•Green CRT 

•2 serial, one parallel port 
•2 floppy drives for a 

total of 750K storage 
•Optional EPROM to 32K 
•Optional Hard Disk add-on 
•Optional floppy add-on 
•Optional 8087 math co-processor 
•Multi-function keyboard (this is one part 

of the system that's NOT like IBM's, it's better) 
•Fully expandable memory On-Board to 256K 

PLUS 5 expansion slots (all IBM compatible) 
•All available through U.S. Micro Sales and 
^ YES it's all fully IBM compatible 



IIIIIIIIIIIIIIEII 




■&'•> 



THE XPC 

A New Model PC by XOR 

So close to the IBM PC you'll have to look twice. 
Due to the thousands of requests we've been 
receiving by phone, mail and visitors, we've 
responded by getting XOR to design this fantastic 
16-bit IBM duplicate. We're offering a ONE YEAR 
warranty (vs. 90 days). Need more information? 
Order the manual for $5.00 (plus shipping). This 
low price Includes drives, controllers, monitor, 
power supply, etc. About the keyboard ... If 
you've ever seen or used the IBM PC keyboard, 
you'll understand why we HAD to come up with 
something better — and we did! As a matter of 
fact, for those of you who own an IBM PC — it's 
time to take a hammer to that keyboard and call 
Toll Free to pick-up one of our compatible replace- 
ment keyboards at only $239.00 



BASIC COMPUTER 
ONLY 



$895 



/:■■:■:;!!'!! 




The Features: 

•64K RAM memory 

• Expandable to 256K 

• Full monitor PROM 
•IBM PC compatibility 
•Multi-function key- 

board and cable 

• Runs MS/DOS and CP/M-86 (not included) *Powei 
Supply +5V @ 10 Amp, +12V @ 6 Amp, -12V @ 1 Amj. 
•EPROM expandable on-board to 32K *5 expansion slots 
with room for 4 more 

INCLUDES: *8 level Interrupt *2 serial and one parallel 
port *3 timer channels *4 DMA channels •Reset port 
•Speaker port *and MORE! 



548 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 367 on inquiry card. 




ORDER TOLL FREE 

* EAST # * WES7 * 

800-435-9357 800-854-8174 



In III. (815) 485-4002 



In Calif. (714) 898-1492 



$ iff ^ MICRO 
VlSI. Sv4Z.£S 



• /mde «v l/SvA • etyy factory direct • 



TERMS: We accept VlSA/MC. prepay, check or money order. Please allow personal checks two weeks 1o clear before shipment. 
(5.00 handling charge on all orders under $50.00. 15% restocking fee. All orders shipped via UPS unless otherwise specified. 
All UPS COD. orders over $100.00 require a Cashiers Check. Our products carry a full ONE YEAR Parts and LaborWarranty excluding 
drives, printers and terminals which carry the full OEM factory warranty. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. 



• EAST • 11 Edison Drive, New Lenox, Illinois 60451 

• WEST • 15392 Assembly Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 



CUSTOM COMPUTER SYSTEMS by XOR 

Why do companies like I.B.M. Corp. Atari Corp., Mattel Elec, Kennedy Space Center, Edwards A.F.B., Motorola Corp., Raytheon, and Pacific Technology buy product by mail from us? Maybe 
it's our full 1 year parts and labor warranty on all XOR O.E.M. products. It could be our state of the art technology, or even the factory direct sales and service. We think it's our custom 
computer systems with over 1000 possible configurations. If you don't see it advertised, call us today, chances are we CAN custom build the system YOU need. 

• MICRO MANAGERS: POWERFUL, PORTABLE, AND AFFORDABLE • 



Don't be fooled by the system's 
small portable size. A full 64K of 
memory with an industry standard 
S-100 bus. Includes CP/M 2.2 
and many utilities on two disks. 
Add on a hard disk when you need 
more storage. "The software and 
hardware that comes with each 
5'/*" system, is teady to run a pair 
of 8" single or double sided flop- 
pies, just plug in the 50 pin data 
cable to the system — many other 
configurations are available." 

SVa" Z-80A 64K CP/M System 

1 • Dual Floppy 375K SS/DD 40 Track #S-1000-8B $1445.00 

• Dual Floppy 750K DS/DD 40 Track #S-1000-87 $1595.00 

• Dual Floppy 1.5 Meg DS/DD 80 Track #S-1000-88 . . . $1645.00 
^* System Chassis (No boards, drives, CP/M) #S-l000-84 $ 425.00 





□ 



Inexpensive but powerful, small 
enough for portability, these mini 
hard disk systems have a special 
XOR interface to the S-100 bus 
that leaves an S-100 slotopen for 
expandability. Choose from 5, 10, 
and 16 megabyte sizes (6.5. 12. 
+ 20 megabyte unformatted.) In- 
cludes CP/M operating system. 
One year parts and labor warranty. 
Includes software and controller 
fo'r 8" f loppy s. 



SVa" Hard Disk with V2 Height Floppys 

• 5 Meg Hard Disk w/375 Floppy #S-1000-81 $2195.00 

• 5 Meg Hard Disk W/750K Floppy #S-1000-90 $2345.00 

• 10 Meg Hard Disk w/2 1.5M Floppy #S-1000-92 .... $2795.00 

• 16 Meg Hard Disk w/2 1.5M Floppy #S-1000-93 .... $2895.00 



Our most popular computer 
features a 4 slot S-100 bus and 8" 
industry standard format. Reads 
and writes the IBM 3740 format 
as well as any byte size sector. Ex- 
pandable? Yes, add a hard disk or 
cartridge subsystem when your 
data base grows. You've probably 
seen some "look-a-like" S-100 
4-slot systems lately, but they just 
don't measure up the XOfl 8" 
Micro Manager 



2.4 Meg DS/DD 8" CP/M System 

• System w/Dual SS/DD 1.2 Meg #S-1000-40 $1795.00 

• System w/Dual DS/DD 2.4 Meg #S-1000-39 $1995.00 

• System w/NO Drives (Includes CP/M) #S-1000-71 ... $1195.00 

• System Chassis (No boards, drives, CP/M) #S-1000-70 $ 395.00 




* THE BASIC PROFESS 




2.4 Meg DS/DD 64K Z-80A CP/M System 

This 'industry standard - ' computer features a 12 slot motherboard 30 amp power supply 
2 serial RS-232 ports. Centronics parallel pan and CP/M software. The XOfl disk controller 
included, will read and wnite the I B.M.- 3740 format (8" CP/M standard) as well as R/W 
single on double sidec single or double density, and any byte/size sector. One year parts 
^and labor on the complete system. #S-l0O0-36 $2345.00 



ONAL FLOPPY, HARD DISK AND TAPE BACKUP • 




20 Meg Winchester w/2.4 Meg Floppys 

For the serious professional this system teatures the famous S-100-12 cabinet with XOR's 
Sl-MOD 12-slot motherboard The Quantum hard disk has two JO Meg platters (A: and 8:). 
One platter can be "backed-up" on another. 2/DS/DD 1.2 floppys are used fa software en- 
try, copies, and back-up. One year pans and labor. #S-iOOO-63 $5275.00 




20M H.D. with 17M Tape and 1.2M Floppy 

Backup your priceless data on this full 17 megabyte tape drive and be abie to pip files between 
any of the three peripherals for total versatility. Boot CP/M from hard disk or lloppy. change 
tapes for archival storage. Reads and writes «he IBM 3740 Format (8" CPM standard) 

#5-1000-69 $6390.00. 

Above system 40 megabyte hard disk #3-1000-82 $7240. 



ft 



A word on Special Orders and Configuring the System you need: 

We've built and shipped hundreds of Custom Computers that we have never advertised but, have been able to build to the customer specifications. Examples: 
A 10 port hard disk system set-up to poil micro-wave devices; a Micro Manager interfaced to an X-Ray machine; a 7-User system with six of the users at 
satellite stations via phone line modem communication throughout the United States. So whatever configuration you need; 4 floppies, 4 hard disks, 10 serial 
Dorts, etc., call us Toll Free and talk to our Engineering Sales Crew and let us quote a price and delivery date that will satisfy your needs. 



• THE OFFICE MASTERS! REMOVABLE CARTRIDGE DISK SYSTEMS • 




10 Meg Cartridge Disk And 1.2 Meg Flop r 

An office system at an almost unbelievable price when you consider the burloie of appncaik 
software that ccmes with the syste . Ten megabytes of formatted storage on a removable 
cartridge disk allows unlimited storage space with extra 10 Meg cartrdges available at $50.00 
each With the speed and reliability ot a hard disk and removability of a floppy this office 
master is the choice. #S- 1000-74 $3695.00 




• 



TWO 10 Meg Removable and DS/DD Floppy 

Destined to be our #1 seller and no one else makes anything like it. A true state-of-the-art 
system with virtually no-limit to storage capacities in 10 Meg removable cartridges Backup 
problems? Get high speed backup from carirtJge to cartridge, ten megabytes worth, in 6 minutes 1 
HINT: We don't use "PIP." Future technology here today. #S-l00-76 . $4595.00 




4 User Cartridge Disk System 

Four users and two 10 megabyte removable cartridge disks may be just what you want to 
automate your office or small business, with all the software packages you'll ever neeo. A 
multi-user version of the system at left, these users can be up to 100 feet away from each 
other. Most any ter inai will work wiiththe user ports. #S-1000-80 $5825.00 



• THE BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS: HARD DISK MULTI-USER SYSTEMS • 




2 User Hard Disk System 

A twenty meg hard disk {2 platter) with a DS/DD 1.2 Meg floppy disk makes 
this a perfect system for a small business. Two user allows dual access to 
the system tiles with each station up to 100 feet apart! Includes above soft- 
ware. Full one year parts and labor. #S-1000-61 $5495.00 




:l 



40 Meg Hard Disk 4 User System 

A must for a growing business! Two OS/DO floppys (2.4 Meg) lor data backup 
and copy with a 4 platter 40 Meg hard disk four user capability to automate the 
whole front office. You can even designate a 10 Meg platter to each user! Same 
warranty as all our products - (configurable from 2 to 7 users) #S-1000-60 $7295 




e 

1*1 



7 User 85 Meg w/17 Meg Backup 

Now it's available, the automated business system to run even those large com- 
panies! 7 separate users tied into one professional host system. If 85 Meg isn't 
enough, we can put together as much as three hundred and forty megabytes! Full 
17 Meg tape backup insures archival storage of valuable data #3-1000-98 $9595.00 



Circle 367 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 549 



SMITH-CORONA 

Memory Correct III Messenger 

PRINTER & TYPEWRITER 




» RS232 Serial ( 

Centronics Parallel 
> Multiple Pitch 10, 12, 15 



UNBELIEVABLE! 

$539.00 

CALL COLLECT: 214/826-6521 

FIGURE LOGIC 
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT, INC. 

M08 Gaston Ave. ■ Dallas, Texas 75214 



Maxell Floppy Disks 

The Mini- Disks 
with maximum quality. 





Dealer inquiries 
invited. C.O.D's 
accepted. Call 
FREE (800) 235-4137. 

^2 

PACIFIC EXCHANGES 

100 Foothill Blvd. San Luis 
San Luis Obispo. CA 93401. 

In Cal. call (800) 592-5935 or 
(805)543-1037. 



FROM SHARING PERIPHERALS , 




... TO INDUSTRIAL DATA 

ACQUISITION AND CONTROL 

ADD/NET™ 

Expandable auto-data transfer via RS-232C, RS422, 
GPIB-488, HDLC. Easy menu setup. 

CALL OUR ENGINEERS TODAY 

(305) 293-2002 

ADROIT ELECTRONICS, INC. 

Dept A, 3790A Silver Star Rd. 

Orlando, FL 32808 



Circle 163 on inquiry card. 



Circle 278 on inquiry card. 



Circle 13 on inquiry card. 



*1BM PC Compatible 

r-i i ir- n O 

Low, direct prices • Fast, direct service 

*2532-450 $425 

2716-450 320 

2732-450 399 

4116 155 

*4164-150P 520 

M164-200 505 

6116-P3 499 

6116-LP-3 499 

Add $2 95 shipping to all orders. 2.6% for credit card orders 

OEM • Quantity discounts available • P.O.s on 

approval • C.O.D. OK ■ Credit cards • FL residents 

add 5% tax • All new, no surplus, no seconds 

(Prices subject to change.) 

4920 Cypress St., Suite 100, 

Tampa, FL 33607 

In FL, and for info., call 813-875-0299 

FOR ORDERS ONLY, 800-237-8910 

] AM-8 PM EST 



££ 




VIIA 



Circle 159 on inquiry card. 




years worked 



65 
40 



retirement benefits o 

The U.S. Department of Labor has a free 
booklet that will help you answer these 
questions and a lot more. Send for it today. 

Write: Pensions, Consumer Information 

Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009 

U.S. Department of Labor 



PROPORTIONAL 
SPACING 

on WordStar 



Now you can have the professional appearance 
of typeset text using WordStar's built in print 
capabilityPS iseasierto read and allows up to a 
third more text on a page without appearing 
cluttered. Using it is as easy as turning on bold 
or underline and is done right in your document, 
then printed by WordStar automatically! 
Easy to readinstructionsf orprinting in PS, setting 

two or mora justified columns on 3 

page, underlining spaces between words, and 
more. The techniques will workon all versionsof 
WordStar, and will drive Diablo, Xerox, Qume, 
NEC, C.ltoh and other daisywheel printers. No 
technical knowledge is needed. 

PB on WordStar -8BO postpaid 

Please send me Copies. Enclosed 

is my check (or Visa/MC# and exp. date) 
for $ , made out to: 

WRITING CONSULTANTS 

Suite 138 

1 1 Creek Bend Drive 

Fairport, New York 1 4450 

Call Toll Free 1-800-227-3800 Ext. 7018 

Dealer inquires invited. 



nqui 



Circle 382 on inquiry card. 



$300.00 

8/16 Bit Fast Static Ram 




Lexicomp's SR-64K. is the ideal low cost/ 
advanced technology memory board for SI007 
IEEE 696. D2. 1 systems integrators. 
Features: 

• 24 Bit Addressing • 10 MHz Speed 

•8000-FFFF Dcseleciable • Phantom. Pin 67 
Send for free brochure and price list. 



ILexicom pI 



67 Valley Road-POB 222-Lexington, MA 02173 
Telephone: (617)862-3088 




8051-Based 

Single-Board Computer with 

Monitor/Debugger 

• Versatile - 4 28-pin byte-wide 
sockets; monitor will program 
EEPROMs. 

• Affordable -just $335 

• Perfect for System Development 
and Educational Applications 

Binary Technology 

P O BOX A-59 • HANOVER. NH 03755 • 603 643-2881 



13 



APPLE USERS 

FOURTEEN FUN & 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS 

-ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 

TRAVELING SALESMAN PROBLEM 

KNIGHT'S TOUR 
-UTILITIES 

LISTING FORMATTER 

RECOVER LOST PROGRAMS 

DEBUGGER 
-MICRO P 

A NEW PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE 
-VOICE SYNTHESIS 

RECORD YOUR VOICE 

MAKE YOUR APPLE TALK 

AND MORE! LISTABLE & UNPROTECTED] 

ONLY $24.95! 

FREE SHIPPING 

ALPHA ENTERPRISES 

P0 BOX 522 
DENTON, TX 76201 






Circle 220 on inquiry card. 



Circle 17 on inquiry card. 



WHY JDR IVIICRODEUICES? 
OUR CUSTOttlERS SAV IT UERV WELL 



Be, 



JOfi 



Cky 



****** 



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JDR Microdevices 
1224 S. Bascom Ave. 
San Jose, CA 95128 

Dear Sir or Madam: 

I wantto thank you personallyforthehelpyougave 
in updating one of my orders. It was truly a service 
that you did not have to provide but nevertheless 
fulfilled. 

I have been buying merchandise from your organ- 
ization for years now and intend to be one of your 
major customers in the future. In a recent inquiry 
from Tl they asked who my major suppliers for MOS 
memories and LSI circuitry were and why. I placed 
the nameof your organization down for both entries 
for several reasons. 

(1)* You run a total service operation. 

(2)* You have the largest range of merchandise. 

(3)* You have the lowest prices. (We compared 

you to 4 leading distributors.) 
(4)* You carry 100% quality components. 

(5) You have several delivery options. 

(6) You have delivery shipped within 2 weeks. 
(7)' You can ship within 3days with Blue Label Air. 
(8)* You provide telephone orders. (Tollfreenum- 

ber is excellent.) 
(9)* You include an updatedcatalogineveryorder. 
(10)* You are the first to carry new technology LSI 

circuitry. (Before others.) 
(11) You sell not only IC packages but periphery 

and accessories as well. 
(12)* You have regular SALES on merchandise. 

*NOTE: Items marked with asterisk indicate features 
most favorable to my firm. 

We at Computer Research Technology are behind 
you 100%! Keep up the excellent work! 






t\ou s 



<*° a r;uco°^~coP«£«*0 



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a 



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Sincerely, 

Sebastian Sullivan 
Supervising Engineer 
Computer Research Technology 



«#!2S&sir 






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m t he f SStJ re »* **th fo?' 1 orct er 

* han *yo u ****** 

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"timber"? 0r <*eredn' n "* 






'Math, 



JDR Microdevices 

1224 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 

800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA) 

(408) 995-5430 • Telex 171-110 



Copyright 1983 JDR Microdevices 



Circle 201 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 551 



64K DYNAMIC 
200 NS 



$5^ TMM2016 



2KX8 STATIC 
200 NS 



2101 
5101 
2102-1 
2102L-4 
2102L-2 
2111 
2112 
2114 
2114-25 
2114L-4 
2114L-3 
2114L-2 
TC5514 
TC5516 
2147 

TMS4044-4 
TMS4044-3 
TMS4044-2 
MK4118 
TMM2016-200 
TMM2016-150 
1 TMM2016-100 
HM6116-4 
HM6116-3 
HM6116-2 
HM6116LP-4 
HM6116LP-3 
HM6116LP-2 
Z-6132 
HM6284 



STATIC RAMS 



EPROMS 



"CRYSTALS 



256x4 
256x4 
1024 x 1 
1024 x 1 
1024 x 1 
256x4 
256x4 
1024 x 4 
1024x4 
1024 x 4 
1024 x 4 
1024 x4 
1024 x 4 
2048x8 
4096 x 1 
4096 x 1 
4096 x 1 
4096 x 1 
1024x8 
2048 x 8 
2048 x 8 
2048 x 8 
2048 x 8 
2048x8 
2048 x 8 
2048 x 8 
2048 x 8 
2048 x 8 
4096x8 
8192 x 8 



LP = Low Power 



(450ns) 

(450ns) (cmos) 
(450ns) 
(450ns) (LP) 
(250ns) (LP) 
(450ns) 
(450ns) 
(450ns) 
(250ns) 
(450ns) (LP) 
(3Q0ns) (LP) 
(200ns) (LP) 
(650ns) (cmos) 
(250ns) (cmos) 

(55ns) 
(450ns) 
(300ns) 
(200ns) 
(250ns) 
(200ns) 
(150ns) 
(100ns) 

(200ns) (cmos) 
(150ns) (cmos) 
(120ns) (cmos) 
(200ns) (cmos)(LP) 
(150ns) (cmos)(LP) 
(120ns) (cmos)(LP) 
(300ns) (Qstat) 
(150ns) (cmos) 

Qstat = Quasi-Static 



1 
2 
2 

8/9. 
8/10. 
8/12, 
8/13. 
8/13. 

2. 

9. 

4 

3 

3. 

4. 

9. 

4. 

4. 

6 

4. 

4. 

8. 

5. 

6 
10. 
34 
49, 



.95] 

L95 [ 
.89 I 

99 I 

49 I 

49 I 

99 I 
.95 [ 

95 

95 I 

45 I 

95 [ 
.49 I 

95 

95 
.49 

99 

49 I 

95 [ 

.15 

95 
.15 

75 I 

95 

95 [ 

95 
.95 I 

95 | 
.95 I 

95 [ 



1702 


256x8 


(1us) 


4.50 


2708 


1024 x 8 


(450ns) 


3.95 


2758 


1024 x 8 


(450ns) (5v) 


5.95 


2716 


2048 x 8 


(450ns) (5v) 


3.95 


2716-1 


2048 x 8 


(350ns) (5v) 


5.95 


TMS2516 


2048 x 8 


(450ns) (5v) 


5.50 


TMS2716 


2048 x 8 


(450ns) 


7.95 


TMS2532 


4096 x 8 


(450ns) (5v) 


5.95 


2732 


4096 x 8 


(450ns) (5v) 


4.95 


2732-250 


4096 x 8 


(250ns) (5v) 


8.95 


2732-200 


4096 x 8 


(200ns) (5v) 


11.95 


2732A-4 


4096 x 8 


(450ns) (5v)(21vPGM) 


6.95 


2732A 


4096 x 8 


(250ns) (5v)(21vPGM) 


9.95 


2732A-2 


4096 x 8 


(200ns) (5v)(21vPGM) 


13.95 


2764 


8192x8 


(450ns) (5v) 


6.95 


2764-250 


8192 x 8 


(250ns) (5v) 


7.95 


2764-200 


8192x8 


(200ns) (5v) 


19.95 


TMS2564 


8192x8 


(450ns) (5v) 


14.95 


MCM68764 8192 x 8 


(450ns) (5v) (24 pin) 


39.95 


MCM68766 8192x8 


(350ns) (5v) (24 pin)(pwr dn.) 


42.95 


27128 


16384x8 


(300ns) (5v) 


29.95 


^v = Single 5 Volt Supply 21vPGM = Program at 21 Voltv 



EPROM ERASERS 



DYNAMIC RAMS 



TMS4027 

UPD411 

MM5280 

MK4108 

MM5298 

4116-300 

4116-250 

4116-200 

4116-150 

4116-120 

2118 

I MK4332 

14164-200 

| 4164-150 

I MCM6665 

TMS4164-15 



4096 x 1 

4096 x 1 

4096 x 1 

8192x1 

8192x1 

16384x1 

16384 x 1 

16384 x 1 

16384 x 1 

16384 x 1 

16384 x 1 

32768 x 1 

65536 x 1 

65536 x 1 

65536 x 1 

65536 x 1 



(250ns) 

(300ns) 

(300ns) 

(200ns) 

(250ns) 

(300ns) 

(250ns) 

(200ns) 

(150ns) 

(120ns) 

(150ns) (5v) 

(200ns) 

(200ns) (5v) 

(150ns) (5v) 

(200ns) (5v) 

(150ns) (5v) 



1.99 
3.00 I 
3.00 I 
1.95 I 
1.85 I 
8/11.75 I 
8/7.95 [ 
8/12.95 I 
8/14.95 I 
8/29.95 I 
4.95 
9.95 
5.95 
6.95 
8.95 
8.95 



PE-14 
PE-14T 
PE-24T 
PL-265T 
PR-125T 
Lpfl-320T 



Capacity 

Chip 

9 

9 

12 

30 

25 

42 



Intensity 

(uW/Cm 2 ) 

8,000 

8,000 

9,600 

9,600 

17,000 

17,000 



83.00 I 
119.00 
175.00 I 
255.00 
349.00 I 
595,00/ 



4 Computer managed inuentory 
— ulrtuallu no back orders! 

* uery competltiue prices! 

* Friendly stall! 

* Fast serulce - most orders 
shipped within 2a hours! 



5V ■ single 5 volt supply 



6800 



6500 



8000 



68000 

6800 

6802 

6803 

6808 

6809E 
16809 

6810 
I 6820 
16821 
I 6828 
I 6840 
I 6843 
I 6844 
I 6845 
I 6847 
| 6850 

6852 

6860 

6875 

6880 

I 6883 

I 68047 

I 68488 

6800 



49.95 
2.95 [ 
7.95 I 
19.95 I 
13.90 I 
14.95 
11.95 I 
2.95 1 
4.35 [ 
2.95 I 
14.95 I 
12.95 I 
34.95 
25.95 
14.95 
11.95 I 
3.25 1 
5.75 1 
7.95 1 
6.95 I 
2.25 
22.95 
24.95 
19.95 | 
1MHZ 



6502 


4.95 


6504 


6.95 


6505 


8.95 


6507 


9.95 


6520 


4.35 


6522 


6.95 


6532 


9.95 


6545 


22.50 


6551 


11.85 


2 MHZ 




6502A 


6.95 


6522A 


9.95 


6532A 


11.95 


6545A 


27.95 


6551A 


11.95 



DISC 
I CONTROLLERS I 



8035 
8039 
INS-8060 
INS-8073 
8080 
8085 
8085A-2 
8086 
8087 
8088 
8089 
8155 
8155-2 
8156 
8185 
8185-2 
8741 
8748 
18755 



5.95 

5.95 

17.95 

49.95 

3.95 

4.95 

11.95 

24.95 

CALL 

29.95 

89.95 

6.95 

7.95 

6.95 

29.95 

39.95 

29.95 

24.95 

24.95 



68B00 


10.95 


68B02 


22.25 


68B09E 


29.95 


68B09 


29.95 


68B10 


6.95 


68B21 


6.95 


68B40 


19.95 


68B45 


19.95 


68B50 


5.95 



68B00 = 2 MHZ 



1771 
1791 
1793 
1795 
1797 
2791 
2793 
2795 
2797 
6843 
8272 
UPD765 
MB8876 
MB8877 
1691 
L2143 



16.95 I 
24.95 I 
26.95 I 
29.95 I 
49.95 I 
54.95 I 
54.95 I 
59.95 I 
59.95 I 
34.95 I 
39.95 I 
39.95 I 
29.95 I 
34.95 I 
17.95 I 
18,95 J 



CRT 
I CONTROLLERS 



6845 


14.95 


68B45 


19.96 


HD46505SP 


15.95 


6847 


11.95 


MC1372 


6.95 


68047 


24.95 


8275 


29.95 


7220 


99.95 


CRT5027 


19.95 


CRT5037 


24.95 


TMS9918A 


39.95 


J5P8350 


49,95 



8200 



8202 


24.95 


8203 


39.95 


8205 


3.50 


8212 


1.80 


8214 


3.85 


8216 


1.75 


8224 


2.25 


8226 


1.80 


8228 


3.49 


8237 


19.95 


8237-5 


21.95 


8238 


4.49 


8243 


4.45 


8250 


10.95 


8251 


4.49 


8253 


6.95 


8253-5 


7.95 


8255 


4.49 


8255-5 


5.25 


8257 


7.95 


8257-5 


8.95 


8259 


6.90 


8259-5 


7.50 


8271 


79.95 


8272 


39.95 


8275 


29.95 


8279 


8.95 


8279-5 


10.00 


8282 


6.50 


8283 


6.50 


8284 


5.50 


8286 


6.50 


8287 


6.50 


8288 


25.00 


,8289 


49.95, 



Z-80 

2.5 Mhz 



zso-cpu 

z8o-ctc 

z8o-dart 

z8o-dma 

zso-pio 

zso-sio/o 

zso-sio/i 

Z80-S10/2 

Z80-S10/9 



3.95 1 
3.95 
10.95 
14.95 

3.95 I 
11.95 I 
11.95 I 
11.95 
11.95 



4.0 Mhz 

z8oa-cpu 

z8oa-ctc 

z8oa-dart 

z8oa-dma 

z8oa-pio 

z8oa-sio/o 

zsoA-sio/i 

Z80A-SIO72 
Z80A-SIO/9 

6.0 Mhz 

z8ob-cpu 

z8ob-ctc 

z8ob-pio 

z8ob-dart 

z8ob-sio/2 

ZILOG 

Z6132 34.95 I 

Z8671 39.95J 



4,49 
4.95 I 

9.95 I 
12.95 
4.49 

12.95 

12.95 
12,95 I 
12.95 



9.95 1 
12.95 I 
12.95 
19.95 
39.95 



1 32.768 khz 
1.0 mhz 
1.8432 
2.0 

2.097152 
2.4576 
3.2768 
3.579545 
4.0 
5.0 

5.0688 
5.185 
5.7143 
6.0 
6.144 
6.5536 
8.0 
I 10.0 

10.738635 

14.31818 

15.0 

16.0 

17.430 

18.0 

18.432 

20.0 

22.1184 
V32.0 



1.95 
3.95 
3.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95 
2.95, 



CMOS 



^ UAR1 

AY3-1014 


"S ^ 

6.95 


AY5-1013 


3.95 


AY3-1015 


6.95 


PT1472 


9.95 


TR1602 


3.95 


2350 


9.95 


2651 


8.95 


IM6402 


7.95 


IM6403 


8.95 


INS8250 


10.95 


GENERATORS 


BIT-RATE 


MC14411 


11.95 


BR1941 


11.95 


4702 


12.95 


COM5016 


16.95 


COM8116 


10.95 


MM5307 


10.95 


FUNCTION 


MC4024 


3.95 


LM566 


1.49 


XR2206 


3.75 


^8038 


3.95 



r MISC. 




UPD7201 


29.95 


TMS99532 


29.95 


ULN2003 


2.49 


3242 


7.95 


3341 


4.95 


MC3470 


4.95 


MC3480 


9.00 


11C90 


13.95 


95H90 


7.95 


2513-001 UP 


9.95 


^2513-002 LOW 


9.95^ 




^cudc!^^ 


CIRCUITS 


MM5314 


4.95 


MM5369 


3.95 


MM5375 


4.95 


MM56167 


12.95 


MM56174 


11.95 


MSM5832 


3.95j 



KEYBOARD 
CHIPS 

I AY5-2376 11.951 

AY5-3600 11.95 1 

LAY5-3600 PRO 11.9sJ 



4000 

4001 

4002 

4006 

4007 

4008 

4009 

4010 

4011 

4012 

4013 

4014 

4015 

4016 

4017 

4018 

4019 

4020 

4021 

4022 

4023 

4024 

4025 

4026 

4027 

4028 

4029 

4030 

4034 

4035 

4040 

4041 

4042 

4043 

4044 

4046 

4047 

4049 

4050 

4051 

4053 

4060 

4066 

4068 

4069 

4070 

4071 

4072 

4073 

4075 

4076 

4078 

4081 

4082 

4085 

4086 

4093 

4098 

4099 

14409 

14410 

14411 

14412 

14419 

14433 

4502 

4503 

4508 

4510 

4511 

4512 

4514 

4515 

4516 

4518 

4519 

4520 

4522 

4526 

4527 



.29 

.25 

.25 

.89 

.29 

.95 

.39 

.45 

.25 

.25 

.38 

.79 

.39 

.39 

.69 

.79 

.39 

.75 

.79 

.79 

.29 

.65 

.29 

1.65 

.45 

.69 

.79 

.39 

1.95 

.85 

.75 

.75 

.69 

.85 

.79 

.85 

.95 

.35 

.35 

.79 

.79 

.89 

.39 

.39 

.29 

.35 

.29 

.29 

.29 

.29 

.79 

.29 

.29 

.29 

.95 

.95 

.49 

2.49 

1.95 

12.95 

12.95 

11.95 

12.95 

7.95 

14.95 

.95 

.65 

1.95 

.85 

.85 

.85 

1.25 

1.79 

1.55 

.89 

.39 

.79 

1.25 

1.25 

1.95 



4528 

4531 

4532 

4538 

4539 

4541 

4543 

4553 

4555 

4556 

4581 

4582 

4584 

4585 

4702 

74C00 

74C02 

74C04 

74C08 

74C10 

74C14 

74C20 

74C30 

74C32 

74C42 

74C48 

74C73 

74C74 

74C76 

74C83 

74C85 

74C86 

74C89 

74C90 

74C93 

74C95 

74C107 

74C150 

74C151 

74C154 

74C157 

74C160 

74C161 

74C162 

74C163 

74C164 

74C165 

74C173 

74C174 

74C175 

74C192 

74C193 

74C195 

74C200 

74C221 

74C244 

74C373 

74C374 

74C901 

74C902 

74C903 

74C905 

74C906 

74C907 

74C908 

74C909 

74C910 

74C911 

74C912 

74C914 

74C915 

74C918 

74C920 

74C921 

74C922 

74C923 

74C925 

74C926 

74C928 

74C929 



1.19 I 

.95 1 

1.95 I 

1.95 I 

1.95 I 

2.64] 

1.19) 

5.79 I 

.95 

.95 I 

1.95 I 

1.95 I 

.75 I 

.751 

12.95 I 

.35 I 

.35 I 

.35 | 

351 

.351 

.59 | 

.35 1 

.35 I 

.39 I 

1.29 I 

1.99] 

.65 I 

.65 I 

.80 l 

1.95 

1.95 

.39 I 
4.50 I 
1.19 
1.75 I 
.99 I 
89 
5.75 I 
2.25 
3 25 
1.75 I 
1.19 I 
1.19 I 
1.19 I 
1.19 I 
1.39 I 
2.00 | 
.79 I 
1.19 I 
1.19 I 
1.49 | 
1.49 I 
1-39 I 
5.75 I 
1.75 
2.25 
2.45 
2.45 I 
.39 I 
.85 I 
.85 
10.95 
95 
1.00 I 
2.00 
2.75 
9.95 
3.95 I 
8.95] 
1.95 J 
1.19 I 
2.75 
17.95 
15.95 I 
4.49 I 
4.95 I 
5.95 I 
7.95 I 
7.95] 
19.95J 



JDR Microdevices 

1224 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 
, 800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA) 
(408) 995-5430 • Telex 171-110 

c Copyright 1983 JDR Microdevices 



VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE 

HOURS: M-W-F, 9-5 T-Th., 9-9 Sat. 10-3 

PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING 

TERMS: Minimum order $10. For shipping and handling include 
$2.50 for UPS Ground and $3.50 for UPS Air. Orders over 1 lb. and 
foreign orders may require additional shipping charges — please 
contact our sales department tor the amount. CA residents must 
include 6% sales tax, Bay Area and LA residents include 67?%. I 
subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for 
typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities and to 
substitute manufacturer. All merchandise subject to prior sale. 



552 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 202 on inquiry card. 



2114 ,so NS 8/$995 2114 



250 NS 






74LS00 



74S00 



VOLTAGE 



74LS00 
74LS01 


.24 
.25 


74LS173 
74LS174 


.69 
.55 


74S00 
74S02 


.32 
.35 


74S132 
74S133 


1.24 
.45 


74S225 
74S240 


7.95 ■ 
2.20 ■ 


REGULATORS 




7400 
7401 


.19 
.19 


74123 
74125 


.49 
.45 


74LS02 


.25 


74LS175 


.55 


74S03 


.35 


74S134 


.50 


74S241 


2.20 I 


1 7805T 


.75 


7905T 


.85 




7402 


.19 


74126 


.45 


74LS03 


.25 


74LS181 


2.15 


74S04 


.35 


74S135 


.89 


74S244 


2 ll 1 


1 78M05C 


.35 


7908T 
7912T 
7915T 
7924T 


.85 




7403 


.19 


74132 


.45 


74LS04 
74LS0S 
74LS08 


.24 
.25 
.28 


74LS189 
74LS190 
74LS191 


8.95 
.89 
.89 


74S05 
74S08 
74S09 
74S10 


.35 
.35 
.40 
.35 


74S138 
74S139 
74S140 
74S151 


.85 
.85 
.55 
.95 


74S251 
74S253 
74S257 
74S258 


.95 I 
.95 1 
.95 ■ 
.95 ■ 


1 7808T 
1 7812T 
1 7815T 


.75 
.75 
.75 


.85 
.85 
.85 




7404 
7405 
7408 


.19 
.25 
.29 


74138 
74143 
74145 


.50 

4.95 

.60 


74LS09 
74LS10 


.29 
.25 


74LS192 
74LS193 


.79 
.79 


74S11 
74S15 


.35 
.35 


74S153 
74S157 


.95 
.95 


74S260 
74S273 


79 1 

2.45 1 


1 7824T 
1 7805K 


.75 


7905K 


1.49 




7407 
7408 


.29 
.24 


74147 
74148 


1.75 
1.20 


74LS11 


.35 


74LS194 


.69 


74S20 


.35 


74S158 


.95 


74S274 


19.95 1 




1.39 


7912K 


1.49 




7409 


.19 


74150 


1.35 


74LS12 


.35 


74LS195 


.69 


74S22 


.35 


74S161 


1.95 


74S275 


19.95 1 


1 7812K 


1.39 


7915K 


1.49 




7410 


.19 


74151 


.55 


74LS13 


.45 


74LS196 


.79 


74S30 


.35 


74S162 


1.95 


74S280 


1.95 I 


1 7815K 


1.39 


7924K 


1.49 




7411 


.25 


74153 


.55 


74LS14 


.59 


74LS197 


.79 


74S32 


.40 


74S163 


1.95 


74S287 


1.90 I 


1 7824K 


1.39 


79L05 


.79 




7413 


.35 


74154 


1.25 


74LS15 


.35 


74LS221 


.89 


74S37 


.88 


74S168 


3.95 


74S288 


1.90 I 


1 78L05 


.89 


79L12 


.79 




7414 


.49 


74155 


.75 


74LS20 


.25 


74LS240 


.95 


74S38 


.85 


74S169 


3.95 


74S289 


6.89 I 


1 78L12 


.69 


79L15 


.79 




7416 


.25 


74157 


.55 


74LS21 


.29 


74LS241 


.99 


74S40 


.35 


74S174 


.95 


74S301 


6.95 ■ 


1 78L15 


.69 








7417 


.25 


74159 


1.65 


74LS22 


.25 


74LS242 


.99 


74S51 


.35 


74S175 


.95 


74S373 


2.45 ■ 




LM323K 


4.95 




7420 


.19 


74160 


.85 


74LS28 


.29 


74LS243 


.99 


74S64 


.40 


74S161 


3.95 


74S374 


2.45 ■ 


1 78H05K 


9.95 


UA78S40 1.95 




7421 


.35 


74161 


.69 


74LS27 
74LS28 


.29 
.35 


74LS244 
74LS245 


1.29 
1.49 


74S65 
74S74 
74S85 


.40 
.50 
1.99 


74S182 
74S188 
74S189 


2.95 
1.95 
6.95 


74S381 
74S387 
74S412 


7.95 P 
1.95 ■ 
2.98 I 


78H12K 
C,T 


9.95 
« TO-220 K = TO-3 




7425 
7427 


.29 
.29 


74163 
74164 


.69 
.85 


74LS30 
74LS32 
74LS33 


.25 
.29 
.55 


74LS247 
74LS248 
74LS249 


.75 
.99 
.99 


74S86 

74S112 

74S113 


.50 
.50 
.50 


74S194 
74S195 
74S196 


1.49 
1.49 
1.49 


74S471 
74S472 
74S474 


4.95 I 
4.95 I 
4.95 1 


L 


L« 


■ TO-92 






7430 
7432 
7437 


.19 
.29 
.29 


74165 
74168 
74167 


.85 
1.00 
2.95 


■ _> 


^^^ 


1 1 — 


1 


74LS37 


.35 


74LS251 


.59 


74S114 


.55 


74S197 


1.49 


74S482 


15.25 1 


|M^tn.^«^ 


\ B i/jca m 




7438 


.29 


74170 


1.85 


74LS38 


.35 


74LS253 


.59 


74S124 


2.75 


74S201 


6.95 


74S570 


2.95 ■ 


L 


* c 


■ u 


i ^^ 


^ 




7442 


.49 


74173 


.75 


74LS40 
74LS42 


.25 
.49 
.75 


74LS257 
74LS258 
74LS259 


.59 

.59 

2.75 










74S571 


2.95 J 


■^ 






1 1 — 


_J 




7445 
7446 
7447 


.89 
.69 
.69 


74174 
74175 
74177 


.89 
.89 
.75 




^^^ 


^^^ 






m 


1MB 


%■"■% 


T^ 












74LS47 


>■■■■■■ 


HM*. 


ii 


I 


\WW 


|pp 


74LS48 


.75 


74LS280 


.59 


VINTEHFACt 


n 


HI 


1FR 


If 


l| 


I 


rl 


FrF 






7448 


.69 


74181 


2.25 


74LS49 


.75 


74LS266 


.55 


1 3T26 


1.5S 


u 


III 


jcn 


1 I 


PL 


L 


iff 


III 






7451 


.23 


74184 


2.00 


74LS51 


.25 


74LS273 


1.49 I 


I 8T28 


1.8£ 


^B 


" ■ m m 




■ ^B 


W MB ^^m 










7473 


.34 


74165 


2.00 


74LSS4 


.29 


74LS275 


3.35 | 


■ 8T95 


Mi 




^^ M 


fe ^fe 


atm 4kW m 


^ ammi M 


|k ^Bh 


— 






7474 


.33 


74191 


1.15 


74LSSS 


.29 


74LS279 


.49 


I 8T96 


M 




Qfl 


in 


CO 


1 Rl 


\t\ 


in 






7475 


.45 


74192 


.79 


74LS83 


1.25 


74LS280 


1.98 


I 8T97 


M 




ol 


LI" 


1J] 


I "HI 


in 


II 






7476 


.35 


74193 


.79 


74LS73 


.39 
.35 


74LS283 
74LS290 


.69 
.89 


I 8T98 
I DM8131 


.8$ 
2.9J 




VI 


0%0 \ 


l#l#l 


w III 


0%M 


i# 






7482 
7483 


.95 
.50 


74194 
74195 


.85 
.85 


74LS74 




W - T 


rTv^^r 


TtTt 


/^■Vri 










74LS75 


.39 


74LS293 


.89 


I DP8304 


2.2S 




If 


n 


H^ 


fm^U 


9 M 


u 






7485 


.59 


74197 


.75 


74LS76 


.39 


74LS295 


.99 


I DS8633 


2.25 




III 


IIIB 


tji/ 


L"Ui 


LM 









7486 


.35 


74198 


1.35 


74LS78 
74LS83 
74LS8S 


.49 
.80 
.69 


74LS298 
74LS299 
74LS323 


.89 
1.75 
3.50 


1 DS8835 


1.9S 


■■ 


























1 DS8836 

I DS8837 


!9£ 
1.6£ 




(CA 


LIF01 


MIA RESIDENTS) 






r 409 
7490 
7492 


Z. 13 

.35 
.50 


74246 
74247 


I.OD 

1.35 
1.25 






74LS88 


.39 
.55 
.89 
.55 
.55 


74LS324 
74LS352 
74LS353 
74LS363 
74LS364 


1.75 
1.29 
1.29 
1.35 
1.95 


EPS8838 


1.3C 


f 












EDEF 


ML EXPRESS 




7493 .35 
7495 .55 
7497 2.75 
74100 1.75 
74107 .30 


74259 
74273 
74276 
74279 
74386 


2.25 

1.95 

1.25 

.75 

.65 




SOUN 
CHIP* 

77 

88 




74LS90 
74LS91 
74LS92 






D 

3.95 
5.95 


Fl 


W DAI 

1 ADC0800 


PA j 

1 


ACQUISITION ^764 

5.55 DAC0808 2.95 | 764 


74LS93 






74LS95 


.75 


74LS365 


.49 


I ADC0804 




3.49 DAC1020 


8.25 ■ 76489 


8.95 




«Dinrp<: 






74109 .45 


74367 


.65 


74LS96 


.69 


74LS386 


.49 


■ ADC0809 




4.49 DAC1022 


5.95 ■ AY3-8910 


12.95 




Ot 








74116 1.55 


74388 


.65 


74LS107 


.39 


74LS367 


.45 


■ AD COB 17 




9.95 MC1408L6 


.95 ■ AY3-8912 


12.95 




All 


m a ■ m n ■ ■- ■ 






74121 


.29 


74393 


1.35 


74LS109 
74LS112 
74LS113 


.39 
.39 
.39 
.39 
.45 


74LS368 
74LS373 
74LS374 
74LS375 
74LS377 


.45 
1.39 
1.39 

.95 
1.39 


Rdacoooo 




4.95 MC1408L8 ? a^^^n^An 


1.49J1 


AUfllLftDLt! 


, 




174123 .45 


































74LS114 
74LS122 


JCONNECTOF 


sW 








LINEAR 










RCA 




74LS123 


.79 


74LS376 


1.18 


. j RS232 Male 


X 


50 H 


LM301 


.34 


LM340 (see 7600) 


LM565 


.99 


LM1558H 


3.10 CA 3023 


2.75 


CA3082 


1.65 


74LS124 


2.90 


74LS379 


1.35 


H no^Oi reman? a 

■ RS232 Hood 1 


25 H 


LM301H 


.79 


LM348 


.99 


LM566 


1.49 


LM1800 


2.37 CA 3039 


1.29 


CA 3083 


1.55 


74LS12S 


.49 


74LS385 


3.90 


LM307 


.45 


LM350K 


4.95 


LM567 


.89 


LM1812 


8.25 CA 3046 


1.25 


CA 3086 


.80 


74LS128 


.49 
.59 
.59 


74LS386 
74LS390 
74LS393 


.45 
1.19 
1.19 


ls-100 ST 


3 


95^ 


LM308 

LM308H 

LM309H 


.69 
1.15 
1.95 


LM350T 

LM358 

LM359 


4.60 

.69 

1.79 


NE570 
NE571 
NE590 


3.95 
2.95 
2.50 


LM1830 
LM1871 
LM1872 


3.50 CA 3059 
5.49 CA 3060 
5.49 CA 3085 


2.90 
2.90 
1.75 


CA3089 
CA 3096 
CA3130 


2.99 


74LS132 






3.49 


74LS133 


^T^ CV A 






1.30 


74LS136 


.39 


74LS395 


1.19 


M fcAAn 




LM309K 


1.25 


LM376 


3.75 


NE592 


2.75 


LM1877 


3.25 CA 3080 


1.10 


CA3140 


1.15 


74LS137 


.99 


74LS399 


1.49 

2.95 

.95 

1.95 


I XR 2206 


3 


75 8 


LM310 


1.75 


LM377 


1.95 


LM709 


.59 


LM1889 


1.95 CA 3081 


1.65 


CA3146 


1.85 


74LS138 
74LS139 
74LS145 


.55 

.55 

1.20 


74LS424 
74LS447 
74LS490 


■ XR 2207 


3 


75 ■ 


LM311 


.64 


LM378 


2.50 


LM710 


.75 


LM1896 


1.75 


CA3160 


1.19 




■ XR 2208 


3 


75 ■ 


LM311H 


.89 


LM379 


4.50 


LM711 


.79 


ULN2003 


2.49 










■ XR2211 

" 1 YR 99dn 


5 
3 


25 ■ 


LM312H 
LM317K 


1.75 
3.95 


LM380 .89 
LM380N-8 1.10 


LM723 
LM723H 


.49 
.55 


LM2877 
LM2878 


2.05 
2.25 




Tl 




74LS147 


2.49 


74LS824 


3.99 


WMMfli 




if 


LM317T 


1.19 


LM381 


1.60 


LM733 


.98 


LM2900 


.85 TL494 


4.20 


75365 


1.95 


74LS148 


1.35 


74LS840 


2.20 








LM318 


1.49 


LM382 


1.60 


LM741 


.35 


LM2901 


1.00 TL496 


1.65 


75450 


.59 


74LS151 


.55 


74LS645 


2.20 


jf INTER QM 




LM318H 


1.59 


LM383 


1.95 


LM741N-14 .35 


LM3900 


.59 TL497 


3.25 


75451 


.39 


74LS153 


.55 


74LS868 


1.69 


■ ICL7106 


WIB. 


95 1 


LM319H 


1.90 


LM384 


1.95 


LM741H 


.40 


LM3905 


1.25 75107 


1.49 


75452 


.39 


74LS154 


1.90 


74LS669 


1.69 


9 


LM319 


1.25 


LM366 


.89 


LM747 


.69 


LM3909 


.98 75110 


1.95 


75453 


.39 


74LS1SS 


.69 


74LS670 


1.49 


I ICL7107 


12 


95 1 


LM320 (see 7900) 


LM387 


1.40 


LM748 


.59 


LM3911 


2.25 75150 


1.95 


75454 


.39 


74LS1S6 


.69 


74LS674 


14.95 


1 ICL7660 


2 


95 1 


LM322 


1.65 


LM369 


1.35 


LM1014 


1.19 


LM3914 


3.95 75154 


1.95 


75491 


.79 


74LS157 


.65 


74LS682 


3.20 


I ICL8038 


3 


95 ■ 


LM323K 


4.95 


LM390 


1.95 


LM1303 


1.95 


LM3915 


3.95 75188 


1.25 


75492 


.79 


74LS158 


.59 


74LS883 
74LS684 
74LS885 
74LS688 


3.20 
3.20 
3.20 
2.40 


■ ICM7207A 


5 


59 ■ 


LM324 


.59 


LM392 


.69 


LM1310 


1.49 


LM3918 


3.95 75189 


1.25 


75493 


.89 


74LS160 
74LS161 
74LS162 
74LS163 


.69 
.65 
.69 


^ICM72QB 


15 


95M 


LM329 
LM331 


.65 
3.95 


LM393 
LM394H 


1.29 
4.60 


MC1330 
MC1349 


1.69 
1.89 


MC4024 
MC4044 


3.95 
4.50 


75494 


.89 




^^9oo<r™ 




LM334 
LM335 


1.19 
1.40 


LM399H 
NE531 


5.00 
2.95 


MC1350 
MC1358 


1.19 
1.89 


RC4136 
RC4151 


1.25 
3.95 


Bl FET 




.65 


74LS689 


3.20 


I 9316 


1 


00 1 


LM336 


1.75 


NE555 


.34 


MC1372 


6.95 


LM4250 


175 TL071 


.79 


TL084 


2.19 


74LS164 


.89 


81LS95 


1.49 


■ 9334 


2 


50 ■ 


LM337K 


3.95 


NE556 


.65 


LM1414 


1.59 


LM4500 


3.25 TL072 


1.19 


LF347 


2.19 


74LS18S 


.95 


81LS98 


1.49 


■ 9368 


3 


95 1 


LM337T 


1.95 


NE558 


1.50 


LM1458 


.59 


RC4558 


■69 TL074 


2.19 


LF351 


.60 


74LS186 


1.95 


81LS97 


1.49 


I 9401 


9 


95 1 


LM338K 


6.95 


NE581 


24.95 


LM1488 


.69 


LM13080 


1.29 TL081 


.79 


LF353 


1.00 


74LS188 


1.75 


81LS98 


1.49 


■ 9601 




75 M 


LM339 


.99 


NE564 


2.95 


LM1489 


.69 


LM13600 


1.49 TL082 


1.19 


LF355 


1.10 


74LS169 


1.75 


25LS2521 


2.80 


B 9602 


1 


50 H 










LM1496 


.65 


LM13700 


1.49 TL083 


1.19 


LF356 


1.10 


74LS170 


1.49 


25LS2569 


4.25 J 


"A96S02 


1 


95 M 




H = TO-5 CAN 


T 


= TO-2 


20 




K = TO-3 






LF357 


1.40 





MICR0DEVICES AT MICR0PRICES 



ALL MERCHANDISE 100% GUARANTEED 



• 



Copyright 1963 JDR Microdevices 



Circle 202 on Inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 553 



16K EPROMS 



ai1B 25 0Ms8/$795 



RF mODULATOR 

(ASTEC UM1082) QUANTITIES LIMITED 

• PRESET TO CHANNEL 3 NOW 

• USE TO BUILD ONLY 
TV-COMPUTER INTERFACE 

• +5 VOLT OPERATION 

POWER SUPPLIES 

IDEAL FOR HOBBYIST. BENCHWORK & DO-IT-YOUR- 
SELFERS! 90-DAY WARRANTY! NEW & UNUSED! 
QUANTITIES LIMITED! 



CAPACITORS 

TANTALUM 



DISC 



$695 



ASTEC AA1 1190 



• QUAD OUTPUT SWITCHING 
DESIGN AS USED IN APPLE III 

• +5 @ 4A; -5 @ .25A 

• +12 @ 2.5A; -12 @ .30A; 15.5"x4.5"x2" 

SISIKIA INSTRUMENTS 

Model 2PC2241 

I* DESIGNED FOR DEC EQUIPMENT 

• FUSE PROTECTED • LINEAR DESIGN 

• AUXILIARY AC OUTLET 

I* +5 @ 4A; -15V @ 1.5A; 1 2.25"x4"x4.75" 



NOW 
ONLY 

$5990 



NOW 
ONLY 

$1995 



OUR OUVER BLEW IT 

|& BOUGHTTOO MANY OFTHESE GEMS! I 

4116 250NS 8/7.95 



[DYNAMIC RAM MM5298 8K x 1 





6V 


10V 


15V 


20V 


25V 


35V 


.22uf 












.40 


.27 












.40 


.33 












.40 


.47 








.35 




.50 


.68 












.45 


1.0 






.40 


.40 


.45 


.45 


1.5 








.45 




.50 


1.8 












.75 


2.2 




.35 


.40 


.45 




.65 


2.7 




.40 


.45 






.90 


3.3 




.45 


.50 


.55 


.60 


.65 


3.9 




.45 










4.7 


.45 


.55 




.60 


.65 


.85 


6.8 






.70 




.75 




8.2 












1.00 


10 


.55 


.65 


.80 


.85 


.90 


1.00 


12 


.65 




.85 


.90 






15 


.75 


.85 


.90 








18 






1.25 








22 




1.00 


1.35 








27 






2.25 








39 




1.50 










47 


1.35 












56 


1.75 


























100 




3.25 




270 


3.75 













10pf 

22 

25 

27 

33 

47 

56 

68 

82 

100 

220 

330 



50V 
50V 
50V 
50V 



.05 
.05 
.05 
.05 



50V .05 
50V .05 



50V 
50V 



.05 
.05 



50V .05 
50V .05 



50V 
50V 



470 
560 
680 
820 

.001u( 

.0015 

.0022 

.005 

.01 

.02 

.05 

.1 

.1 



50V 
50V 
50V 



.05 
.05 
.05 



50V .05 
50V .05 



50V 
50V 
50V 
50V 
50V 
50V 
12V 
50V 



.05 
.05 
.05 
.07 
.07 
.07 
.10 
.12 



MONOLITHIC 



.1uf-mono 50V .18 
.047uf-mono50V .15 



.47uf-mono 50V .25 
.01uf-mono 50V .14 



ELECTROLYTIC 



.47uf 

1 

2.2 

4.7 

10 

47 

100 

220 

470 

2200 



RADIAL 
50V 
25V 
35V 
50V 
50V 
35V 
16V 
35V 
25V 
16V 



.14 
.14 
.15 
.15 
.15 
.18 
.18 
.20 
.30 
.60 



COMPUTER 
GRADE 

26,000uf 30V 3.95 



OPTO-ISOLATORS 



4N26 
4N27 
4N28 
4N33 
4N35 

|4N37 
MCT-2 

LMCT-6 



1N751 

1N759 

1N4148 

1N4004 

KBP02 

KBP04 

VM48 



1.00 
1.10 
.69 
1.75 
1.25 
1.25 
1.00 
1.50 



MCA-7 

MCA-255 

IL-1 

ILA-30 

ILQ-74 

H11C5 

TIL-111 

TIL-113 



4.25 
1.75 
1.25 
1.25 
2.75 
1.25 
1.00 
1.75 J 



MICRODEUIGES 



BYPASS CAPS 



'II 



miCROPRICES 



TRANSISTORS 



.01 UFDISC 

.01 UF MONOLITHIC 

.1 UF DISC 

.1 UF MONOLITHIC 



100/6.00 
100/12.00 

100/8.00 
100/15.00 J 



DIODES 



5.1 volt zener .25 

12.0 volt zener .25 

(1 N91 4) switching 25/1 .00 

400PIV rectifier 10/1.00 

200PIV1. Samp bridge .45 

400PIV 1. Samp bridge .55 

Dip-Bridge ,SSj 



NEW UN-USED 
MUFFIN FANS 

1 4.68" Square 
1 3.125" Square 

HEAT SINKS 

I TO-3 style 
I TO-220 style 

SWITCHES 

I SPDT mini-toggle 
I DPDT mini-toggle 
IsPST mini-pushbutton 



14.95 1 
14.95 



.95 1 
.35 1 



1.25 I 

1.50 I 

.39j 



2N918 

MPS918 

2N2102 

2N2218 

2N2218A 

2N2219 

2N2219A 

2N2222 

PN2222 

MPS2369 

2N2484 

2N2905 

2N2907 

PN2907 

2N3055 

3055T 

2N3393 

2N3414 

2N3563 

2N3585 

| PN3565 
MPS3638 
MPS3640 
PN3643 

| PN3644 
MPS3704 



.50 

.25 

.75 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.50 

.25 

.10 

.25 

.25 

.50 

.25 

.125 

.79 

.69 

.30 

.25 

.40 

.40 

.25 

.25 

.25 

.25 

.25 

.15 



MPS3706 

2N3772 

2N3903 

2N3904 

2N3906 

2N4122 

2N4123 

2N4249 

2N4304 

2N4401 

2N4402 

2N4403 

2N4857 

PN4916 

2N5086 

PN5129 

PN5139 

2N5209 

2N6028 

2N6043 

2N6045 

MPS-A05 

MPS-A06 

MPS-A55 

TIP29 

TIP31 

TIP32 



.15 
1.85 

.25 

.10 

.10 

.25 

.25 

.25 

.75 

.25 

.25 

.25 
1.00 

.25 

.25 

.25 

.25 | 

.25 

.35 
1.75 I 
1.75 

.25 

.25 

.25 

.65 

.75 

.79 , 



LED LAMPS 

1-99 

I JUMBO RED .10 

1 JUMBO GREEN .18 

I JUMBO YELLOW .18 

LLED MOUNTING HARDWARE .10 



100-up 
.09 
.15 
.15 
.09 



LED DISPLAYS 



HP 5082-7760 
MAN 72 
MAN 74 
FND-357 (359) 
FND-500 (503) 
FND-507(510) 
ItIL-311 4x7 



.43" 

.3" 

.3" 

.375" 

.5" 

.5" 

.270" HEX W/LOGIC 9.951 



cc 


1.29 


CA 


.99 


CC 


.99 


CC 


1.25 


CC 


1.49 


CA 


1.49 



RESISTORS 

V# WATT 5% CARBON FILM ALL 

STANDARD VALUES 

FROM 1 OHM TO 10 MEG OHM 

50 PCS. SAME VALUE .025 | 

100 PCS. SAME VALUE .02 

L1000 PCS. SAME VALUE .015 J 



1uf 

4.7 

10 

10 

22 

47 

100 

100 

150 

220 

330 

500 

1000 

1500 

5000 



AXIAL 
50V 
16V 
16V 
50V 
16V 
50V 
15V 
35V 
25V 
25V 
16V 
16V 
16V 
16V 
16V 



.14 
.14 
.14 
.16 
.14 
.20 
.20 
.25 
.25 
.30 
.40 
.42 
.60 
.70 



8 pin ST 


.13 


14 pin ST 


.15 


16 pin ST 


.17 


18 pin ST 


.20 


20 pin ST 


.29 


22 pin ST 


.30 


24 pin ST 


.30 


28 pin ST 


.40 


40 pin ST 


.49 


64 pin ST 


4.25 



IC SOCKETS 

100 

.11 

.12 

.13 

.18 

.27 

.27 

.27 

.32 

.39 

call 

ST^SOLDERTAIL 

8 pin WW .59 .49 

14 pin WW .69 .52 

16 pin WW .69 .58 

18 pin WW .99 .90 

20 pin WW 1.09 .98 

22 pin WW 1.39 1.28 

24pinWW 1.49 1.35 

28 pin WW 1.69 1.49 

| 40 pin WW 1.99 1.80 

WW = WIREWRAP 

16 pin ZIF 5.95 call 

I 24 pin ZIF 7.95 call 

28 pin ZIF 8.95 call 

ZIF = TEXTOOL 
(Zero Insertion Force) 



DIP 
SWITCHES 



4 POSITION 

5 POSITION 

6 POSITION 

7 POSITION 
L 8 POSITION 



.65 

.90 | 
.90 I 
.95 I 
.95 J 



JDR Microdevices 

1224 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 

800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA) 

(408) 995-5430 • Telex 171-110 



VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE 

HOURS: M-W-F, 9-5 T-Th., 9-9 Sat. 10-3 

PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING 

TERMS: Minimum order $10. For shipping and handling include 
S2.50 lor UPS Ground and $3.50 for UPS Air. Orders over 1 lb. and 
foreign orders may require additional shipping charges — please 
contact our sales department for the amount. CA residents must 
include 6% sales tax, Bay Area and LA residents include 6V*%. Prices 
subject to change without notice. We are not responsible tor 
typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities and to 
substitute manufacturer. All merchandise subject to prior sale. 



Copyright 1983 JDR Microdevices 



554 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 203 on inquiry card. 



2732 



32K EPROM 



276a 



64K EPROM 



MICROCOMPUTER 
HARDWARE HANDBOOK 

FROM ELCOMP — $14.95 
Over 800 pages of manufacturers data 
sheets on most commonly used IC's. 
Includes: 

• TTL — 74/74LS and 74F 

• CMOS 

• Voltage Regulators 

• Memory — RAM, ROM, EPROM 

• CPU's — 6800, 6500, Z80, 8080, 
8085, 8086/8 

• MPU support & interface - 
6800, 6500, Z80, 8200, etc. 

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BOOKS 

OSBORNE/MC GRAW-HILL 

I Apple II User's Guide 16.95 

CRT Controllers Handbook 9.95 

I 68000 Assembly Language 

Programming 16.99 

| CBASfC User Guide 15.00 | 

SYBEX 

I Your First Computer 8.95 I 

I The CP/M Handbook 14.95 

The PASCAL Handbook 18.95 | 

Microprocessor Interfacing 
Techniques 17.95J 

TRANSFORMERS 

FRAME STYLE 

I 12.6V AC 2amp 4.95 1 

12.6VACCT 2amp 5.95 

12.6VACCT 4amp 7.95 

12.6VACCT 8amp 10.95 

]25.2VACCT 2amp 7.95 1 

PLUG CASE STYLE 

[12VAC 250ma 3.95 1 

12V AC 500ma 4.95 

12V AC lamp 5.95 

1 12VAC 2amp 6.95 1 

DC ADAPATER 

1 6,9, 1 2 VDC selectable with universal I 
I adapter 8.95 

I NOTE: Please Include sufficient amountfor | 
Lshipping on above Items. 



DISK DRIVES 

TANDON 

I TM100-1 5/< (FOR IBM) SS/DD 229.00 
I TM100-2 5% (FOR IBM) DS/DD 259.00 

SHUGART 

SA 400L 5V< (40 TRACK) SS/DD 199.95 
S A 400 5/« (35 TRACK) SS/DD 1 89.95 

PERTEC 

FD-200 5% ss/dd 1 79.95 

FD-250 5% ds/dd 1 99.95 

MPI 

MP-52 5// (for ibm) ds/dd" 249.00 | 

NOTE: Please Include sufficient amount 
for shipping on above Items. 




FD 100-8 

SHUGART 801 EQUIV. 
SS/DD — 10/S175 EA. 



8-INCH 

DISK DRIVE! 

SALE 

FD 200-8 

SHUGART 851 EQUIV. 
DS/DD — 10/S220EA. 



$189oo $23900 



EDGE-CARD 


CONNECTORS 


S-100ST 


3.95 


S- 100 WW 


4.95 


72 pin ST 


6,95 


72 pin WW 


7.95 


50 pin ST 


4.95 


44 pin ST 


2.95 


,44 pin WW 


4.95. 




CABINETS FOR 
CABINET #1 $29.95 

I • DIMENSIONS 8 5 /a x 5 1 ?ie x 3 1! fa" 

• COLOR MATCHES APPLE 
I* FITS STANDARD 5V4" DRIVES, 

INCL. SHUGART 

• INCLUDES MOUNTING 
HARDWARE AND FEET 



NOTE: Please include sufficient amount for 
Lshipping on above items. 



5 1 A" DISK DRIVES 

CABINET #2 $79.00 

• COMPLETE WITH POWER 
SUPPLY, SWITCH, LINE 
CORD, FUSE & STANDARD 
POWER CONNECTOR 

• DIMENSIONS: 11V2X5 3 /4X3^16" I 

• +5V @ 1 AMP, +12V @ 1 .5 AMP 

• FITS STANDARD 5Va" DRIVES | 

• PLEASE SPECIFY 
GRAY OR TAN 



UISIT DURING 

OUR EXPANDED 

RETAIL STORE HOURS 

SATURDAY 10 to 3 



CENTRONICS 

IDCEN36 Ribbon Cable 36 Pin Male 8.95 

1 I DCEN36/F Ribbon Cable 36 Pin Female 8.95 

[ CEN36 Solder Cup 36 Pin Male 7.95 



DIP CONNECTORS 



DESCRIPTION 



HIGH RELIABILITY 

TOOLED ST IC 

SOCKETS 



CONTACTS 8 
14 
16 
18 
20 
22 
24 
28 
40 



AUGATxx-ST 



.99 
.99 
.99 
1.69 
1.89 
1.89 
1.99 
2.49 
2.99 



COMPONENT 

CARRIERS 
(DIP HEADERS) 



ICCxx 



.65 
.75 
.85 
1.00 
1.25 
1.25 
1.35 
1.50 
2.10 



RIBBON 

CABLE 

DIP PLUGS (IDC) 



IDPxx 



For order instructions see "I DC Connectors' 



1.45 

1.65 



4.15 

below. 



RIBBON CABLE 



D-SUBMINIATURE 



CONTACTS 


SINGLE COLOR 


COLOR CODED 


r 


10' 


r 


10' 


10 


.50 


4.40 


.83 


7.30 


16 


.55 


4.80 


1.00 


8.80 


20 


.65 


5.70 


1.25 


11.00 


25 


.75 


6.60 


1.32 


11.60 


26 


.75 


6.60 


1.32 


11.60 


34 


.98 


8.60 


1.65 


14.50 


40 


1.32 


11.60 


1.92 


16.80 


50 


1.38 


12.10 


2.50 


22.00 



DESCRIPTION 


SOLDER CUP 


RIGHT ANGLE 
PC SOLDER 


IDC 
RIBBON CABLE 


HOODS ' 


MALE 


FEMALE 


MALE 


FEMALE 


MALE 


FEMALE 


BLACK 


GREY 


ORDER BY 


DBxxP 


DBxxS 


DBxxPR 


DBxxSR 


IDBxxP 


IDBxxS 


HOOD-B 


HOOD 


CONTACTS 9 
15 
25 
37 
50 


2.08 
2.69 
2.50 
4.80 
6.06 


2.66 
3.63 
3.25 
7.11 
9.24 


1.65 
2.20 
3.00 
4.83 


2.18 
3.03 
4.42 
6.19 


3.37 
4.70 
6.23 
9.22 


3.69 
5.13 
6.84 
10.08 


1.25 


1.60 
1.60 
1.25 
2.95 
3.50 



For order instructions see "I DC Connectors" below. 

MOUNTING HARDWARE 1.00 



IDC CONNECTORS 



DESCRIPTION 


SOLDER HEADER 


RIGHT ANGLE 
SOLDER HEADER 


WW HEADER 


RIGHT ANGLE 
WW HEADER 


RIBBON 
HEADER SOCKET 


RIBBON 
HEADER 


RIBBON 
EDGE CARD 


ORDER BY 


IDHxxS 


IDHxxSR 


IDHxxW 


IDHxxWR 


IDSxx 


IDMxx 


IDExx 


CONTACTS 10 
20 
26 
34 
40 
50 


.82 
1.29 
1.68 
2.20 
2.58 
3.24 


.85 
1.35 
1.76 
2.31 
2.72 
3.39 


1.86 
2.98 
3.84 
4.50 
5.28 
6.63 


2.05 
3.28 
4.22 
4.45 
4.80 
7.30 


1.15 
1.86 
2.43 
3.15 
3.73 
4.65 


5.50 
6.25 
7.00 
7.50 
8.50 


2.25 
2.36 
2.65 
3.25 
3.80 
4.74 



ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS: Insert the number of contacts In the position marked "xx" of the "order by" part number listed. Example: A 10 pin right angle solder style 
header would be IDH10SR. 



Copyright 1983 JDR Microdevices 



Circle 203 on inquiry card. 



BYTE January 1984 555 



FOR APPLE COMPUTER USERS 



# 



JDR Microdevices 



TS 



6ET SLIM IN 1984! 

SK DRIVE 

$23995 

APPLE 11+ 

$4495 

NCESALE! 

$49951 



JDR HALF-HEIGHT DISK DRIVE 

• 35 Track w/Apple Controller 

• 40 Track Controller and DOS 
Available (Call for Price) 

JDR 16K RAM CARD FOR APPLE II+ 

• 2 YEAR WARRANTY 

Kit with Instructions $40.95 

Bare PC Card $14.95 

JDR COOLING FAN CLEARANCE SALE! | 

• With Surge Protection 

• Quantities Are Limited! 



OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR APPLE II 

ITHUNDERCLOCK $129.95 

• Real-Time Clock Calendar • Software Included 
I • Mountain Software Compatible 

* BSR Control Options Available 

IKRAFT JOYSTICK $39.95j 



MANIA 



VIEWMAX-80NOW ONLY *159 95 

• 80 Column Card for Apple II + 

• Video Soft Switch 

• Inverse Video • 2 Year Warranty 

VIEWMAX-80e NEW $1 29 95 

• 80 Column Card for Apple Me 

• 64K RAM Expandable to 128K 
64K RAM Upgrade $47.60 

GRAPHMAX $129 95 

• Hi Resolution Graphics 

• Printer Card 

• Centronics Parallel Interface 
Graphmax with Color 

& Zoom Options $149.95 



Mfl SVST€MS 

|FD-35DISK DRIVE $229.95 1 

• Shugart Mechanism — Made in U.S.A. 
• Direct Replacement for Apple Disk II • 1 Year Warranty 

i CONTROLLER CARD $69.95 1 

• One Year Warranty 

APPLE COmPATIBLE POWER SUPPLY 



• Use Id Power Apple-Type Systems 

• +5V@5A +12V@3A 
-5V@.5A -12V@.5A 

• Instructions Included 



$7995 



1 


r *» ^ 


f 




MasterCard 




1 


^ A d 


I 




tPERISOFT 

■' PRINTERLINK 



FEDERAL EXPRESS 
SERVICES 

AVAILABLE 




• LowCost Centronics 
Parallel Interface with 
Cable and Manual 

MESSENGER 

• Serial Interface 
Connects Virtually 
Any Serial Device 

• Includes Cable 

TIMELINK 

• Real-Time Clock 
Calendar with Alarm 
Feature 

L ALL WITH ONE YEAR WARRANTY 



$5900 

ER 

$9900 

C 

$8400 



MONITORS 

MONOCHROME 

BMC BM 12AUW GREEN 12" NEW $ 89.95 

BMC BM 12AUY 18 MHZ AMBER $ 139.95 

NEC JB1201M- 20 MHZ GREEN $ 169.00 

ZENITH ZVM-121 - 15 MHZ GREEN $ 99.00 1 

COLOR 

BMC BM-AU9191U COMPOSITE 13" $ 279-00 

AMDEK color i - composite $ 335.00 

NO C.O.D. ORDERS PLEASE 



UERBATIM 
DATALIFE 
DISKETTES 

SS/DD SOFT SECTOR 

29.95 1 

SS/DD 10 SECTOR HMD 

29.951 



NASHUA DISKETTES 

574" WITH HUB RING 

MD1 SOFT SECTOR, SS/SD 19.95 

MD1D SOFT SECTOR, SS/DD 26.25 

MD2D SOFT SECTOR, DS/DD 30.75 

MD2F SOFT SECTOR, 

DS/QUAD DENSITY 45.00 

MD110 10 SECTOR HARD, SS/SD .... 19.95 
MD210D 10 SECTOR HARD, DS/DD 30.75 
8" WITHOUT HUB RING 

FD1 SOFT SECTOR, SS/SD 24.75 

FD1D SOFT SECTOR, SS/DD 30.00 

FD2D SOFT SECTOR, DS/DD 36.75 



JDR Microdevices 

1224 S. Bascom Ave. • San Jose, CA 95128 
(408) 995-5430 • Telex 171-110 



Copyright 1983 JDR Microdevices 



VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE 

HOURS: M-W-F, 9-5 T-Th., 9-9 Sat. 10-3 

PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING 

TERMS: Minimum order $10. For shipping and handling lnc\ude 
$2.50 for UPS Ground and $3.50 for UPS Air. Orders over 1 lb. and 
foreign orders may require additional shipping charges — please 
contact our sates department for the amount. CA residents must 
include 6% sales tax, Bay Area and LA residents include 6 Vi%. Prices 
subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for 
typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities and tc 
substitute manufacturer. All merchandise subject to prior sale. 



556 BYTE January 1984 



Circle 204 on inquiry card. 



Unclassified Ads 



WANTED: Information, documentation, and peripherals for 
Altair 8800b manufactured by MITS to be used in a vocational- 
electronics class. K. Luhrs. Education Department, California 
Rehabilitation Center, FOB 1841, Norco, CA 91760. 
WANTED: Hospital wishes to purchase or welcomes dona- 
tion of one or more Tektronix 4051 computers. Dr. Peter Hulick, 
Lynchburg General Hospital. Lynchburg, VA 24506. 
WANTED: If you need answers to any questions concerning 
CP/M. Pascal. C language, programming techniques, computer 
and software selection criteria, or related topics, ask me. I will 
locate the answers to your questions. SendSASE. Bhavisyat, RD I, 
Box 331, Moundsville, WV 26041. 

WANT ED : Unitarian-Universalist churches need used comput- 
ing equipment, or unused manufacturer's over-runs or out-dated 
units. Have immediate requirements for DEC-compatible LQ 
Printer, two Atari-compatible disk drives, and two Atari-compatible 
printers. All tax-deductible. Also, willing to exchange information 
and equipment. Unitarian Universalist Computer Interchange, c/o 
D P. Lantz, 1373 Howell Dr, Newark, OH 43055, (614) 344-6600. 
FOR TRADE: I am interested in exchanging software with 
Commodore 64 users. Send a full list of all your software, plus a 
SASE for my list. ICCC, Kim A/loser. 1 27 East 1 5th St., New York, 
NY 10003. 

WANTED: We would like to exchange ideas, suggestions, 
and information regarding software and hardware with other 
Epson QX-1 owners from anywhere and everywhere. Bruce 
and Lynn Holloway, 8 Tri City Rd. Apt. 10. Dover, NH 03820. 
WANTED: Information on licensing, copyrighting, or 
protecting software to insure the buyer agrees not to change 
the software. V.E.H., 914 North Court, Rockford. IL 6! 103. 
WANTED: People with knowledge of sequential text files of 
Apple 1/ Plus and TRS-80 Models U and III. Possible formation of 
a computer club (I have an Apple II Plus 64K and access to 
TRS-80s). Also, information on procedures for on and off of 
Reset and CTRL-C keys; knowledge and/or advice for selling 
software and/or forming a software company; Applesoft 3.3 
BASIC Compilers and offers too. Will trade Apple game pro- 
grams and utilities. George R. Lewycky. 7 Durst Dr., Milltown. 
NJ 08850. 

WANTED: Last updated version of Heath tape O.S. and use 
of Phi-Decks with Heath cassette board. C.T. Huth, 146 Schon- 
hardt St., Tiffin. OH 44883. 

WANTED: Information and/or correspondence with users of 
Timex/Sinclair computers about clubs, programs, books, 
modems, software, and hardware. I will also trade cassette pro- 
grams. Greg C. Backman, Naval Base Seattle, 7500 Sand Point 
WayNE, Seattle, WA981I5. 

FOR SALE: Apple II 4BK Applesoft in ROM with Applesoft 
and reference manuals; 2 Vi years old; SB90. Disk II with the 
DOS 3.3 manual: S295. Disk II controller card: S60. All in good 
condition: S 1 200. All -U.S. funds. I will pay shipping. Louis Roy, 
2590 4th Ave., St-Georges Ouest, Cte Beauce, Quebec G5Y 
3S8. Canada. 

FOR SALE: HP-4IC system: HP-41C, asking SI 67/ was 
$250; Quad RAM, S63/S95; Two each RAM, S20/S60; PPC 
ROM with manuals, S200/S95; circuit-analysis ROM. S20/S30; 
card reader, SI43/S2I5; bar-code reader, S83/S125; 
homebrew I/O breakout. $ 10/S30; three 3-inch binders o f soft- 
ware and information, S80/S 1 20. Everything above: asking 
S500/was SI 020. shipping included. Jan Steinman. 4622 
North 3rd St.. Arlington, VA 22203. (703) 524-7560. 
TO TRADE: I would like to swap Apple II programs: games, 
utilities, and business. Send me a list of your programs and I will 
send you mine. Also looking for people interested in corre- 
sponding. Matthias Pohl. Heidelbergerstr 33.690 1 Mauer. West 
Germany. 

WANTED: High school student and future hacker would ap- 
preciate any kind of electronic junk or broken equipment you 
could send. I will pay shipment. Ricardo Correa K., Met- 
sakorventie 6. A. 4, 08500 Lohja as.. Finland. 
FOR TRADE: I would like to swap IBM PC software. Need 
graphics, games, utilities, financial, education, and home pro- 
grams. Have many f-rencn programs, ^ena :>i oisk ror one or 
mine. D. Coulombe. Box 1283 Notre-Dame, Levis, Quebec 
G6W 6A8. Canada. 

WANTED: Reset key cover for Apple II keyboard to prevent 
Reset accidents when reaching for the Return key, or name of a 
supplier. Paul Connolly, 3B9 Courtland Ave.. Stamford. CT 
06906. {203)327-3318. 

FOR SALE: Shugart SA400: S125. BASF 6106 SSDD: S160. S-100 
8K static RAM board: S 35. M6B00S-100 board: S50. Datamedia 
I52IA video terminal: S300 (SHOO new). All currently in use, like 
new, with full documentation. UPS prepaid. Inquire about back 
issues of BYTE. Robert Boyd. Woodlawn Ave., Box 1044. Kenne- 
bunkport. ME 04046. 

FOR SALE: HP 60BD Signal Generator 10-420 MHz spare 
tubes, works: S325. Dual Siemens FDD-100-5 5'/« -inch drives with 
power supply and signal cable: S400. New TI-59 calculator, hardly 
used: SI25. K. W Humbard. Cape Lisburne AFS AK. APO 
Seattle, WA 98716. (907) 725-1237. 

WANTED: Computer pen pals who want to connect with 
others via a modem, send your name, address, phone number, 
time you're available, and interests (programming or games, etc.) 
to Computer Pals, c/o Steve Smith. POB 27533, Atlanta. GA 
30327. 



FOR SALE: TRS-B0 Model I. Level II with I6K and lowercase 
hardware installed: $250. Also. Radio Shack Line Printer II with 
interface cable for TRS-80: S300. Keith Wishart. Rt. 2 Box 13. 
Mapleton, MN 56065. (507) 524-3921. 
FOR SALE: Radio Shack Quick Printer II with manual and 
cables for connection to Model I CPU and expansion interface. 
Perfect condition: S100. Michael Friedman, 495 East 18 St.. 
Brooklyn, NY 11226. (212) 282-4029. 

WANTED: High school student with an interest in computers 
is looking for donations of equipment or manuals in any condi- 
tion. Will try to cover shipping costs. Scott Fahey, 7 Boundary 
Circle, Brockton, MA 02^02. (617) 588-4444. 
WANTED: For Texas Instruments Tl 99/4A: peripherals expan- 
sion system, modem, drives, RS-232C interface card. P-code card, 
or any other Tl hardware or software. Wayne M. DeMello. 26 
Norwell St.. South Dartmouth. MA 02748. (617) 994-7885. 
WANTED: Target game for SOL computer wanted, including 
any information or source code (300 bps tape). Need informa- 
tion on tape format. Also. Tarbell cassette interface for S25 or less. 
Michael Dunn, 45 Livingston Rd. #50!. West Hill. Ontario MIE 
IK8. Canada. (416) 266-1635. 

FOR SALE: Radio Shack Line Printer II (same as Centronics 
#730-1) with parallel interface for 9!/i-inch fixed-pinfeed or up to 
8'/z-inch cut-sheet or roll paper; excellent condition, with dust 
cover, one ribbon, and manual. Will include cable for TRS-80 
Model III and/or a homemade interface for direct connection to 
TRS-80 Model I keyboard, if desired. Shipped prepaid in US on 
receipt of certified check: S3 50. offers considered. David Shinn. 
28 Wagon Bridge Run. Moorestown, NJ 08057. 
FOR SALE: Public domain software for VIC-20 and CBM-64. 
Many useful games, utilities, and more. Includes complete 
documentation. Program-Pac with 10 CBM-64 programs: S5. Ten 
programs on tape for VIC-20: S5. Add SI for shipping. Prepaid; 
check or money order. Also, inquire about user group forming. 
J. Jesrani. 1052 Southeast 54th Ave., Ocala. FL 3267!. 
FOR SALE: Apple II Plus 48K without disk or monitor. Two 
years old, h perfect condition. Includes serial interface and 10 
games on cassette: S900. Mike Underwood, 11122 Fairhaven Ct. 
Apt E. Fairfax. VA 22030. (703) 3520180. 
FOR SALE: Two OS! C3B four-user systems. Both feature 200K 
static RAM, dual 8-inch floppy disks, and BOM Winchester disk. 
One system features one Centronics printer port and three RS-232 
ports. The other features one Centronics printer port and one 
RS-232 port. Includes manuals, timeshare software, some customs 
software, and assorted goodies: S 13.000 each or prices negotiable. 
Rapid Die & Molding. 800 East Amelia. Cassville. Wl 53806. (608) 
725-5114 (ask for Barry). 

FOR SALE: TRS-80 Model 1 48K two Percom drives, lowercase 
conversion, Percom double-density board, RS-232. cassette, Quick 
Printer II. and all dust covers. All cables and many programs in- 
cluded. SI 700; I'll ship. Rick Thompson, 1212 El Camino Reale. 
Socorro, NM 87801. 

FOR SALE: Ithaca Intersystems DPS-1 computer includes main- 
frame, front panel, Series II processor board, MIO board with two 
parallel and two serial ports, vectored interrupts. FDC-2 DMA disk 
controller, 64K of 8-/!6-bit memory. Also, a Heath H-19 terminal, 
and 8-inch double-density disk with power supply and cabinet. 
Software includes Pascal-Z, CP/M, relocatable macro assembler, 
and m-bug. New S5200, sell S2500. Keith Pattison. 9629 
Bradhugh Ct.. Sacramento. CA 95827, (916) 361-3648. 
FOR SALE: Commodore 64: S275. Gemini printer with inter- 
face for Commodore: S450. Dennis Hallingstad, (608) 269-2392. 
FOR SALE: BYrE Vol. I No. 12 and all issues of Vol. 2. 3. 4, 
5, 6, and Vol. 7, No 9, (inclusive. 68 consecutive issues). Best 
offer for all. W J. Holland. 2675 Gulf of Mexico. Longboat Key, 
FL 33548. 

FOR SALE: 12-inch RGB color monitor. Taxan RGB I; like new. 
only used several hours. Compatible with Apple II. Apple III. IBM 
and others; S295 or best offer. David Klotzbach, 25 Columbia 
Circle, Plymouth. MA 02360. (617) 747-0430. 
WANTED: Collections of software, programs, books, manuals, 
or magazines to buy pertaining to Atari 400/800. Stephanie Ring, 
Star Route Box 132. Staples. MN 56479. (218) 587-2838. 
FOR SALE: Hewlett-Packard HP-41C calculator, card reader, 
quad RAM: S225. Also, bar-code wand, timer module, extended 
function, extended memory modules. AME port extender, and 
HHC I6K EPROM box. Also, wanted: Commodore 2031 single 
disk drive in good condition. John E. Barnes, 13 AlcottDr, Wilm- 
ington. DE 19808. (302) 453-3622 days. 994-7831 evenings. 



FOR SALE: Powertext Word Processing System by Beaman 
Porter Inc.. Apple III. version 1.61. brand new: S100 or best offer 
H. R. Flores. 113 Fairmont Ave., Worcester. MA 01604, (617) 
756-2980. 

FOR SALE: Okidata 84A printer with 200 cps, near letter- 
quality, high-resolution (144 by 144 dots per inch) graphics, 
downloadable character set. full software control. Also, free 
PROMs from manufacturer for future enhancements, parallel in- 
terface, friction/tractor feed, perfect condition: S700. 2K serial 
board: S 75. Or both: S750. Make an offer. D B. Phuoc. Box 4403. 
Hayward. CA 94540. (408) 970-3832. 
FOR SALE: BYTE, all issues from 1976 thru 1979. Make offer. 
G March, 2110 Country Club Pkwy. SE. Cedar Rapids. IA 52403. 
(319) 364-0092. 

FOR SALE: Novation 212 auto-cat modem. Brand new con- 
dition, asking S500. Arnold Slavin, 655 Union Blvd.. Totowa. NJ 
07511, (201) 256-2300. 

WANTED: College student would appreciate a donated com- 
puter for experiments. Vatche Terzian. 2421 Foothill Blvd. #22B. 
La Verne. CA 91750. 

WANTED: SOL-20 systems manual, sections III and IX and Solos 
operating system manual. I will pay for duplication and postage. 
Jeff Henkels, 1312 Birch, Ames. IA 50013. (515) 294-729B. 
WANTED: I have a BASIC-E compiler and interpreter; I need 
a users manual or other documentation for BASIC-E language. 
Will buy, rent, or borrow. Wm. F. Fowler,' 4014 Hillwood Court. 
Beltsville, MD 20705. 

FOR SALE: New Xerox 820 CPU module with printer port, 
communications port, and disk interface. ADDS Regent 40 ter- 
minal with printer port and manuals. Diablo 1650 38-cps daisy- 
wheel letter-quality printer with manual. RS-232C serial interface, 
and 1200 bps. Debbie Pullinger. 208-D Stephen Ave. Mary Esther. 
FL 32569, (904) 581-3319 after 5 p.m. CT. 
FOR SALE: NEC 800IA computer, new condition: S375. Bob 
Quint, 4378 Gina St.. Fremont, CA 94536, (415) 657-7385. 
WANTED: Used, serviceable, Xerox 88 character, metalized 
(9R2IIOO series) printwheels with over twenty typestyles. Which 
typestyles do you have? Bob Greenawalt. 9239 De Adalena St., 
Rosemead, CA 91770, (213) 572-0419 evenings. 
FOR SALE: BYTE, first 16 issues, good condition, best offer. Edw. 
L Hayden, 16 Decatur Ave, Annapolis. MD 21403, (301) 
267-6098. 

WANTED: Apple II user interested in parameters needed to 
back up protected software using current copy programs such 
as Locksmith, Nibbles Away, etc. I am compiling a master list of 
parameters. Those who contribute may receive a copy. Philip 
McDermott, 1500 Aubudon Parkway, Louisville, KY 40213, (502) 
635-7867. 

WANTED: Hewlett-Packard HP-IL digital cassette drive. HP-1L 
interface module, and HP-IL printer/plotter (HP 821 2A) all for 
HP-4ICV Must be in good condition, reasonably priced. M. C 
Akisoglu, 120 Canterbury Lane. McMurray, PA 15317. (412) 
237-2690. 

FOR SALE: Software (in English and Spanish) for engineering, 
statistical analysis, process-control applications, as well as games 
and useful word processors for the VIC-20 (4K RAM, 22 column). 
Jose G. V. Humerez. casilla 525. Sucre, Bolivia, South America. 
WANTED: To trade Visicalc and PFS File & Report programs 
for Apple III and to swap for same for use on Apple II Plus. Also, 
other programs to swap. Let's trade lists. G. M. Koellisch, 106 Reno 
Dr.. Louisville. OH 44641. 

FOR SALE: Heath H-8 computer. 32K RAM, serial/cassette in- 
terface board, extender board, Heath H-9 video terminal. Soft- 
ware: BUG-8, TED-8, HASL-8. Extended Benton Harbor BASIC 
All schematics, assembly, and operation manuals. Also. EC-1100 
BASIC programming course and EC-N08 Assembly Lanugage 
course. Radio Shack CTR-41 cassette player. REmark magazine, 
all issues. Bill Ward. 3621 Lowden. Kalamazoo. Ml 49008. (616) 
345-2844. 

FOR SALE: Several programs and gamesfor Victor 9000 avail- 
able in MS-DOS. dBASE II, Wordstar/Mailmerge/Spelling. Mutliplan. 
Report Manager (Victorcalc), Programmers Tool Kit. Graphics Tool 
Kit, BASIC Compiler. Pascal, and FORTRAN: $100 to $200. Bruce 
Glenn, Image Equipment. 90 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016. 
(212) 697-8606. 

FOR SALE: Two disk drives, Tandem TM100-I, 5'/«-inch (for 
IBM). SS/DD drive, no power supply or case: S170 each. Jim 
Lovewell. 1490 East Juana. San Leandro, CA 94577, (415) 
351-6207. 



UNCLASSIFIED POLICY: Readers who have computer equipment to buy, sell, or 
trade or who are requesting or giving advice may send a notice to BYTE for inclusion 
in the Unclassified Ads section. To be considered for publication, an advertisement must 
be noncommercial (individuals or bona fidecomputer clubs only), typed double-spaced 
on plain white paper, contain 75 words or fewer, and include complete name and 
address. This service is free of charge; notices are printed once only as space permits. 
Your confirmation of placement is appearance in an issue of BYTE as we engage in no 
correspondence. Please allow at least three months for your ad to appear. Send your 
notices to Unclassified Ads, BYTE/McGraw-Hill, POB 372, Hancock, MH 03449. 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 557 



Unclassified Ads 



FOR SALE: A n unused Apple 1 1 Language Card: S 130 o r best 
offer. K. Sung. 0-11 Pine Grove. Ypsilanti. Ml 48197. (313) 483-7998. 
WANTED: Professional software for the dimensioning of heat- 
plate exchangers when given the desired temperature sanitary 
warm water can supply, the needed temperature of the primary 
circuit, the dimensions and number of the plates, and the ther- 
mic coefficient of the exchanger. Also, software for chemical 
balance needed for ideal swimming pool-water conditions. M. 
Riccieio. Lloyd & Limaro SA. Rue Dufour 34, CH-2500 Bienne 3. 
Switzerland; tel: {032) 42 43 66; Telex: 349 475. 
WANTED: Apple software to trade. Send a list and S*\SE of 
your games or utilities software and I will send you mine. Ralph 
Boswell. 8 George Washington Dr., Titusville, NJ 08560. 
FOR SALE: Wintek System, 32K RAM, refresh card, two serial 
and two parallel ports. Monitor in ROM, cassette interface at 300 
to 2400 bps. BASIC in ROM. BK open ROM slots. 8-slot mother- 
board, power supply. Wintek terminal. Setchell-Carlson monitor, 
modem, TSC cassette BASIC (extended), TSC Relocator, Wintek 
EditotfAssembler, and more: SI350. February 'SOthrough January 
'83 68000 Micro Journal. Make an offer. John Adams, 8303 Ken- 
wood Rd„ Cincinnati, OH 45236, (5131 793-2338. 
WANTED: If you're building a digital synthesizer (like I am) or 
if you want to share ideas, let's start DSIG, Digital Synthesis In- 
formation Group. Shane Bouslough, Pond View Rd, RR2, Wading 
River, NY 11792, (516) 929-6436. 

WANTED: S-100 components. IMSAI or Cromemco mainframe, 
Cromemco TUART. I6FDC, ZPU, 64KZ Rev J. CCS 2066 RAM. 
Possibly interested in S-100 hard disk, 9-track 1600 BPI tape, and 
I/O boards. Gary Sanford, POB 1689, Lowell, MA 01853. (617) 
263-2389 evenings. 



FOR SALE: DEC LSI II homebrew system. KD II CPU with 
EIS/FIS.DLV 11, 64K-bytes RAM, Unibus adapter. RK II disk inter- 
face with Diablo 33 disk drive. Also, second Diablo drive and 
all power supplies. Will run BASIC and FORTRAN under RT II: 
$2000 or best offer. David Barr, 37 Ruthven Place, Summit, NJ 
07901. (201) 582-3227 days. 

FOR SALE: Texas Instruments 742 intelligent terminal with a 
Silent 700 ASR terminal, 80-column thermal printer, two built-in 
digital-cassette tape drives under full program control, 2K of pro- 
grammable RAM, a built-in 1200-bps modem (requires a DAA 
phone company interface), and two serial RS-232C interfaces. 
Also, Assembler, mini Word Processor, utilities, manuals, digital- 
cassette tapes, and supplies included: $500. Neal Fahrer, 5909 
Blairstone Dr., Culver City, CA 90230, (213) 836-8615, 
WANTED: Zorba owners who would like to start (orjoin) a 
user's group for Telcon's Zorba to explore its potential by exchang- 
ing information, ideas, advice, software, and a newsletter. Jeffrey 
Timm, 6-J Aspinwood Way. Baltimore, MD 21237. 
FOR SALE: Burroughs L5000 accounting machine in excellent 
condition. Printer has 25-inch carriage with 250 print positions 
and three feeds: one friction and two pin. Full alpha and numeric 
keyboards with 24 auxiliary subroutine keys. Built-in hard disk and 
paper-tape reader. Would consider trade for mini computer system 
or 7? David A. Livsey. POB 990. Escondido. CA 92025. 
WANTED: Names and addresses of Superbrain users groups 
around the country that I may correspond with orjoin. Also in- 
terested in CP/M users groups using 5/4 -inch disk formats. Want 
to sell: printer cable for Atari 850 interface to standard 36-pin 
parallel-printer port. Reasonable. L. David Paquette, 14 North 
Ridge. Ballston Lake, NY 12019. (518) 899-6376. 



BOMB 




BYTE's Onooina Monitor Box 


Article # 


Page 


Article 


Author(s) 


I 


37 


Build the Circuit Cellar Term-Mite ST Smart Terminal, 








Part 1: Hardware 


Garcia 


2 


53 


BYTE West Coast: Beyond the Word Processor 


Lemmons 


3 


61 


User's Column: Too Many Leads, or What in 








*;?!#"*? Goes First? 


Pournelle 


4 


104 


Reason and the Software Bus 


Korns 


5 


122 


A General-Purpose Robot-Control Language 


Prendergast, 

Slade, 

Winkless 


6 


134 


1 984, the Year of the 32-bit Microprocessor 


Mateosian 


7 


154 


Memory Cards: A New Concept in Personal 








Computing 


Mills 


8 


172 


Computer-aided Design 


Jadrnicek 


9 


213 


Speech Recognition: An Idea Whose Time Is 








Coming 


White 


10 


226 


Using Natural-Language Systems on Personal 


Eisenberg, 






Computers 


Hill 


11 


243 


Portables— 1 984 and Beyond: Idea-Processing Soft- 


Winer, 






ware and Portable Computers 


Winer 


12 


251 


Beyond the Application Program: A Different 








Approach to Integrated Software 


Banning 


13 


268 


The Zenith'.- Z- 100 


Skier 


14 


282 


Pinball Construction Set 


Holden 


15 


288 


The TRS-80 Model 16B with Xenix 


Barry, 
Jacobson 


16 


324 


Naturallink to Dow Jones News/Retrieval 


Haas 


17 


339 


the Vamp DVM-1 Computer/TV Interface Kit 


Gillette 


18 


349 


The Einstein Compiler 


Callamaras 


19 


354 


The Basis 108 


Bates 


20 


362 


Bubbles on the S-100 Bus, Part 1: The Hardware 


Wheeler 


21 


384 


Mockingbird: A Composer's Amanuensis 


Maxwell, 
Ornstein 


22 


403 


The VU68K Single-Board Computer 


Carter, 
Bonds 


23 


417 


Translating the SAS Language into BASIC 


Bass 


24 


437 


A Software Review Method That Really Works 


Citron 


25 


442 


Real-Time Clocks and PC-DOS 2.0 


Broadwell 



FOR SALE: New and used S-100 boards. Z80-based CPU 

boards with serial port and parallel port: SI20. 8K static RAM 

boards: S40. Input/output boards with three serial and two parallel 

ports: S95. L. Cobbledick, 192 River Valley Dr., Chesterfield, MO 

63017, (314) 5760957 nights or 569-2660 days. 

FOR SALE: Memorex 5440 disk cartridges for Diablo series 40 

disk drives or CDC Hawk disk drives. $15 each or will trade. Blane 

woodard, 4942 North Diversey, Whitefish Bay Wl 53217, (414) 

963-1423 evenings. 

WANTED: High school student/programmer seeking corie- 

spondence with owners of TRS-80 Color Computers to exchange 

programs and information. Glen Button, POB 536. Cheshire. CT 

06410. 

FOR TRADE: Large library of Apple software to trade. Send 

me a list with SASE of your programs and I'll send you mine. 

Wayne Reibold. 205 North Loraine Ave., Glendora. CA 91740. 



A Popular Preview 

The Product Preview of Hewlett- 
Packard's HP 150 proved to be the 
most popular article in BYTE's Oc- 
tober issue. Staffers Phil Lemmons 
and Barbara Robertson will have to 
forfeit the $ 100 prize. For his User's 
Column, "New Computers, Boards, 
Languages, and Other Tidbits," Dr. 
Pournelle won the $50 prize. For 
third place, readers selected "An In- 
terview: The HP 150's Design-team 
Leaders," also written by the authors 
of October's winning Product Pre- 
view. In fourth place \s "The Unix 
Tutorial, Part 3: Unix in the Micro- 
computer Marketplace," written by 
David Fiedler. And Steve Garcia 
won fifth place with the second part 
of his Circuit Cellar project entitled 
"Build the Micro D-Cam Solid State 
Video Camera, Part 2: Computer In- 
terfaces and Control Software." Con- 
gratulations to these authors. 



Correspondence 

Address all editorial correspondence to the editor 
at BYTE. POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449. Unaccept- 
able manuscripts will be returned if accompanied 
by sufficient first-class postage. Not responsible for 
lost manuscripts or photos. ©pio/ons expressed by 
theauthote are not necessarily those of BYTE. En- 
tire contents copyright.© 1983 by BYTE Publica- 
tions Inc. All rights reserved. Where necessary, per- 
mission is* granted by the copyright owner for librar- 
ies and others registered with the Copyright 
Clearance Center (CCCj to photocopy any article 
herein for the flat fee of $ 1 .50 percopy of the arti- 
cle or any part thereof. Correspondence and pay- 
ment should be sent directly to the CCC 2 1 Con- 
gress St.. Salem. MA 01970. Specify ISSN 0360- 
•5280/83. S 1 .50. Copying done fonother than per- 
sonal or internal reference use without the permis- 
sion of McGraw-Hill is prohibited. Requests for 
special permission qr bulk orders should be ad- 
dressed to the publisher. BYTE® is available in 
microform from University Microfilms International. 
300 North Zeeb Rd.', Dept. PR. Ann Arbor. Ml 
48106 USA or 18 Bedford Row. Dept. PR. London 
WCIR 4Ej England. 



558 January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 



Reader Service 



Inquiry No. 



Page No. 



1 1 SUPER WAREHOUSE 443 

2 1ST NATIONAL COMPUTER 523 

* 1ST PLACE SYSTEMS 445 

* 20TH CENTURY PLASTICS 424 

4 3R COMPUTERS 363 

5 800 SOFTWARE 69 
490 A-SYSTEMS 439 

456 A.S.T. RESEARCH 113 

7 AB COMPUTERS 505 

8 ABC COMPUTER LTD 518 

9 ABC DATA PRODUCTS 238 

10 ACL INC. 276 

11 ACTION COMPUTER 89 

12 ADDMASTER CORP. 506 

13 ADROIT ELECTRONIC INC. 550 

14 ADV. COMP. PROD. 538. 539 
" ADV. DIGITAL CORP. 247 

15 ADV.GRAPHIC ENGINEERING 512 

16 ADV. SYS. CONCEPTS 470 

* ALF PRODUCTS, INC. 18 
474 ALPHA BYTE 304 

17 ALPHA ENTERPRISES 550 
488 ALPHA NUMERIC 439 

20 AM MICRO 396 

21 AMDEK CORP. 52 

22 AMER. BUYING & EXPORT 298 
24 AMER. SQUARE COMP. 301 

* AMERICAN EXPRESS CO. 431 
' AMERICAN TOURISTERS 97 

26 ANADEX 157 

27 ANN ARBOR TERMINALS 366 

28 ANTEX DATA SYS. 428 

29 APPARAT INC. 107 

485 APPLE COMPUTER INC. CM, 1 

30 APPLE COUNTRY LTD. 501 

31 APPLEWARE INC. 514 

32 ARTIFICIAL INT'L RESEARCH 516 

33 ASHTON-TATE 303 

34 ASHTON-TATE 399 

35 ATARI SOFT 408. 409 

36 AVOCET 155 

37 B&B ELECTR. 506 

39 BASF SYSTEMS 71 

40 BAY TECHNICAL ASSOC. 259 

38 BELANGER RESEARCH ASSOC, 426 

41 BELL, JOHN ENGR. 503 

42 BG COMPUTER APPLICATIONS 502 

43 BHRT 212 

* BINARY TECHNOLOGY 550 
' BORLAND INT'L. 183 

46 BOTTOM LINE. THE 67 

47 BROKER SOFTWARE SERV. 320 

48 BUSINESS SOFTWARE 87 

49 BUSINESS SOFTWARE 87 

* BYTE PUBL. BACK ISSUES 398 

* BYTE PUBL. INC ..479 

50 BYTEC HYPERION 72, 73 

51 BYTEK COMP. SYS. CORP. 334 

52 BYTEWRITER 136 

53 C WARE 358 

* C-SYSTEMS 530 

55 C.S.D. INC. 188 

383 CABLES UNLTD. 514 

56 CALIF. DATA CORP. 506 

* CALIF. DIGITAL 540, 541 

* CALIF. MICRO COMP. 394 

57 CDR SYSTEMS 512 

* CENTENNIAL COMP. PROD. 84. 85 

497 CHAMPION SOFTWARE 273 

498 CHAMPION SOFTWARE 273 

58 CHANNEL CONNECTION 499 

59 CHIPS & DALE 514 

60 CHRISLIN IND. INC. 423 

61 CLEO/COPLEY PRESS 309 

62 CLEVELAND CODONICS 96 

63 CMC, INT'L. 30 

65 COGITATE 516 

66 COLORADO COMP. PERIPH. 518 

67 COLUMBIA DATA PROD. 189 

68 COMMAND SERVICES CORP. 504 

69 COMMERCIAL BUSINESS SYS. 498 

70 COMMUNICATIONS ELECTR. 364 

71 OOMP. COMPNTS. UNLTD. 527 

72 COMP COMPNTS. UNLTD. 528, 529 
76 COMP.WHOLESALERS OF 

FREDERICK 475 

' COMPAQ COMPUTER CORP. 12, 13 

78 COMPETITIVE EDGE 142 

79 COMPUADD 502 

80 COMPUADD 502 
61 COMPUADD 502 
82 COMPUADD 502 

381 COMPUMEDIA 530 



Inquiry No. 



Page No. 



83 COMPUPRO 277 

* COMPUPRO 389 

84 COMPUSERVE 163 

85 COMPUSHACK 405 

86 COMPUTER ACCESSORIES 181 

87 COMPUTER CHANNEL 245 

88 COMPUTER CLASSIFIED 432 

89 COMPUTER CONTINUUM 504 

90 COMPUTER DISCOUNT PROD. 524 

91 COMPUTER FOOD PRESS 516 

93 COMPUTER INNOVATIONS 260 

94 COMPUTER MAIL ORDER 382, 383 

* COMPUTER PLUS 215 

95 COMPUTER POST INC. 515 

96 COMPUTER PRICE CLUB 516 

97 COMPUTER SOFTWARE ASSOC. 512 

98 COMPUTER SOFTWARE STORE 328 
455 COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY 394 

101 COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY 504 

102 COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY 518 

* COMPUTER WAREHOUSE 147 

99 COMPUTERFEST USA 186, 187 

103 COMPUTER-MATE INC. 250 

104 COMPUTERS AND MORE 83 

105 COMPUTERS AND MORE 508 

106 COMPUTERS WHOLESALE 203 
493 COMPUTRONIX 476 

107 CONCURRENT CORP. 380 

* CONLEY GRAPHICS 439 

73 CONROY-LAPOINTE 210, 211 

74 CONROY-LAPOINTE 210, 211 

75 CONROY-LAPOINTE 210, 211 

109 CONSOLINK 114 

110 CONSOLINK 115 

111 CONTINENTAL PRESS INC. 516 
333 CONTROL DATA 151 

112 CONTROL ELECTR. INC. 215 

114 CORONA DATA SYS. 74 

115 CORVUS SYS. INC. 129 

116 COSMOS 239 

487 CRE WHOLESALE PROD. 439 

117 CRE WHOLESALE PROD. 504 

118 CREATIVITY UNLTD. 530 

119 CROMEMCO 5 

120 CRYPTRONICS INC. 330 

121 CUESTA SYSTEMS 514 

122 CUSTOM COMP.TECH. 525 

1 23 DATA ACQUISITIONS SYS. 286, 287 
357 DATA SPEC 429 

124 DATA STORAGE SOLUTIONS 242 

125 DATA STORAGE SOLUTIONS 242 
470 DATA TECH INDUSTRIES 357 

127 DATASOUTH COMP.CORP. 31 

* DELUXE COMP. FORMS 418 

128 DIAMOND SFTW.SUPPLY 236 
476 DIGISOFT 299 

1 30 DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORP. 336, 337 

131 DIGITAL RESEARCH 432 

* DIGITAL RESEARCH COMP. 521 

* DIRECT SOFTWARE 371 

132 DISCOUNT SOFTWARE 118 

133 DISKS 'N THINGS 508 

* DISKWORLD 422, 514 

134 DISPLAY TELECOMMNCTNS. 507 

136 DMA 397 

1 37 DOKAY COMP. PROD INC. 536, 537 

138 DOW JONES SOFTWARE 345 

139 DWIGHT CO., INC. 518 

140 DYNACOMP514 

141 DYSAN CORP. 410 

142 E.T.I. 92 

143 EAGLE SOFTWARE 420 

145 EASTERN ENTERPRISES 473 

146 ECOSOFT246 

147 EDGE MICROSYSTEMS 329 
489 EDUCATIONAL MICROCOMP. 439 

148 ELCOMP510 

149 ELECTRADE CO. 516 

150 ELECTRADE CO. 518 

151 ELECTRONIC PROTECTION DEV. X 

152 ELECTRONIC SPECIALISTS 320 

* ELECTRONICS 450 

153 ELLIS COMPUTING INC. 427 

154 EMERY AIR FREIGHT 319 

* EMPIRICAL RESEARCH GROUP 415 

155 ENGINEERING SPECIALTIES 506 
19 ENTER COMPUTER 109 

459 EXCEL 419 

460 EXCEL 449 

157 EXPOTEK 291 

158 EXTENDED PROCESSING 477 

159 EXXON OFFICE SYSTEMS 550 

160 F.T.G.DATA SYSTEMS 518 



Inquiry No. 



Page No. 



Inquiry No. 



Page No. 



161 FALCON SAFETY PROD. 150 

162 FIGURE-LOGIC BUS. EQUIP. 506 

163 FIGURE-LOGIC BUS. EQUIP. 550 
475 FLIP-IT 299 

164 FLOPPY DISK SERV. INC. 511 

165 FORMULA INT'L. 520 

166 FORMULA INT'L. 520 

222 FREEDOM COMP. MART 509 

168 GENERAL TECHNOLOGY 205 

169 GENIE COMPUTER CORP. 359 

170 G&G ENGINEERING 79 

170 GIFFORD COMP.SYS. 79 

171 GILTRONIX, INC. 510 
293 GRAY MARKET, THE 500 

172 GREAT SALT LAKE COMP. 531 

173 GREAT SALT LAKE COMP. 532, 533 

174 GTEK INC. 296 

* H&E COMPUTRONICS 137 

176 H&M DISK DRIVE SERVICES 440 

177 H.H.S. MICROCONTROLLERS 506 

178 HANDWELL CORP. 95 

179 HANDWELL CORP. 526 

1 81 HAYES MICROCOMPPROD. 400, 401 

182 HEATH COMPANY 76 

183 HEWLETT-PACKARD 264, 265 
486 HEWLETT-PACKARD 441 

184 HITACHI 327 

185 HOUSTON INSTR. DIV OF 
BAUSH & LOMB 60 

186 HUMAN DESIGNED SYS. 233 

187 IBM CORP. 246, 249 

466 IBM SSD 435 

129 IMAGE COMPUTER 506 

188 IN-SYNC 508 

189 INCOMM48 

* INDEPENDENT BUSN.SYS.INC. 361 

190 INTEGRAND 234 

191 INTERACTIVE MICROWARE 318 

192 INTERACTIVE STRUCT. 82 

193 INTERCONTN.MICRO SYS. 231 

194 INTERDATA SYSTEMS INC. 510 

195 INTERTEC DATA SYS. 11 
461 IPF454 

467 IQ TECHNOLOGIES 402 

197 J.C. SYSTEMS 279 

198 JADE COMP.PROD. 542, 543 

199 JADE COMP.PROD. 544, 545 

200 JAMECO ELECTR. 534, 535 

201 JDR MICRODEVICES INC. 551 

202 JDR MICRODEVICES INC. 552, 553 

203 JDR MICRODEVICES INC. 554, 555 

204 JDR MICRODEVICES INC. 556 

216 JEB SYSTEMS 126 

205 JUKI INDUSTRY OF AMERICA 313 

206 KADAK PRODUCTS 424 

207 KAYPRO 390 

208 KELLY COMP.SUPPLIES 518 

209 KELLY COMP.SUPPLIES 530 

210 KENSINGTON MICROWARE 365 

212 KERN PUBLICATIONS 468 

213 KERN PUBLICATIONS 469 

214 KEYTRONICS CORP. 103 
469 KNAUFT CO. 508 

479 KNOWLEDGE SYS. 331 

217 LABORATORY MICROSYS. 391 
484 LANGLEY-ST.CLAIR 49 

218 LAWSON LABS 510 

219 LEADING EDGE PROD Clll 

220 LEXICOMP DATA SYS. 550 

221 LIBERTY ELECTRONICS 218 
499 LIBERTY GROUP 458 

483 LIGHT MACHINE CORP. 128 

215 LIGO RESEARCH INC. 177 

223 LOGICAL DEVICES 80 

224 LOGICAL DEVICES 516 

225 LOMAS DATA PRODUCTS 235 

* LOTUS DEVELOPMENT 111 

227 LSI JAPAN CO. 510 

228 LYBEN COMP. SYS. 502 

229 LYBEN COMP. SYS. 504 

230 LYCO COMPUTER 517 

* M-H RECRUITMENT 446 

231 MA SYSTEMS 90 

232 MACMILLAN BOOK CLUBS 321 

233 MACROTECH INT'L. 395 

234 MANX SOFTWARE SYS. 64 

468 MARITIME SOFTWARE 504 

235 MARYMAC INDUSTRIES 510 

236 MAXELL DATA PRODUCTS 34, 35 

237 MAYNARD ELECTRONICS 33 

238 MCT27 

* MC-P APPLICATIONS 463 

* MCGR AW-H ILL BOOK C . 464, 465 



To get further information on the products advertised in BYTE, fill out the reader service card 
with your name and address. Then circle the appropriate numbers for the advertisers you select 
from the list. Add a 20-cent stamp to the card, then drop it in the mail. Not only do you gain 
information, but our advertisers are encouraged to use the marketplace provided by BYTE. This 
helps us bring you a bigger BYTE. The index is provided as an additional service by the publisher, 
who assumes no liability for errors or omissions. *Correspond directly with company. 



239 

240 
241 
242 
243 
482 
246 
247 
248 
249 
250 
251 
480 
252 

253 
254 
255 
256 
258 
259 
260 
261 

262 
457 
471 
263 
264 
265 

267 
268 
495 



269 

270 
271 
272 
463 

273 
274 
276 



278 

279 
280 
281 
282 
277 
337 
285 

287 
288 
289 
472 
473 
290 
291 
292 
294 
295 
296 

297 
298 
299 
301 
302 
303 

388 
307 

308 
309 
310 
312 
313 
314 
315 

316 
317 
318 
320 
321 
322 

325 
326 
327 
494 
491 
458 
329 
330 
331 
332 



MCGRAW-HILL CES 352, 353 
MEMTEK INC. 65 
MET-CHEM INT'L.CORP. 530 
METRO SOFTWARE INC. 139 
MFJ ENTERPRISES INC. 440 
MICRO AGE COMP.STORES 93 
MICRO CONTROL SYS. 98, 99 
MICRO MANAGEMENT SYS. 278 
MICRO MINT 425 
MICRODYNAMICS 514 
MICROHOUSE 266 
MICROLAND 518 
MICROMAIL 522 
MICROPRO 333 

MICROPROCESSORS UNLTD. 502 
MICROSOFT CORP 55, 170, 171, 255 
MICROTAX 275 
MICROTECH EXPORTS 221 
MICROWARE 75 

MILLER MICROCOMP.SERV. 447 
MINI MICRO MART 161 
MITEL 152, 153 
MOUNTAIN VIEW PRESS 220 
MTI SYSTEMS CORP. 232 
MUSYS CORP. 63 
MY SUPPLIER INC. 508 
MYTEK 328 

NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS 209 
NEBS COMPUTER FORMS 302 
NEC HOME ELECTR.USA 14 
NEC INFORMATION SYS. 280, 281 
NETRONICS 448 
NETWORK CONSULTING INC. 77 
NETWORK CONSULTING INC. 207 
NEVADA COMPUTER 476 
NORTH HILLS CORP. 512 
NORTH HILLS CORP. 516 
NORTHWEST DIGITAL SYS. 88 
NRI SCHOOLS ELECTR.DIV. 257 
O'HANLON COMP.SYS. 253 
OASIS SYSTEMS 322, 323 
OCCO 302 
OMNISOFT 81 
ORA ELECTRONICS 519 
ORANGE MICRO 28, 29 
ORYX SYSTEMS 306, 307 
OSBORNE/MCGRAW-HILL 223, 
224, 225 
OZTECH 512 

PACIFIC COMPUTERS 298 
PACIFIC EXCHANGES 504, 506, 
508, 512, 514, 518, 530, 550 
PACIFIC INFOTECH CORP. 420 
PAN AMERICAN ELEC. INC. 510 
PANASONIC IND. CO. 413 
PASCOT 26 
PC NETWORK 343 
PC WARE INC. 240, 241 
PEGASUS DATA SYS. 68 
PERCOM DATA 7 
PHONE I, INC. 25 
PJS 530 

PRACTICAL PERIPH. 165 
PRACTICAL PERIPH. 292 
PRACTICAL PERIPH. 294 
PRINCETON GRAPHIC SYS. 50, 51 
PRINTEK 274 
PRINTER STORE, THE 62 
PRIORITY ONE 546, 547 
PRO MICROSYSTEMS 512 
PROMETHEUS PRODUCTS 119 
PRYOR CORP. 22 
PURCHASING AGENT, THE 142 
QUADRAM CORP. 20, 21 
QUANT SYSTEMS 512 
QUBIE DISTRIBUTING 216, 217 
QUBIE DISTRIBUTING 305 
RADIO SHACK CIV 
RANA SYSTEMS 17 
RANA SYSTEMS 19 
RELMS 444 

ROCKY MTN. SOFTWARE 196, 197 
ROGERS LABS 508 
RTL PROGRAMMING AIDS 506 
RYDEX INDUSTRIES CORP. 149 
S-100 DIV. 696 CORP. 141 
SAFEWARE 391 
SAGE COMP. TECH. 421 
SCION CORP. 8 
SCOTTSDALE SYSTEMS 127 
SCREENWARE 502 
SEATTLE COMP.PRODS. 416 
SEEQUA COMP.CORP. 167 
SELECTONE CORPCOMP.PROD. 512 
SEMI DISK SYSTEM 285 
SENTINEL COMP. PROD. 24 
SILICON SPECIALTIES 32 
SLICER COMPUTERS 70 
SLR SYSTEMS 504 
SOFTCRAFT 222 
SOFTESMYTHE SOFTWARE 476 
SOFTRENT 439 
SOFTWARE ARTS 338 
SOFTWARE BANC 229 
SOFTWARE BANC 201 
SOFTWARE FASHION 318 
SOFTWARE SERVICES 504 



January 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 559 



Reader Service _ 

Inquiry No. Page No. 



334 


SOLUTIONWARE CORP 


530 


348 


335 


SRX SYSTEMS 508 




349 


462 


STANDARD DATACOM 433 


■• 


336 


STAR MICRONICS 191 




• 


501 


STAR SOFTWARE SYS. 


436 


350 


502 


STAR SOFTWARE SYS. 


436 


351 


478 


SUN SOFTWARE 348 




352 


339 


SUNNY INT'L. 498 




353 


340 


SUNOL SYSTEMS 381 




354 


341 


SUNTRONICS 500 




492 


342 


SUPERSOFT 315 




464 


343 


SUPERSOFT 317 




* 


196 


SWIG 195 




355 


* 


SYNCOM 386 




356 


345 


SYSTAT INC. 94 




500 


346 


TAB BOOKS 193 




358 


347 


TATUM LABS 516 




359 



Inquiry No. 



Page No. 



TAVA CORP. 263 
TAYCO BUSINESS FORMS 514 
TDK ELECTRONICS 132, 133, 
TEKTRONIX INC. 58, 59 
TEKTRONIX Y3-312 175 
TELAUTOGRAPH CORP. 232 
TELETEK ENTERPRISES, INC. 23 
TELTONE 66 

TERMINAL DATA CORP. 510 
TERMINALS TERRIFIC 360 
TEXAS COMPUTER SYS. 237 
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS 120, 121, 311 
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS 438 
THREE M COMPANY 297 
TINNEY, ROBERT GRAPHICS 200 
TITAN TECHNOLOGIES 375 
TITAN TECHNOLOGIES 377 



inquiry No. 



Page No. 



360 TITAN TECHNOLOGIES 379 

361 TRANSACTION STORAGE SYS. 271 

362 TRANSTAR 143 

363 TRANSTAR 414 

364 TRISTAR DATA SYS. 118 

365 TSK ELECTR.CORP. 369 
465 U.S. AIR FORCE 513 

367 U.S. MICRO SALES 548, 549 

366 U.S. ROBOTICS 57 

368 UNIPRESS SOFTWARE INC. 300 

370 VIDEX 15 

371 VISUAL TECH, INC. 261 

477 VISUAL TECH, INC. 346, 347 

• VLM COMPUTER ELECTR. 530 

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History will record as a profound irony 

that the most powerful word processing package 

ever created for the IBM® Personal Computer 

can be worked with two fingers. 




It was created by Leading Edgef 
specifically to take advantage of the 
power of the IBM PC, plus the sim- 
plicity that all that power ought to 
be able to give you- but didn't. 

Until now, you could go for the 
simplicity and end up with a some- 
what glorified typewriter. Or you 
could go for the power, and go nuts 
performing dozens of commands to 
do even the simplest things. 

But with Leading Edge Word 
Processing™ you get both. 

You don't have to start with an 
ounce of understanding about word 
processing. 

You don't even have to be a terrific 
typist. (Matter of fact, the worse you 
type, the more the help.) 

So come along: 

Hunt and peck your way into the future. 



A 

L E A D I N C EDGE* 



Leading Edge Products Inc., Headquarters and Retail Division, 225 Turnpike Street, Canton, Mass. 02021 (800) 343-6833 (617) 828-8150 

*1BM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. 

Call Margie for the dealer nearest you. 



Circle 219 on inquiry card. 



Radio Shack Presents the 
Transportable TRS-80 

The New Model 4P Computer— From the World's Largest Computer Retailer 




The Computer for Today's 
Upwardly Mobile Society 

If you're headed for success, our 
newest TRS-80 can help you get there 
in record time. The Model 4P is a 
compact, disk-based desktop computer 
with a big difference: it has a handle. So 
wherever your work may take you, you 
can get a handle on scheduling 
problems, ever-changing sales 
projections, and last minute 
reports. It's like having your 
office with you on trips, at 
home— anywhere! 

A Completely Portable, 
Self-Contained System 

We don't sacrifice features for portability, 
either. The Model 4P comes standard with 
two 184,000-character disk drives and 64K 
internal memory. You also get a full 80- 
character by 24-line 9" display, an electric 
typewriter-quality keyboard with numeric 
keypad, and printer and communications 
interfaces. And you can add an extra 64K of 
memory, an internal modem or even 
external hard disk drives! 

"Off the Shelf" 
Software 

In addition to running the 
entire selection of TRS-80 
Model III/4 disk software, 
you can add the optional 
CP/M Plus™ operating 
system to use thousands of 
additional ready-to-run 
programs. 




TRS-80 Model 4P Computer 

I ■ *%J ^J 26-1080 

Commercial Lease Available 

For Only $65 Per Month 

(Plus Applicable Use/Sales Tax) 




Easy to Use, Easy to Tote 

The Model 4P works anywhere there's AC. And when 
you're ready to move on, slip the keyboard into the 
hi-impact case, snap on the protective cover and go. 
It weighs just 26 pounds. 

Like Every TRS-80, We Stand 
Behind the "4P" 100% 

Tandy Corporation is a two-and-one-half billion dollar 
company with over 6,600 stores nationwide. That 
means software, service, leasing plans and friendly 
faces are always just around the corner. 

Available Nationwide 

Stop by your nearest Radio Shack Computer 
Center, participating store or dealer today and 
find out where Model 4P will take you. 

Radio /hack 

The biggest name in little computers® 

A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION 
Circle 303 on inquiry card. 







Prices apply at participating Radio Shack stores and dealers. 
CP/M Plus is a trademark of Digital Research.